Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

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“The power of visibility can never be underestimated.”― Margaret Cho

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a vibrant collection of programs that honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities. From engaging crafts to hands-on workshops and storytimes, there's something for all ages to explore and enjoy. 

Throughout the month Dallas Public Library celebrates identity, tradition, and creativity across the Asian American experience!

 

For Kids & Families

 

Lei Day - Hawaiian Lei Craft for Kids

Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m., Oak Lawn Branch

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a craft that commemorates the lei, a type of garland popular in Polynesia and the Philippines. Craft your own flowered lei while learning about the cultural significance of lei-making.  For ages 6 to 12.

 

James A. Michener Retells SOUTH PACIFIC

Tuesday, May 6 at 4 p.m., Central Library- 2nd Floor

James A. Michener retells SOUTH PACIFIC as a picture book.  Come learn about this book, the classic American musical, and how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders helped turn the tide to win the war in the Pacific. That's a big job for a picture book.

 

Crafternoon: Japanese Carp Kites

Tuesday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch

Koinobori, meaning "carp streamer" in Japanese are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no sekku, a traditional even now known as Children's Day. During this after school craft, we will be making our very own carp kites to fly at home! 

 

Crafternoon: Hawaiian Leis

Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a craft that commemorates the lei, a type of garland popular in Polynesia and the Philippines. Craft your own flowered lei while learning about the cultural significance of lei-making.  For ages 6 to 12.

 

Saturday Stories-"Filled Bellies, Full Hearts"

Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m., Park Forest Branch

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with local author Meagan Anderson!

"Filled Bellies, Full Hearts" is a collection of different stories told by the voices of grandchildren about their unique and special relationships with their grandparents, centering around being in the kitchen.

 

Paper Craft Dumplings

Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Branch

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and learn about the varying culinary traditions of Asian cultures with this delightfully decadent family craft

 

Crafternoon: Tapa Cloth

Tuesday, May 20,  3:30 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch 

Tapa cloth is made from native plants typically found throughout the Pacific Islands such as Samoa, Hawaii, and Fiji. During this after school craft, we will be making our own tapa cloth from paper bags. 

 

Japanese Paper Fans

Thursday, May 22,  4:30 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch 

In celebration of AAPI Month, kids will explore traditional fan-making techniques while celebrating the beauty of Japanese art. 

 

Movie Mania: Moana 2

Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m., North Oak Cliff Branch

Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors.. 

 

Introduction to Origami

Saturday, May 31,  1:30 p.m., Park Forest Branch 

Learn fun ways to bend and construct a simple piece of paper into imaginative shapes. This program is appropriate for ages 6 and above. 

 


For Adults

 

The Art of Tea Ceremonies

Thursday, May 1, 6 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch 

Mariel Ma of Sunshine Studio comes to Skillman Southwestern Branch to demonstrate and speak about traditional tea ceremonies.

 

Japanese Daruma Doll Workshop

Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m., Oak Lawn Branch 

These iconic Japanese dolls represent perseverance and good luck, making them a powerful symbol for setting and achieving goals. 

 

Movie Mingle: "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Wednesday, May 8 at 5 p.m., Grauwyler Park Branch

Movie Mingle is an evening where film lovers gather to enjoy a great movie and lively conversation. Watch, relax, and connect with fellow cinephiles in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 

 

Sari Fabric Art Journals

Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Calling all crafts enthusiasts! Do you want to give your journal a stylish makeover? In this class, the DFW Bookmakers will show you how to use fabric to create personalized covers that reflect your unique artistic taste. 

 

Momigami Paper Collage Journals

Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Momigami, the Japanese art of kneaded paper, is a simple yet enchanting process that transforms ordinary paper into a soft, fabric-like material. In this free public workshop with the DFW Bookmakers, learn how to incorporate momigami papers into your own journals and art!

 

Art in the Style of...Takashi Murakami

Wednesday, May 28 at 6 p.m., Oak Lawn Branch

Explore the vibrant and whimsical universe of this iconic Japanese artist as we delve into his signature style together.