Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. Learn more here.
Pictured above:
- Photographed by Dorothea Lange in 1939 for the Farm Security Administration, this image captures a Filipino farmworker in California during the Great Depression, highlighting the vital yet often overlooked labor of Filipino immigrants in U.S. agriculture.
- From the Library of Congress “Hawaii Album,” this page features portraits of the Hawaiian royal family, reflecting the leadership and cultural legacy of the Kingdom of Hawaii prior to its overthrow.
- Photographed by Ansel Adams in 1943, this image shows a mess line at the Manzanar War Relocation Center, where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.
LIBRARY EVENTS
Click on a library branch name to see a list of events.
Youth Boba Lab
Wednesday, May 13: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Children, tweens and teens between the ages of 7 and 18 are invited to the library to learn all about the history of boba drinks. Those who are registered will also get a chance to make their own boba drink with the help of local boba drink maker, Chant Yummy! Registration opens on Saturday, April 25 at 9am. Please note each child, tween or teen coming to this event must pre-register.
Learn About the Art of Nohgaku
Monday, May 18: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
In honor of Asian American Heritage Month, discover the history of the traditional Japanese theater form, Nohgaku.
Meet author & illustrator Nidhi Chanani
Thursday, May 07: 1:15pm – 2:15pm
An interactive graphic novel reading. Discover how an idea becomes a book and the process of making a graphic novel from sketches to finish.
Filipino Halo-Halo Tasting – Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!
Thursday, May 21: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Registration is required. For ages 7 and up.
If attending as a group or family, please register each person who would like their own halo-halo by clicking “add more people.” This helps us prepare enough ingredients for everyone.
Please arrive by 4:35 PM to hold your spot, as unclaimed spots will be released. A standby line will be available if space allows.
Cooking With T.A.B. – Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Thursday, May 14: 3:30pm – 4:45pm
This program is for ages 12-18. Come cook with our Rio Vista Teen Advisory Board! In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we’ll be cooking up Vietnamese Spring Rolls!
Tween & Teen Chapterflix – Turning Red
Tuesday, May 19: 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Come and celebrate AAPI month and watch Turning Red!
Making Turon 🍌: A Hands-On Cooking Workshop – Celebrating Asian American Heritage Month
Friday, May 29: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Join us at the Rio Vista Library as we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month with a sweet and interactive celebration of Filipino culture! This May, we’re highlighting one of the Philippines’ most beloved street foods: turon — a crispy, golden spring roll filled with caramelized banana (and sometimes jackfruit), commonly sold by street vendors and enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Please register.
Halika Na! – Come Join Us!
Thursday, May 28: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Join us as we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with good food, great company and a little karaoke! Ms. Loida will be making Chicken Adobo, Buko Pandan, and more. Come gather with friends and neighbors for this community celebration. Feel free to bring a dish to share. Food will be served on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Books ‘N Brews @ True Symmetry Brewing
Thursday, May 28: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join us at True Symmetry Brewing Company (315 Marina Center, Suisun City) for an evening of refreshments and book discussions! This month’s theme is “AAPI Heritage.” The book club meets every last Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate AAPI Month with Karaoke
Thursday, May 21: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and display your singing talents during an evening of family friendly karaoke at the library. Bring your family and friends, all are welcome.
Tapa Cloth Craft
Friday, May 22: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Month with this hands-on craft.
Join us as we recreate the beauty and culture of tapa art from the Pacific Islands. This program is best for ages 5-12. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
DIY Paper Plate Flowers – Drop in Craft May 11 – May 23 ALL DAY
Join us to celebrate AAPI month with a new drop in craft! Inspired by Yayoi Kusmama, we’re making paper plate flowers based off her Flowers that Bloom series. Come in while supplies last!
Books on Tap – Springstowne Library Book Club
Tuesday, May 19: 6:00pm – 7:45pm
Join us to discuss the monthly book theme of “AAPI Authors” in honor and celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Please feel free to choose a book you believe fits into this theme and join the discussion. Questions/Comments? Email Sarah, sdouglashoyt@solanolibrary.gov
FILMS
Kanopy offers free access to an impressive lineup of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage films. Immerse yourself in the rich stories that highlight the diverse experiences, traditions, and histories of the AAPI community. From heartwarming dramas to eye-opening documentaries, there’s something for everyone. All free with your library card.
DISCOVER & GO
Discover & Go is a program provided by your library that offers free and low-cost passes for museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and other cultural destinations. You must be 14 years or older and live within the library’s service area to use the Discover & Go Service.
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Month by visiting the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco– one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Get your passes through Discover & Go.
LOTE4KIDS
LOTE4Kids is an online database of children’s picture books in various World Languages to engage culturally and linguistically diverse families in our communities! To celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, read a story from an AAPI culture and enjoy language learning through storytelling—available online and on the LOTE4Kids app.
