May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, designated to recognize "the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States."
The library will be celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with some delightful and educational programs and booklists:
Aloha e! Join us in our celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Learn some hula moves to a chant the last monarch of Hawaii -- Queen Lili'uokalani. Watch and enjoy an olapa performance that takes you to the islands. Let's spread a little Aloha! This video will be available from May 1 through May 31, 2021.
And, of course, we have our weekly streaming Bilingual Storytimes in Mandarin and English and our Virtual Yoga for Adults. Attend our Distinguished Author series program on May 22nd with Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri.
Understanding the Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience is a series of programs presented by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI). The events take place Thursdays from 6:30-8pm. Update: These programs have ended; recordings available.
- Panel discussion 1, on May 13th, was 'Our Diverse AAPI Community'. Update: This program has ended. If you missed the program and would like to listen, you can find it HERE.
- Panel discussion 2, on May 20th, is 'Prejudice and Violence'. Update: This program has ended.
- Panel discussion 3, on May 27th, is 'Notions of Identity'. Update: This program has ended.
New adult nonfiction titles to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2021. Many are also available as ebooks.
Teen Books featuring Asian American teen experiences, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. If the e-book copy is available it is listed below, please click on the title of the book for other formats and to place your hold. You can help fight anti-Asian violence and racism by staying informed and supporting local efforts. The County of Santa Clara Hate Crimes Team has resources available. Also consider reporting hate crimes and incidents at www.stopaapihate.org. Links provided at the bottom of this list.
And here are some great children's non-fiction titles:
The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee
You can help fight anti-Asian violence and racism by staying informed and supporting local efforts. The County of Santa Clara Hate Crimes Team has resources available. Also consider reporting hate crimes and incidents at www.stopaapihate.org.
