May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating the rich and diverse cultures and histories that have shaped AAPI communities today. We offer reading recommendations, events, and online resources to help you explore and honor AAPI heritage—both during this special month and throughout the year.
Displays & Recommended Reading
Come to the library and peruse our displays during May. Starting May 1, librarian-curated lists of titles for adults, children & families, and teens can be viewed through our online catalog.
→Follow us on TikTok for weekly suggested reading lists.
Library Events
Illinois Libraries Present: Dan Santat – Virtual (Grades 6+)
Saturday, May 3: 2–3 pm
Grades 6–Adult: Join Illinois Libraries Present for a virtual afternoon of art and adventures with author/illustrator Dan Santat and his friend and collaborator, author Minh Lê. Signup required.
Sign up to attend virtually
Book Discussion: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Thursday, May 8: 1:30–2:30 pm
Genre: Literary | Led by: Rosemarie | Drop-in event
Participants can pick up a copy of the book before the discussion date at the Adult Reference Desk or check out a copy through Libby.
More Info
Lotus Lantern Workshop
Wednesday, May 21: 11 am–12:30 pm
Make your own lotus flower lantern! Learn about Korea’s unique history and the significance of the lotus lantern in Korean culture through a documentary film and a short presentation. Signup required.
Sign Up
Online Resources
Hoopla: Grab your library card and explore this collection of books, comics, and videos to discover the rich cultures, diverse histories, and remarkable contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Kanopy: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a curated collection of films from Kanopy. From heartfelt dramas to eye-opening documentaries, explore the diverse narratives, traditions, and histories that make the AAPI community so unique.
HeritageHub: Explore your family history with HeritageHub. This powerful tool helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially discover unknown family members. The database offers comprehensive coverage from all 50 states, including hard-to-find content from the mid-1900s and original obituary images.
