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, Roberts' home has turned into a community gathering spot. It's a place where families get to share Japanese heritage through literature.
"We are connected with the same motivation to have our kids grow up as bilingual," Roberts said.
Her home, located on top of a hill, is how the Hilltop Library got its name.
The books go beyond classic Japanese literature. Roberts made an effort to have popular 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," Roberts said. "This is to help literacy level of children so that whoever wants to learn will come and have a good time learning."
Many of the books were collected by her mom who still lives in Japan, where Roberts was born and raised.
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"I thought it was a shame to have good books my kids are not reading, so I decided I wanted to share with the community," 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 have them enjoy what they're reading, 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," Soonja Bin said.
Roberts hopes to keep this going at least five more years, connecting with the community, moms and children, one book at a time.
"I have 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, usually on a Saturday or Sunday.
