Chinese
With an increasing number of Chinese students and scholars in the area---and, in particular, an increasing number of Chinese students studying foreign language education---comes an increase in the amount of Chinese-language programming in the city. New classes and one-off events happen frequently at branches throughout the city, so be sure to check the "Events" page often. Here are free Chinese courses in order of proficiency level.
Chinese for Beginners (Squirrel Hill) - Every Saturday at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Squirrel Hill (map).
Chinese for Beginners is an introduction for those who are new to Chinese or consider themselves a little bit rusty. This group meets every Saturday. Starting January 13, this class runs until the end of April.Chinese for Beginners (Oakland) - Every Sunday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Oakland (map).
- These classes are for adult learners and are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes or bring anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
This is an introduction for those who are new to Chinese or consider themselves a little bit rusty. This group meets on every Sunday, from January 7 through April 29, except April 1, in the Graphic Novels Room. This class session runs from January through April.Let's Learn Chinese - Every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in Children's room in Oakland (map).
- These classes are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes.
- You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
- This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Experience Chinese language and culture through books, storytelling, songs, games and more!
Chinese II - Every Saturday at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Squirrel Hill (map).
Chinese II is geared toward those who already have a basic understanding of Chinese and are interested in increasing proficiency. This group meets every Saturday. This class runs from January 13 until the end of April.Chinese Conversation Club - Second and fourth Thursdays in Oakland (map).
- These classes are for adult learners and are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes or bring anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time
Would you like an opportunity to converse in Chinese? This informal conversation club is open to anyone with a prior knowledge of Chinese. This group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month in the Graphic Novels Room.
- These classes are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes.
- You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
- This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Japanese
Japanese for Beginners - Second and fourth Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in Oakland (map).
Japanese for Beginners is an introduction for those who are new to Japanese or consider themselves a little bit rusty. This group meets on second and fourth Mondays in Classroom A. This class session runs from January through April.Storytime: Japanese and English - monthly event for small children in East Liberty (map)
- These classes are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes.
- You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
- This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Celebrate our city’s diverse culture as we explore new words through songs, action rhymes and stories in both English and Japanese for children and their parents or caregivers. For children age birth-5 and their caregivers.Japanese Class - Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in East Liberty (map).
Learn Japanese from fluent speakers in a fun and friendly environment. All are welcome.Japanese II - Second and fourth Tuesdays each month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in Oakland (map).
Japanese II is geared toward those who already have a basic understanding of Japanese and are interested in increasing proficiency. Ability to read and write hiragana is required to take this class. Meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in Classroom A. This class session runs from January through April.Japanese Conversation Club - First and third Tuesdays each month from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Oakland (map).
- These classes are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes.
- You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
- This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Japanese Conversation Club is an opportunity for intermediate to advanced speakers of Japanese to come together and converse as well as to learn about and enjoy Japanese culture. Join us on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Graphic Novels Room.
- These classes are FREE.
- You do not have to register for the classes.
- You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
- New participants are welcome at any time.
- This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Korean
Korean for Beginners - Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in Oakland (map).
Korean for Beginners focuses on reading, grammar and basic conversation. This group meets every Saturday, January 6 through April 28 in the Graphic Novels Room. This class session runs from January through April.Korean II - Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in Oakland (map).
These classes are FREE.
You do not have to register for the classes.
You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
New participants are welcome at any time.
This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.
Korean II is geared toward those who already have a basic understanding of Korean and are interested in increasing proficiency. This group meets every Saturday, from January 6 through April 28 in the Graphic Novels Room. This class session runs from January through April.
These classes are FREE.
You do not have to register for the classes.
You do not need to bring anything or buy anything.
New participants are welcome at any time.
This class is for adults, but young people are welcome as long as they behave respectfully.