May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a nationally recognized monthly designation that honors the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians. Click below to check out curated lists of books for all ages:
 


Programs and Events
Indian Folk Art Display
Through May / Second floor display case
Display case by Soumya Subash, founder and owner of Art4Hearts Inc. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian art forms like Kalamkari, Madhubani, Kerala mural, and Warli art, Soumya explores and interprets these forms across various mediums.

80 Minutes Around the World Presents: Asian and Pacific Islander Stories
Thursday, May 2, 7-8:30 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Nester "the Boss" Gomez returns with an evening of storytelling in celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), with a stellar lineup including Anne Shimojima, Elizabeth Gomez, Archy Jamjun, Jitesh Jaggi and Rahul Sharma. Presented as part of Elevating Voices, a series in partnership with District 214 Community Education and the League of Women Voters of Arlington Heights - Mount Prospect - Buffalo Grove. For teens and adults.

The Many Lives of Kal Penn
Tuesday, May 7, 7-8 p.m. / Live on Zoom / Register
Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair's The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the Christmas comedy The Santa Clauses. His first book You Can't Be Serious was released by Simon and Schuster. He was a national co-chair for the Obama/Biden re-election campaign in 2012 and served on the President's Committee for the Arts and Humanities. Penn will be joined in conversation with Bridget Petrites of Evanston Public Library. The event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events.

Asian American Stories & Songs
Monday, May 13, 10:30-11 a.m. / Lindsey Room / Day-of tickets
Celebrate AAPI with this special storytime featuring books, music and languages from Asian and Asian American perspectives. For children ages 3-6. Caregiver required.

AAPI Pop-up Events
Thursdays, May 9 and 23, 4-5 p.m. / First floor / Drop in
Join us at these pop-up events to celebrate AAPI with crafts, books and origami takeaways. For all ages.