Visit the Cha-Ami Japanese Library!
The Cha-Ami Japanese Cultural Center library is open for book checkout!
Our collection focuses primarily on Japanese-language books, with a variety of materials for children and adults.
You’ll find Japanese novels, essays, picture books, manga, and books related to Japanese culture, arts, history, and traditions.
Our library welcomes native Japanese speakers, Japanese language learners, and anyone who enjoys reading in Japanese.
Come visit us and discover your next Japanese book!
You’ll find:
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Japanese fiction and non-fiction
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Children’s books and picture books
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Cultural and historical publications
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Books on society and the environment
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Books about crafts, arts, and traditional culture
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Japanese cooking and recipe books
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And more
Come and Register for a Library Card!
To check out books, simply stop by the center and sign up for a Cha-Ami library card. It’s quick and free!
⏰ Library Hours
Monday: 10 am ~ 3 pm
Tuesday: 10 am ~ 3 pm
Wednesday: 10 am ~ 3 pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10 am ~ 3 pm
Saturday: 1 pm ~ 4 pm
About the Library
Many years ago, Yoko Breckenridge established a private Japanese library in Minneapolis, dedicating herself to serving the Japanese community. Her library was a beloved gathering place, and its unexpected closure left thousands of books without a home.
To recognize her invaluable contributions and lifelong dedication, Cha-Ami has created a new library in her honor. Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers, we are delighted to announce the opening of our library—a collection of over 2,000 books.
Our library offers a diverse selection of Japanese literature, educational materials, and cultural resources, including books on Japanese cuisine, arts, crafts, and language. We also have an extensive collection of Japanese children's books, novels, and more.
The Cha-Ami Japanese Library is open to both children and adults, allowing them to borrow books free of charge. We hope this space will inspire a love for reading and lifelong learning while serving as a valuable resource for the Japanese community and anyone interested in Japanese culture.
図書館について
かつて南ミネアポリスに、日本語図書館がありました。この図書館は、ブリッケンリッジ・ヨウコさんによって設立され、多くの人々に愛される大切な場所でした。しかし、突然の閉館により、何千冊もの本が行き場を失ってしまいました。
私たちはヨウコさんの多大な貢献と尽力に敬意を表し、新たな図書館を設立しました。多くのボランティアの協力のもと、このたび図書館を開館する運びとなり、2,000冊以上の蔵書を揃えることができました。
当図書館には、日本文学、教育書、日本料理、美術、工芸、語学など、さまざまな分野の書籍を取り揃えています。また、日本語の児童書や小説も充実しており、大人から子どもまで楽しめる内容になっています。
この新しい図書館が、読書の楽しさを広め、継続的な学びを支える場所となることを願っています。日本人コミュニティの皆さま、そして日本文化に関心をお持ちのすべての方々にとって、貴重なリソースとなることを目指しています。
Volunteer with Us / ボランティア募集中
茶網日本文化センターでは、日本語図書館の管理・運営をサポートしてくださるボランティアを募集しています。本の整理やカタログ作成、貸出・返却対応、来館者のサポートなどをお手伝いいただきます。図書館を快適で使いやすい空間に保つためのサポートも大歓迎です。経験は問いません！本や日本文化、そしてコミュニティ活動に興味のある方、一緒に図書館を盛り上げていきましょう！
Cha-Ami Japanese Cultural Center is seeking volunteers to help manage our Japanese library. Tasks include cataloging books, organizing collections, and assisting visitors. Since many materials are in Japanese, we need volunteers who can read Japanese. No experience needed—just a love for books and community! Join us in making Japanese literature more accessible.
Book Donation Guidelines
Cha-Ami Japanese Cultural Center welcomes donations of Japanese-language books that support our library and our mission of sharing Japanese language and culture with the community.
We welcome:
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Japanese-language books for children, teens, and adults
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Japanese novels and literature
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Manga and graphic novels
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Japanese books about culture, history, arts, crafts, and traditions
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Japanese picture books and children’s books
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Other Japanese-language books that may be of interest to our community
Please note:
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Books should be clean and in good, usable condition.
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We generally do not need Japanese language textbooks or workbooks.
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We may not be able to accept duplicate copies of books already in our collection.
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We generally do not accept books that are not in Japanese or are not related to our Japanese-language collection.
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We may decline materials that are outdated, inappropriate, damaged, or otherwise not a good fit for our library.
Book Drop-Off
Please bring your book donations to Cha-Ami during our regular operating hours.
We are located on the basement level. Take the elevator to Level B, then follow the hallway to the end and turn left to find Cha-Ami.
If you are bringing a large number of books, we have a dolly cart available to help you transport your donations. Please feel free to ask us for assistance when you arrive.
What Happens to Donated Books?
All donated books are reviewed before being added to the Cha-Ami library. A donated book may not necessarily become part of our collection.
If we receive duplicate books, books that are not in Japanese or not related to Japan, or materials that are inappropriate for our collection, we may donate them to another organization, library, school, or community group where they may be more useful.
Our goal is to make sure donated books find the right home and, whenever possible, continue to benefit the community.
Thank you for helping us grow and maintain our Japanese-language library!