Public Children’s Libraries

Partnerships

We collaborate with existing municipal children’s libraries, to ensure the broadest reach possible. While the local government contributes the facility, the personnel, the operating budget and other local support, we provide literary materials in the English language and managerial input.

We require our local partners to organize English language reading programs and activities. We require outreach programs, so that the local communities can make good use of the library. We circulate the materials to branch libraries, schools, and suburban communities, etc. A special emphasis is on teachers’ colleges, so that the next wave of English teachers will have a better appreciation of the language and the cultural background. We also promote volunteerism around library programs.

Process

Discussions begin when a public library in a Chinese city sends us a request to receive donated books and expresses the desire to establish an English-language children's library.

We reply via a survey to determine the needs and qualifications of the applicant. A typical set of requirements:

• A demonstrated need among the library patrons
• 100 ~ 300 square meters of space
• English-speaking librarians
• Willingness and ability to operate an English-language library
• Financial support by the local Culture Bureau
• Open-shelf policy and reader-friendly management
• Ability to carry out programs and activities
• Authorized to sign donation contract and collaboration agreement

In the meantime, where possible, we ask a local volunteer to visit the library and send us photos and brochures, and we ask about his/her experience at the library.

After we determine that a library is a suitable candidate, the library must obtain official approval from the municipal government for the use of facilities and personnel, and the start-up and on-going operating budgets. The local government also authorizes the library to enter into legally-binding contacts with us.

After a few rounds of discussions, a collaboration agreement and a donation contract are signed with the director of the library, in which all aspects of the donation and future operations are spelled out.

Depending on the space and layout of the room, we send 5,000 to 8,000 books and audio/visual materials for the opening of the Apple Tree Library. Each year, an additional quantity is added to the collection, provided that the library is managed adequately.

We procure literary materials by purchasing in large quantities and soliciting donations from publishers and manufacturers. Considering the English reading level of Chinese children, we send books suitable for ages ranging from toddlers to about 4th grade. This includes board books, pop-up books, picture books, short chapter books, reference books, educational software, music CDs, and DVDs. . We believe that although books are still the most important part of learning, audio/visual and multi-media materials also are essential for Chinese children to learn the English language.

In a warehouse, volunteers record each book title for approval by the Censorship Board of the Chinese government. We load a container after obtaining permission to import these books into China. The Ministry of Culture of China is the official recipient of our donations, and it clears the customs and import-duty procedures. The National Library of China then takes possession of the books, sorts them, and distribute them according to our instructions to the various contracted libraries.

The materials are processed at the recipient libraries, i.e. catalogued, bar-coded, etc. and put on the shelves. Outreach and publicity campaign begin before a library opens. On opening day, local media and community leaders are invited, along with young readers.

After the library opens, management feedback is provided quarterly. Library science professionals from the US (members of the Chinese American Librarians' Association) mentor and train local librarians, visiting teachers read to the children, reading-related programs are implemented, and community involvement is emphasized.

Services

Each Apple Tree Library in China is assigned two members of the Chinese American Librarians' Association (CALA) as volunteer advisors. They correspond via email and phone on various topics, with the goal of promoting reading and learning English, so that children take advantage of the books we donate to the fullest extent. CALA members also visit our libraries on their trips to China, to conduct seminars and workshops to introduce modern concepts and practices of public library management.

Throughout the year, we organize youth volunteers to visit the Apple Tree Libraries during the summer. They read to the local children, play games, sing songs, and put on short skits, all in English. The language comes alive for the library patrons, creating an unforgettable experience for both the volunteers and the audience.

Also see our school libraries program.