Public Library says ‘Huan Ying’ to teachers from China | Arts & Culture

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - The Public Library is extending a hearty huan ying, or “welcome,” to nine teachers participating in the 12th Teacher Exchange between Cincinnati and her sister city, Liuzhou, China.  

CULTURAL EVENTS

As part of the exchange program, the teachers will present special cultural programs to school groups showcasing a favorite place, story or sport. In the past, Chinese music, dances, games and other activities were featured during the presentations.  

The teachers also will give a cultural presentation at TeenSpot in the Main Library Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Teens are invited to come and learn more about the Chinese culture.

Then on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Children’s Learning Center at the Main Library, the public is invited to come celebrate the Chinese New Year with the teachers. Ring in the Year of the Snake with calligraphy, games, crafts, a dragon dance and more.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

 The Library offers a large selection of foreign language materials, including fiction titles in over 50 languages and an international film section where movies in languages other than English can be found.  Chinese fiction comprises a large part of the Library’s collections and includes hundreds of titles.

The Children’s Learning Center has book titles in at least 35 different languages, including sign language books and books that contain multiple languages. The Chinese collection is especially impressive, containing at least 300 titles.  Audiobooks are also available in many foreign languages for kids wanting to experience a language through sound.   

For those looking to learn or improve their English skills, the Library offers books and online resources including Mango Languages and Transparent Language Online. The Main Library even offers an ESL Job Readiness Academy for those looking for more involved assistance and the Clifton Branch Library has a weekly ESL conversation group. Once you have a library card, visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org to get started. 

ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

During their visit the teachers will see firsthand how libraries are used by the public and how a large American public library system operates.

“The Library is pleased to be a part of the Cin-Liu exchange program, each of us sharing our resources with the other.  The teachers are going to learn how to do library-style presentations using their refined English language skills, and in return, Hamilton County schools and libraries will experience a unique programming opportunity,” said Children’s Learning Center Librarian Bob Drew.

While the teachers are in Cincinnati they will stay with host families in several neighborhoods, including Clifton, Finneytown, Indian Hill, Mount Airy, White Oak, Anderson Township, Westwood, Colerain Township, Montgomery, Hyde Park, Lebanon, Price Hill, and West Chester.

“It is a wonderful cultural experience for the host families and they come away richer for participating in the program,” said Pamela Healy, one of this year’s hosts and the Children’s Librarian at the Green Township Branch.

The families provide room and board, transportation to school and events, and a sack lunch for the teachers when they go to school or to a day outing. Healy said that this year there is a transportation team to help out and that many host families make use of carpooling.

For details about the Chinese teacher events, call the Children’s Learning Center at 513-369-6922.