Celebrate Chinese New Year!
It’s time to embrace your inner dragon and don some lucky red clothing to celebrate Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 10. You have up to 16 days to eat, drink, dance and create decorations with friends and family, aiming to bring good luck and prosperity to 2024.
Also known as Chinese New Year, 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon.
People born in the Year of the Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) are known to be confident, generous, ambitious, wise and adventurous.
There are many Lunar New Year events happening around Melbourne, and Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries (YPRL) are also inclusive and welcoming of Chinese culture year-around with books and events dedicated to the Chinese community.
- Come along to Chinese Storytime for Families on fortnightly Tuesdays from 10.30am— 11am at Ivanhoe Library with stories and songs in Mandarin. Register here.
- Join in with Practical English for Chinese Speakers on Wednesdays at Ivanhoe Library from 10.00— 11.00am. Register here.
- Why not try the English Conversation Café on Mondays at Mill Park Library from 11am— 12pm to meet new friends and practice your English-speaking skills. Register here.
- Children may be able to create a Chinese inspired craft by attending an arts and craft group at one of the many YPRL branches. For more information on the various sessions visit our website here!
YPRL also have a Chinese collection on their shelves, including adult fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, DVD’s, board books and children’s picture books to check out.
Books to Explore for Lunar New Year:
Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon by Virginia Loh-Hagan
Springtime is often loved by many, but in this book, it’s the time a little girl must defend her village from a ferocious dragon, or it will be free forever! Will the magical warrior assist the girl to defeat the dragon?
Our family dragon: a Lunar New Year story by Rebecca Lim
This children’s book celebrates the Lunar New Year embracing, love family and tradition. Embrace the festivities of Chinese culture with this joyful read.
Dragon Dance by Sue Graves
Ju-Long and Ting are celebrating Chinese New Year at their grandparents' house watching the dragon dance in the village. Ju-Long adores dragons and longs to be part of the dance, just like his grandfather was. Will his dreams finally come true this year?
The Chinese zodiac: and other paths to luck, riches, and prosperity by Aaron Hwang
Ever wondered which animal represents you in the Chinese zodiac, and what this says about your personality?
Look no further. The Chinese horoscope can provide insight into yourself and others as well as Chinese culture.
All about Lunar New Year: things to make and do by Keving Tsang
Cooks and crafters rejoice. This book provides fun activities and recipes to create, then celebrate, Chinese New Year.
Will you whip up a traditional dish or make a fire-breathing dragon? The choice is yours.
The Vegan Chinese kitchen : recipes and modern stories from a thousand-year-old tradition by Hannah Che
Cook up a storm with this Chinese vegan cookbook.
With over 100 plant-based and umami-packed recipes, there’s something to please everyone this Chinese New Year.