Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the unique experiences, traditions, and cultures of people in these communities living in America.
(From the Boys and Girls Club of America website)
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in the late 1970s that extended into a month-long celebration in 1990. The first Japanese immigrants who came to the United States arrived in May 1843, and the transcontinental railroad (which many Chinese immigrants helped build) was completed in May 1869. That's why we celebrate this heritage month in May!
This observation used to be known as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, then in 1997 the name was changed to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and in 2021 it changed again to include native Hawaiians. Because of these changes, the links below may call it different things. Read on to learn more!
Observe the power of the presence, contributions, endurance, and resiliency of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders throughout our nation's history with the National Park Service.
Learn about AAPINH Heritage Month with a video from PBS Kids!
Do you enjoy art?
The work of Asian American artists helps us tell a fuller story of America and its far-reaching connections. Explore some of their works in the National Gallery of Art.. Listen to their processes, ideas, and stories in their own voices.
Ruth Chan, the subject matter expert for Asian American- and Pacific Islander-related records at the National Archives, shares items of interest for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (#AANHPI) Heritage Month.
This is Erin Entrada Kelly. You may have heard of her books. Watch this video with an adult. What is empathy? Why is it good for us to read about characters who are like us, but also about characters who have different experiences than the ones we've had?
If you scroll down past her video clip on the Reading Rockets site, you'll find links to more interviews with APA authors. Check them out! Some of their books may even be featured in the book recommendations at the bottom of this page, so you can put them on hold and read them yourself!
There are plenty of books in the library that can help you enjoy and learn more about poetry. Here are just a few.
Click on the picture to see the book in our online catalog. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in reading, you can put it on hold and check it out!
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
Mindy Kim and the Trip to Korea
Lyla Lee
How We Say I Love You
Nicole Chen
You Are Here: Connecting Flights
Ellen Oh
Ruby Lost and Found
Christina Li
The Many Masks of Andy Zhou
Jack Cheng
Upcoming Kids' Events
Wildflowers are not only beautiful; they are super important for animals and insects! Learn to identify a few common Iowa wildflowers, then go outside and see if you can find them for real!
Disclaimer(s)
Central Parking
Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!
Join Mad Todd to design and print your own custom cards and personalized paper projects! Each week, explore a new printmaking technique. Snack provided for all participants.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.
Disclaimer(s)
Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Central Parking
Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
