The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Heritage Month all May long with a variety of free cultural, educational and artistic programming.
The Library’s slate of free community events, beginning May 3, will explore AAPI cultures while showcasing the traditions, histories and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Long Beach.
The AAPI Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration will take place Saturday, May 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library, located at 200 W. Broadway. This event will include a performance by local Cambodian dance company Modern Aspara and a screening of the documentary “New Wave,” which centers on the experiences of Vietnamese families dealing with generational trauma. A post-screening Q&A with the film’s director Elizabeth Ai will be moderated by Ky-Phong Paul Tran, an instructor at Renaissance High School for the Arts.
Throughout AAPI Heritage Month, all 12 LBPL locations will host a lineup of free programs aimed at children, teens and adults. Activities include a Chinese paper lantern craft workshop led by local artist Emmy Lam and the teen manga drawing series “The Manga Connection to Old Japan” with artist Sunny Seki.
Additional events include:
- Suminagashi – Children and teens can learn the Japanese art of paper marbling, and make their own unique paper marble designs. Thursday, May 1 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bay Shore Neighborhood Library (195 Bay Shore Avenue).
- Botanical Water Coloring – Teens and adults can learn the basics of watercolor painting and cultivate a personal artistic style at this painting session with Gloria Teng, a botanical Chinese watercolor and oil artist. Registration is encouraged. Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.)
- Khmer Ceramics – Cambodian Chinese-Vietnamese American artist Vanndearlyn Vong will teach adults the significance of ceramics in Cambodian culture and instruct a ceramics demonstration where attendees will draw, transfer and relieve traditional Khmer designs on clay. Space is limited and registration is required. Saturday, May 10 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.).
- Karaoke – Children and teens are invited to show off their vocal talents during this fun karaoke party as part of the Library’s Teen Space series. Tuesday, May 13 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.).
- Chinese Paper Lanterns – Local artist Emmy Lam will demonstrate the art of Chinese Paper Lanterns and those in attendance will get to make and display their own. All materials will be provided. This event is geared towards teens and adults and RSVPs are required due to limited space. Thursday, May 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.).
- Henna Tattoos – Teens and tweens will explore how to create mehndi, also known as henna tattoos, at this interactive session. Friday, May 23 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bay Shore Neighborhood Library (195 Bay Shore Avenue).
- Crafters of a Certain Age – Those who are ages 18 and up can take part in a stained glass painting project starting by painting a blank picture frame with window paint to create a stained glass effect. Saturday, May 31 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bay Shore Neighborhood Library (195 Bay Shore Avenue).
The Music Center of Los Angeles will also host a rotation of cultural performances across several LBPL branches, with events featuring traditional Korean music and dance, Indian mythology through dance storytelling and interactive presentations of AAPI folktales and heritage.
“We are honored to celebrate the many cultures that make up our city’s vibrant AAPI community through programs that reflect diverse voices and often underrepresented stories,” said Cathy De Leon, Director of Library, Arts, and Culture, in a public statement. “AAPI Heritage Month offers a powerful opportunity for learning, reflection, and connection, and we are proud to provide inclusive spaces where every resident feels seen, valued, and inspired to explore new perspectives.”
AAPI Heritage Month will close with the grand opening of the Filipino American Cultural Heritage Collection. This event will feature guest speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Filipino Family Storytime that emphasizes community storytelling and cultural pride. More information about this event will be announced in the coming weeks.
All of LBPL’s AAPI-centered programs are funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library.
To see all of the events being held during AAPI Heritage Month, visit the LBPL’s AAPI event calendar or follow the Library on Facebook, X and Instagram.
