When you give to Madison Public Library, you’re elevating diverse voices, languages, and stories and creating places where families can connect, learn, and feel at home.
At one such program, children gather to hear stories, sing songs, and create crafts, all in Mandarin Chinese. Chinese Storytime at Sequoya Library invites children ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers to experience the joy of language and culture together. While the program is presented in Mandarin, all families are welcome.
For many who attend, the experience is about more than story time. It’s about recognition and belonging.
“As the story time is entirely in Mandarin Chinese, families see themselves when they come in and are greeted by our presenter, Ping Yu, and her volunteers in Mandarin,” explains Youth Services Librarian Ruth Sias.
“It appears from my observations that families may know each other from other spaces around the city. It’s great that they see the library as another place to meet their community and share language and culture.”
That sense of familiarity helps children and caregivers participate more fully. “I believe that families participate more freely when they are comfortable with the language,” Sias notes.
The program primarily serves native Mandarin-speaking families, many of whom return month after month. Their continued participation reflects both the quality of the experience and the importance of having programming that centers their language and culture.
Beyond fostering connection, Chinese Storytime also supports early literacy in meaningful ways.
“Not only is it good for the community to have access to programming in their native language, it’s also beneficial for the literacy development of the children who attend.” Sias says. “Learning vocabulary in the most fluent language of the adults in the home helps children relate to concepts when they are encountered in English. I love a good ‘win-win’!”
Programs like Chinese Storytime also create bridges to other services. Presenter Ping Yu often connects with library staff on behalf of families, helping them learn about additional programs and resources available through the library.
With donor support, Madison Public Library can continue offering inclusive, culturally responsive programs that reflect and celebrate the communities they serve.
When you give, you help ensure every family can see themselves at the library and every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
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