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Originally established as a week-long recognition in 1979, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the month of May and recognizes the histories and cultures of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). As a proud Native Hawaiian and granddaughter of a Filipina immigrant, this month has always felt special but especially now, recognizing our multiple heritages and experiences means so much more. In light of recent and ongoing anti-Asian sentiment, I’m excited to spend the month of May focused on celebrating the diversity of AAPI communities, histories, and cultures, while also honoring the strength and resiliency of both Asian-American and Pacific Islanders in the US. I am proud to be part of an organization that also recognizes the importance of celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage during the month of May and beyond.
On Thursday, May 13th Contra Costa County Library hosts a virtual Author Talk with Julie Leung at 4pm. Winner of the 2021 Asian/Pacific American award for Literature in the picture book category, Julie Leung will be discussing her book, Paper Son, and the importance of recognizing and honoring AAPI historical figures.
Contra Costa County Library also launches the first Community Reads for Kids featuring Front Desk by Kelly Yang, an award-winning novel about a 10-year-old Chinese American immigrant girl who manages the front desk of a motel while her parents clean the rooms. Families are invited to join a Virtual Book Discussion of Front Desk by Kelly Yang on Thursday, May 20th at 4pm and also a Virtual Author Talk with Kelly Yang on Tuesday, May 25th at 4pm.
Throughout the month of May, visitors to the Library website can also browse rotating featured booklists compiled by Library staff and members of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee that highlight AAPI authors, stories, and voices. Find your next read by visiting some of the lists below:
Read, Watch and Enjoy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Teen Reads to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage
Celebrating Pacific Islander Voices & Cultures
Asian-American & Pacific Islander History in the US
Start Your Journey Here: Travel to Asia and Pacific Island Countries
Celebrating Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month for Kids - Stories, Characters, Voices
Celebrating Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month for Kids - Places, Culture, History
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