San Francisco Public Library partners with the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in San Francisco, Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning of Taiwanese American Center of Northern California and Association of Northern California Chinese Schools to offer free Mandarin classes at four neighborhood branch libraries this summer 

Kick-off Event, Friday, June 3, 2022, 2p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St. 

SAN FRANCISCO - Since 2018, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) has partnered with the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in San Francisco to provide Chinese language courses at the Library. This summer, in partnership with the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning of Taiwanese American Center of Northern California and Association of Northern California Chinese Schools, the Library will expand access to Mandarin classes at four neighborhood branch libraries: Richmond, Sunset, Portola and Ocean View. To mark the launch of these new classes, the Library will host a community kick-off event featuring lion dancing, performances, crafts and a book giveaway at the Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Latino/Hispanic Room, Lower Level on Friday, June 3 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  

“For many in San Francisco, access to language classes is financially out of reach,” says SFPL Chinese Center Librarian Hai-Qing Chen. “The Library is thrilled that it can eliminate barriers to learning Mandarin, and we hope the public takes full advantage of these classes to connect with Chinese culture and develop lasting relationships with fellow community members.”  

With the expansion, the Richmond and Sunset branches will open additional Mandarin classes for adults and Portola and Ocean view will offer new classes for children. The teachers from Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning of Taiwanese American Center of Northern California will structure each class around a unique theme with creative techniques that make learning fun.  

Today is the official launch of SFPL's annual summer learning program, Summer Stride. Throughout the summer, the Library offers free in-person and virtual programs for all ages and abilities designed to inspire patrons to read, learn and explore for 20 minutes a day. Attending a Mandarin class counts towards the 20 hours of participation that are required for patrons to earn the coveted finishing prize: the 2022 Summer Stride Library book tote, featuring art by picture book author Minnie Phan. Visit sfpl.org/summerstride for booklists and upcoming events. 

Taipei Economic and Culture Office in San Francisco (TECO) 
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in San Francisco is one of twelve representative offices for the Republic of China on Taiwan in the United States. It serves Northern California (above Visalia), Nevada and Utah. 

Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning of Taiwanese American Center of Northern California  
Formed by overseas Community affairs Councils (OCAC) of Taiwan, its goal is teaching Mandarin to people aged over 18 and, importantly, for promoting its teaching with Taiwanese characteristics. 

Association of Northern California Chinese Schools (ANCCS) 
ANCCS has over 110 member schools, about 1,500 teachers, and over 20,000 students. Its mission is to provide services and coordination among its member schools in order to Promote Chinese language and cultural heritage, disseminate educational information amongst members and enhance mainstream and community interaction.  

About San Francisco Public Library 
San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles. To learn more, please visit sfpl.org and follow on Twitter @SFPublicLibrary and on Instagram @sfpubliclibrary.