Long Beach Public Library Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Community Programs
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach Public Library Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) has announced its annual celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which will take place from May 1-31, 2025. This month-long event will feature a variety of engaging and educational programs that honor the rich cultural traditions, histories, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Long Beach.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement for the upcoming celebration, stating, "We are committed to providing spaces for community members to come together and celebrate the diverse cultures that shape Long Beach. These programs offered by LBPL not only highlight the artistic and cultural contributions of AAPI communities but also encourage meaningful conversations and shared experiences."

The AAPI Heritage Month Opening Event will kick off the celebration at Billie Jean King Main Library on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a performance by Modern Aspara, a local traditional Cambodian dance group, followed by a screening of the acclaimed documentary "New Wave." Directed by Elizabeth Ai, the film explores the experiences of Vietnamese families navigating generational trauma. A post-screening Q&A session will be moderated by Ky-Phong Paul Tran, an educator at Renaissance High School for the Arts.

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Cathy DeLeon, Director of Library, Arts, and Culture, highlighted the importance of libraries as cultural hubs where stories are shared, preserved, and celebrated. She stated, "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. AAPI Heritage Month offers a powerful opportunity for learning, reflection, and connection."

Throughout May, all 12 Long Beach Public Library locations will host a vibrant array of free programs for children, teens, and adults. These include hands-on activities such as a Chinese paper lantern craft workshop led by local artist Emmy Lam and The Manga Connection to Old Japan, a teen manga drawing series with artist Sunny Seki. The Music Center of Los Angeles will also present a dynamic rotation of cultural performances across multiple library branches, featuring traditional Korean music and dance, Indian mythology through dance storytelling, and interactive theatrical presentations celebrating AAPI folktales and heritage.

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The month-long celebration will conclude with the grand opening of the Filipino American Cultural Heritage Collection. This special event will feature guest speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a Filipino Family Storytime celebrating community storytelling and cultural pride. These events are designed to celebrate the richness of AAPI cultures while fostering creativity, learning, and cross-cultural appreciation for all ages.

Residents can view the full calendar of AAPI events on the Long Beach Public Library's events calendar. They can also stay updated by following LBPL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. More information about the Filipino American Cultural Heritage Collection event will be announced in the coming weeks.

All AAPI programs are generously funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library. This support allows LBPL to provide inclusive spaces where every resident feels seen, valued, and inspired to explore new perspectives during this important celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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