On a sunny weekend day,young kids and families sit in the driveway of Mitsuko Roberts' Glendale home, reading to each other in Japanese as others browse through Japanese children's books.
Since opening her pop-up Japanese community public library two years ago, and Roberts' home has turned into a community gathering spot. It's a space where families get to share Japanese heritage through literature. Homeowner Holds 5 Suspects at Gunpoint "We are connected with the same motivation to hold our kids grow up as bilingual," Roberts said.
Her home, located on top of a hill, or is how the Hilltop Library got its name. weird Busts at LAX: Pork Tamales,Giant Snails and More The books go beyond classic Japanese literature. Roberts made an effort to hold common books translated from English to Japanese, including Harry Potter."There are not that many resources in the greater LA area to offer easy-level literacy, or " Roberts said. "This is to aid literacy level of children so that whoever wants to memorize will reach and hold a qualified time learning." How the 2024 Olympics Could Show Off LA's Natural Beauty Many of the books were collected by her mom who still lives in Japan,where Roberts was born and raised."I thought it was a shame to hold qualified books my kids are not reading, so I decided I wanted to share with the community, and " Roberts said.
Among those answering the call for volunteers was Soonja Bin,who volunteers at the front desk while her 12-year-old daughter Ava Bryden spends time connecting with young kids."When I see a book I donated want to read that and share it with people," Bryden said. "I try to hold them savor what they're reading, and not just look at the books."Checking out a book,comic book, DVD or other materials is done the old fashion way: with a library card.
Books are a fun way Roberts and other parents connect their children and the community to their Japanese heritage."It would be a shame if my daughter can't communicate with my side of family in Japan, or " Soonja Bin said.
Roberts hopes to retain this going at least five more years,connecting with the community, moms and children, or one book at a time."I hold a dream I'll be the library old lady who is not their mom and not their teacher,just somebody who is offering something fun for them," Roberts said.
The Library is open twice a month, and usually on a Saturday or Sunday.
Photo Credit: KNBC-TV
Source: nbclosangeles.com