May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! It’s a time to celebrate the stories, cultures and contributions of AAPI communities that have helped shape the world around us. This month is all about honoring that legacy, spotlighting diversity and discovering new stories. Join us as we honor and celebrate the rich kaleidoscope of AAPI cultures, traditions and achievements through exciting events and book recommendations!
Events
Kids
Chinese Shadow Puppets
Thursday, May 8, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Tell a story worthy of an Emperor! Learn about the history of shadow puppets in China and then create your own! Register now!
Create Your Own Magic Ramen
Monday, May 12, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Noodle around and create your own magic ramen as we explore the history of this popular Asian cuisine. Register now!
Bollywood Babies
Wednesday, May 21, 10–11 a.m.
Ages 0–3 with an adult
Dance the morning sleepies away! Babies and caregivers are invited to a fun-filled hour of upbeat Bollywood music and dancing! Drop in.
How to Draw Kawaii
Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Make it kawaii! Learn the basics of cute doodling in this step-by-step drawing program for tweens and teens. Register now!
Teens (Grades 6–12)
Celebrating Asian Artists: Take-It Make-It Kits
Friday, May 2
Celebrate AAPI Month! This month, we’re highlighting three contemporary Asian artists. Pick up a kit in the Vortex starting Friday, May 2, while supplies last. Each kit contains materials, instructions and a list of supplies needed to complete your arts and crafts projects. Drop in.
Edo Furin Wind Chimes
Tuesday, May 13, 6 p.m.
Decorate Japanese Edo Furin wind chimes! We’ll briefly go over the history of the Furin wind chimes as well as a handful of traditional designs for you to draw inspiration from. Register now!
How to Draw Kawaii
Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Make it kawaii! Learn the basics of cute doodling in this step-by-step drawing program for tweens and teens. Register now!
Art for Teens: Pacita Abad
Tuesday, May 27, 6 p.m.
Create an art piece inspired by Philippine-born artist Pacita Abad. Register beginning Tuesday, May 6.
Adults
Chinese Shadow Theatre Works (Zoom)
Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m.
Chinese Shadow Performance (Pi Ying Xi) has a history going back 2,000 years. The history of shadow theatre, puppets around the globe and performance techniques will be discussed. Zoom info will be sent an hour before the event. Register now!
ShortHaus Cinema: Bong Joon Ho
Tuesday, May 6, 7–8 p.m.
Join others in exploring and discussing the style, techniques, and themes of a particular filmmaking auteur and their body of work in short films. Drop in.
Love Lit Book Club: The Do-Over by Suzanne Park
Monday, May 19, 7–8 p.m.
Synopsis: A comedic story about a Korean-American woman having to return to college after discovering she’s a few credits shy of completing her degree—only to find one of her TAs is her old college boyfriend. Copies of the book will be available at the 3rd Floor Service Desk one month before the book club meeting, or check out a copy now. Drop in.
Lotus Flower Lantern Workshop
Thursday, May 29, 7 p.m.
Celebrate AAPI Month with the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project by creating a lovely lotus flower lantern using colored paper and wire frames. This is an in-person craft with a virtual presenter giving step-by-step instructions. Register beginning Thursday, May 8.
Movies to Stream
Kanopy proudly offers a rich collection of AAPI Heritage films to stream using your library card. These films offer powerful glimpses into the rich cultures, histories and lived experiences that define the diverse communities of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Start streaming now!
Reading Recommendations
One great way to connect with AAPI heritage is through books. Stories by AAPI authors offer powerful windows into their lives, cultures and perspectives, each one adding depth to how we understand the world. Whether fiction, memoir, picture book or anything in between, reading these works helps us appreciate the richness of AAPI experiences, amplify their voices and support their contributions to the literary world.