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  • Books and Me Special Announcements

    Please be advised that all check-out procedures have to be completed 15 minutes before closing time. Please reserve enough time to browse and borrow our library materials when visiting. Thank you for your cooperation!!

    If you would like to upgrade to VIP members, please contact our librarians.

  • 2012 Spring Classes start registration!

    Please carefully read each class introduction by clicking on the hyperlink, then download the 2012 Spring Class Registration Form. Read through the terms and conditions and fill out the information and bring the form and your payment to Books and Me Library in person to register for classes. All classes are open only to our members only and require parent participation or accompany.

    Most classes are taught mainly in Mandarin, but all teachers are bilingual. Class sizes are small and filled out soon. Some popular classes sold out in one week, so register now to get your spot!

  • Spring 2012 Piano Preparation Classstarts registration now!

    A great beginning keyboard class for the first time learners aged 5-6 years old! Professional piano teacher, Ms. Lilian Chen will lead your kids to learn age-appropriate piano technique, basic singing, ear, and rhythm training, fundamental music theory, and individual and group performance training. Three levels per year. After the three levels, your kids will be ready for private lessons. Each student will have a keyboard in the class to play. Limit to only 8 seats per class. Register as soon as possible.

    All New Level A group (PPA) starts on 1/28, and meet from 3:00-3:55pm.
    Continuing Level B group (PPB) starts on 1/7, and meet from 4:00-4:55pm.

  • 2012 "Let's Sing Chinese" Music Circle Time

    New Wednesday Session (MCT32): 11:15 to 12, starting on Jan. 18.

    Wednesday session (MCT31): 9:30 to 10:15, starting on Jan. 18.
    Saturday session (MCT62): 10:00-10:45, starting on Jan. 21.

    Specially designed for 18 months to 42 months oldd, this class integrates singing, instrument playing, movement, music appreciation, and Chinese learning!

    Four to five sessions per year, one new topic every week which covers basic Chinese terms. Great beginning Mandarin immersion experience for toddlers. Parent/Guardian participation required.

  • 2012 Spring Abacus Class

    New Tuesday session (ABA24): 6:30-7:30, starting on Jan. 31.
    Continuing Tuesday session (ABA22): 4:30-5:30, starting on Jan. 31.
    Continuing Tuesday session (ABA23): 5:30-6:30, starting on Jan. 31.
    Thursday session (ABA4): 3:30-4:30, starting on Jan. 19. (Accept New Students!)

    Best Way to learn Math and explore Math for beginners! In this weekly class, kids get clear concept of numbers and faster computation, through the exercise of both hands and mind. Class is designed for 5-8 years old first-time learners of Abacus.

  • 2012 Spring Preschool Chinese Class

    New Monday Session (PC12): 11:10-12:00, starting on Jan. 16.
    Continuing Monday session (PC11): 10:10-11:00, starting on Jan. 16.
    Saturday session (PC61): 12:10-1:00, starting on Jan. 14.
    Saturday session (PC62): 1:05-1:55, starting on Jan. 14.

    All NEW curriculum and teaching method for your 3-5 years old! Learn to recognize characters between songs, rhymes, games, and stories! Class meets once every week. 100% Mandarin Immersion. Parent accompany required.

  • 2012 Spring Wonderful Art Class

    Spring session starts on Jan. 14 with a new ADVANCED group for 10 years and older.

    A Saturday Art class for children at different ages. Three themes offered in the spring. Session one will focus on 'Winter Subject'. Theme for session two is 'Still Life' and session three is "Human Figure". Professional art instructor, Ms. Yu-ming Tseng, has a master degree in Fine Arts.

    Four groups to choose from, including a new Advanced groupfor 10 years and older:

    Age 7+ group (WA61): 9:30-10:15.
    Age 4-5 group (WA62): 10:30-11:15.
    Age 5+ group (WA63): 11:30-12:15.
    Age 6+ group (WA64): 12:30-1:15.
    Advanced group (WA65): 4:30-5:30.

  • Sign-up for the Books & Me Mailing List and be notified of events and schedule changes.

  • Books & Me Children's Chinese Library is open to members only.

    Membership is free. You will need a Books and Me Library Card to use the facility and borrow books. Please bring your ID and apply for a library card at Books and Me.

  • Baby/Toddler Story Time IS Back

    Due to space constraints,this event is For Library VIP members only! Online registration is still required for VIP members. Your child will NOT be able to join the story time if you do not sign up, even if you are a VIP member. Sorry for the inconvenience.

    On every Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:00am,babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3, accompanied by a parent or guardian, are welcome to join. Space limited to 25 babies. Online registration is absolutely REQUIRED.

  • NO MORE Saturday Story Time

    Saturday Story Time is cancelled temporarily this fall (2011) and will inform readers when we are back to schedule.


  • Library Operating Hours:
    Mon 10am-3pm
    Tue 10am-3pm
    Wed 10am-3pm
    Thu 10am-3pm
    Fri 11am-3pm
    Sat 10am-5pm
    Sun closed
4600 El Camino Real, Suite 205
Los Altos, CA 94022
Tel: 650-941-4379 ,   Email: librarian@zhaoyu.org






  • Books and Me has thousands of books and audio/visual materials for children, in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Topics cover natural sciences, history, culture, education, parenting and more.

  • To renew library items, please email to librarian@zhaoyu.org. You only can renew once per item.

  • Library Theme -Self Recognition

    Suggested Reading List (Chinese editions):


    Book: One Pizza, One Penny
    Written by: K T Hao

    Ben Bear is famous for his mouth-watering pizzas, while Chris Croc’s cakes are said to be the tastiest in the world. The two generously share their baked goods with each other until a rich mouse pays Chris Croc a gold coin after tasting a slice of cake. Chris Croc then decides to go into business. But Ben Bear sets up a competing roadside stand, and the neighbors turn into fierce rivals. This is an interesting tale which originally published in Taiwan. The story promotes friendship and shows how two very good friends manage to resolve problems and have a happy ending. Parents can discuss money, and explore the importance of friendship in our lives with kids. Traditional Chinese with Zhu-Yin. Ages 4-up.


    Book: The Three Pigs
    Written by: David Wiesner
    Everyone knows the story of The Three Pigs. Three pigs build houses of their own. The first is made of straw, the second of sticks, and the third of bricks. Then a big bad wolf comes along and blows the first house down. Things start to get interesting. The wolf blows one of the pigs out of the story, then the three pigs escape the wolf by jumping out of the story altogether. The three pigs travel, pick up friends, and ultimately bring a dragon home just in time to scare away the wolf. This book tells an old familiar story in a new, creative and innovative way. The story is not predictable and the clever illustrations inspires readers to really study the pictures. It may require a familiarity for the traditional story, but this book makes reading magical for young children, and adults also go crazy for this new adaptation. Traditional Chinese with Zhu-Yin. Ages 4-up.

  • Volunteers:
    The success of Books & Me depends on your involvement. We are looking for volunteers in many fields. Please write to hr@zhaoyu.org if you are interested in lending a hand.
    • Library Assistant/Admin
    • Marketing Assistant
    • Storyteller/Activity Teacher
    • Activity Organizer
    • Web Engineer
    • Representives from Chinese schools
    • Book Carriers
  • Equipment:
    Your junk can be a treasure for us. Please contact gift@zhaoyu.org for equipment donations.
    • Chinese children's audio CDs with or without books
    • Chinese children's videos
    • A flat screen computer monitor 19" or larger
    • A Computer projector SVGA resolution or better
    • A Projector screen

      Due to space constrain, we do not accept English books, books for adults (except parenting books), and homework practice type of books. We also do not accept toys and craft items unless specified on the website.
  • Donations:
    Public support is essential to the success of the Library. Your donation to Books & Me through the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation is tax deductible. A small donation can help us bring more books and better service to your children and the community. For more information, please click here, or contact us at: gift@zhaoyu.org.




The Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation (ZCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the State of California. Our mission is to promote multi-lingual mastery of Chinese language, culture and identity among overseas Chinese children in North America.

The Books & Me Children's Chinese Library is our first community service. For information about the Foundation and our future plans, please click links below:

  • We also want to thank the following volunteers for their extraordinary work to make the library launch smoothly:

    • Gina Ng
    • Sheena Chin
    • Jenny Huang
    • Sharon Wang
    • Sharon Chiu
    • Chia-Chun Wu
    • Aaron Chum
    • Samantha Chang




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