Forty-five years ago, on March 28, 1979, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week pointing out the significant role Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have played in American society with their contributions to the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce.
Subsequent presidents renewed the resolution until Congress expanded the observance to a month in 1990. Congress designated a permanent annual Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. After taking office, President Joe Biden changed the name of the month to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM) starting with his 2021 proclamation.
AANHPIHM recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawai’ians and Pacific Islanders to American history, society, and achievements. Demographically, the month represents a broad and diverse group, including people from “all of the Asian continent” and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia (which includes Hawai’i)
Programming
Santa Clara County Library District will celebrate the entire month of May with districtwide programs from craft and art workshops to musical and dance performances. This is also a good time to join one of the many book club groups offered by SCCLD libraries and their very own librarians. Join us!
- Full Calendar of AAPI Events for May 2024
- Adult Programs
- Teen Programs
- Children's and Family Programs
- Book Clubs: Books discussion groups across SCCLD will read a variety of genres and authors to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month.
- Wed, May 1, 2024, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Morgan Hill Library: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
- Fri, May 03, 10:15 –11:15 AM, Gilroy Library: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
- Mon, May 06, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Saratoga Library Mystery Book Club: Malice by Keigo Higashino
- Tues, May 07, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Saratoga Library Sci-fi & Fantasy Book Club: Exhalation by Ted Chiang
- Wed, May 15, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Campbell Express Library: May's selection will be a title honoring AAPI month
- Thurs, May 16, 2024, 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Saratoga Library Teatime Book Chatter: Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam by local graphic novelist and comic artist Thien Pham
- Tues, May 28, 2024, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Los Altos Library: Yellowface
Reading Challenge
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated each year from May 1st-31st. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander voices through recommended books and activities. Read books and do activities to earn badges all month long.
Booklists
Delve into some books by AAPI authors. These works bring a deeper understanding of the diversity of Asian cultures in America.
