May is a time to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in the United States. The Santa Clara County Library District is proud to join in this nationwide observance, offering a variety of resources and programs designed to educate, inspire, and connect our community with the incredible stories and achievements of the AANHPI community.
The term "AANHPI" encompasses a vast and multifaceted group, representing a multitude of ethnicities, languages, traditions, and histories. From the vibrant festivals of Southeast Asia to the intricate artistry of Pacific Islander cultures and the groundbreaking innovations of Asian Americans, the AANHPI community has profoundly shaped every aspect of American society. Their contributions to science, arts, literature, business, politics, and beyond are integral to the fabric of our nation.
Famous Silicon Valley Asian Americans
Silicon Valley boasts a remarkable array of influential Asian American figures who have significantly shaped the technology and business, in the region. In the realm of technology and business, pioneers like Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube, Eric S. Yuan, the visionary behind Zoom, and Eric Ly, a co-founder of LinkedIn, have revolutionized how we connect and communicate. Leading major corporations, individuals such as Revathi Advaithi (CEO of Flex), Nikesh Arora (CEO of Palo Alto Networks), and Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) demonstrate exceptional leadership and drive global innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit is further exemplified by the founders of groundbreaking companies like Hotmail (Sabeer Bhatia), Robinhood (Baiju Bhatt), and NVIDIA (Jensen Huang). Through their diverse contributions across various sectors, AAPI individuals continue to be an integral and dynamic force driving innovation and progress in Silicon Valley.
We believe in fostering understanding and appreciation for this rich heritage year-round, and during AANHPI Heritage Month this May, we are excited to highlight a curated selection of materials and events.
Dive into Diverse Stories
Explore our extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction by AANHPI authors, covering a wide range of genres and experiences. Discover powerful narratives that offer insights into cultural traditions, historical journeys, and contemporary issues facing the community. From literary masterpieces and historical accounts to engaging and insightful memoirs, there's something for everyone. Look for works by authors like Amy Tan, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Cathy Park Hong, Kevin Kwan, and Jhumpa Lahiri, whose stories offer unique perspectives and enrich our understanding of the AANHPI experience.
Engage with Our Programs
Throughout May, your library will be hosting a variety of programs and events designed to celebrate AANHPI heritage. Keep an eye on our events calendar for specific dates and times. For more programs, click here:
- Author Talks and Discussions:
- 5/14 at 4 pm - Virtual Author Talk with Liann Zhang (Online event)
- 5/15 at 4 pm - Author Marie Silva Vallejo: An Untold Story of WWII in the Philippines (Gilroy Library)
- 5/20 at 4 pm - Changemakers Book Club for Grades 1-2 (Cupertino Library)
- 5/25 at 2 pm - Two Waves of Chinese Immigrants and the Salmon Canning Industry (Saratoga Library)
- 5/27 at 7 pm - Book Discussion: Miracle Creek (Gilroy Library)
- Cultural Performances:
- 5/10 at 2 pm - The Art of Chinese Seal Carving (Saratoga Library)
- 5/17 at 10:30 am - Queer Taiko (Cupertino Library)
- 5/17 at 2 pm - Queer Taiko (Morgan Hill Library)
- 5/18 at 1 pm - Hula Performance (Saratoga Library)
- 5/27 at 7 pm - The Language of Flowers in Asian Art: AANHPI Heritage Month (Online event)
- Workshops and Demonstrations:
- 5/18 at 2 pm - Origami for Adults and Teens: AANHPI Heritage Month
- 5/30 at 11 am - Adult Watercolor Workshop: Tropical Botanicals
- Film Screenings:
- 5/22 at 3:30 pm - Movie Night: Our America: Asian Voices (Morgan Hill Library)
- 24/7 Watch and discuss impactful films that highlight AANHPI experiences through Kanopy or Hoopla.
Beyond May
While May is designated as AANHPI Heritage Month, the Santa Clara County Library District is committed to celebrating diversity and inclusion throughout the year. We continuously strive to expand our collections and offer programs that reflect the diverse tapestry of our community. We encourage you to explore our resources and engage with these important stories and perspectives year-round.
Resources
- Enjoy movies at Kanopy as they have a special curated selection of related films in four categories: Asian Americans on Screen, History, Achievements in the Arts and Media, and Current Events.
- Listen to music at Freegal from several playlist dedicated to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
