San Francisco, April 19 – Experience a variety of free programs this May during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at San Francisco Public Library. The Library’s ongoing celebration of AANHPI heritage, Weaving Stories, showcases the rich culture and diverse stories of the AANHPI community in the Bay Area and beyond.  

There will be events for all ages at Library locations throughout the City, including free author talks, book clubs, film screenings, crafts, food programs and musical and dance performances. Highlights for adults include the launch of Corky Lee’s Asian America at the Main Library on May 23. The new book features over 200 breathtaking photos celebrating the history and cultural impact of the Asian American social justice movement. Additionally, four members of the Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) who cover the Asian American and Pacific Islander news beat will discuss how authentic local reporting happens, important stories they’ve reported recently and how having reporters dedicated to the beat impacts the AAPI community on May 8. Moderated by the interim president of the AAJA-S.F. Bay Area Chapter, Harry Mok, the panel features Ko Lyn Cheang from the San Francisco Chronicle, Han Li from the San Francisco Standard and Ravi Kapur, CEO of Diya TV. On May 25, the Library partners with the Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco to welcome Curtis Chin, author of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, for a book talk and library pop-up.

For youth, on May 25, join June Jo Lee, food ethnographer and award-winning children's book author, for a kimchi demo, read-aloud and krautchi-making activity. Experience a read-aloud of new picture storybooks for children and participate in a drawing workshop on comics with illustrators Minnie Phan and Sophie Diao on May 23 at Excelsior Branch Library. Katie Quan dives into the world of comics and zines through the lens of an Asian American artist and educator and teaches the community how to make their own comics and zines at multiple locations through May. 

See more featured events below. All events are free and open to the public. For more listings visit: sfpl.org/aanhpi.    

Event Highlights 

Youth Events  

Kathak Dance with SF Kala Kendra – Learn about Kathak dance, one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. Participate and learn a few moves from this centuries-old North Indian art form. May 5, 2 p.m., Potrero Branch   

Origami Envelopes with Esther Kwan – Make an origami envelope and mail it to yourself or someone special. May 14, 4 p.m., Mission Branch 

Makahiki with the Men of Hālau Haʻa Kea o Kinohi – Learn about makahiki—a time of peace, feasting, competing in sport and games, hula and storytelling. Meet members of Mele o Kea, a five-piece band with foundations in Hawaiian music. 

May 11, 11 a.m., Eureka Valley Branch; 2 p.m., Ocean View Branch

May 14, 12 p.m., North Beach Branch; 3 p.m., Marina Branch

May 15, 1:30 p.m., Portola Branch; 4 p.m., Glen Park Branch; 6:15 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch

Illustrators Minnie Phan and Sophie Diao – Experience a read-aloud of new picture storybooks for children and participate in a drawing workshop on comics. May 23, 2 p.m., Excelsior Branch   

Kimchi and Krautchi with June Jo Lee  – Try your own hands at making kimchi. Join June Jo Lee, food ethnographer and award-winning children's book author, for a kimchi demo, read-aloud and krautchi-making activity from Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild, a Kirkus Review "Best Picture Book Biographies 2022." May 25, 3 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch 

Chinese Yaji – The Chinese custom of yaji is a special gathering to appreciate and create art. Our yaji includes an exploration of guqin music, classic games and light refreshments with tea. For children ages 7 and older. May 31, 2 p.m., Sunset Branch   

Adult Events  

Hot Siva Aerobic Exercise – Experience a fusion of low-impact aerobics, graceful stretches and rhythmic movements to music with certified instructor Neo Ve’ave’a. May 4, 11 a.m., Visitacion Valley Branch

Film: Lasa And Legacy: A Docuseries About Filipino American Activism and Food – A not-to-miss screening of Lasa and Legacy, a captivating docuseries showcasing pivotal chapters in Filipino American history within the San Francisco Bay Area. Following the screening, engage in a panel discussion and Q&A session. May 5, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium  

Nancy Jooyoun Kim and Parini Shroff in Conversation – New York Times bestselling author Kim and Shroff, author of the debut novel The Bandit Queens, come together to discuss their writing and the strong characters who drive the narrative of their books. May 7, 6 p.m., Main Library, Saroyan Gallery, 6th Floor  

SF Asian American Journalists Go Live – Four members of the Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) who cover the Asian American and Pacific Islander news beat discuss how authentic local reporting happens, important stories they’ve reported recently and how having reporters dedicated to the beat impacts the AAPI community. Moderated by the interim president of the AAJA-S.F. Bay Area Chapter, Harry Mok, the panel will feature Ko Lyn Cheang from the San Francisco Chronicle, Han Li from the San Francisco Standard and Ravi Kapur, CEO of Diya TV.  May 8, 6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium 

Yvette Tan with Lil Ann Villaraza – Uber-mistress of horror litterateurs, Yvette Tan, in conversation with professor Lily Ann Villaraza to discuss her latest short story collection. May 13, 6 p.m., Virtual 

The Art and Craft of Memoir with Peter Bacho – Highly lauded author Peter Bacho takes you on a journey to the art and craft of memoir. May 18, 12 p.m., Virtual 

Tai Chi for Wellness – Learn and practice Tai Chi - a gentle, slow moving form of exercise and meditation - with instructor Richard Fong. May 18, 3 p.m., Park Branch 

Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice – Celebrate Lee's Asian American legacy at our book launch. Lee, renowned for capturing AANHPI communities authentically, shattered stereotypes through his lens. May 23, 6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium  

Author Curtis Chin, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A partnership with the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco –In celebration of APA Heritage Month and Pride Month, join us in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown for a book talk and library pop-up featuring Chin, author of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. May 25, 6 p.m., Ross Alley  

Workshop: Coloring Outside the Lines with Real Soul –Katie Quan dives into the world of comics and zines through the lens of an Asian American artist and educator. Listen to her speak about her biggest comic influences, her own experience in the medium and how artists break barriers left and right with their spectacular work. Then, learn how to start your own comics and create your very own zine.  

May 1, 4 p.m.: Glen Park Branch  

May 2, 4 p.m.: Excelsior Branch  

May 5, 3 p.m.: Visitacion Valley Branch  

May 11, 4:30 p.m.: Richmond Branch  

May 15, 6 p.m.: Ocean View Branch  

All Ages Events  

More Than a Song – Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Biography Project celebrates its 11th annual AANHPI Heritage Month with activities at the Main Library. Throughout the month of May, explore the “Wall of Fame” and related exhibits at the Children’s Center and the Chinese Center, about singers — past and present, local and international — engaged in social justice through their actions and/or lyrics in the music industry. Celebrate the kickoff event at the Main Library on April 28, 12 p.m. 

About San Francisco Public Library: 

San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center, four bookmobiles and two book kiosks.