Honoring Roots, Elevating Voices: AAPI Heritage Month and the Library’s Role

Every May, the United States observes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a federally recognized celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of Americans with roots across Asia and the Pacific Islands. The observance was permanently established by Congress in 1992, and May was chosen because it contains two historically significant dates: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the transcontinental railroad was completed with enormous contributions from Chinese laborers [1]. The 2026 theme is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” spotlighting collective action and community bridge-building across AAPI groups [1].

The AANHPI community in the United States encompasses 26 ethnicities and more than 67 unique dialects and languages [2] — a breadth that makes thoughtful, inclusive programming especially important. Libraries are uniquely positioned to lead that work. Here are five meaningful ways libraries can celebrate this month.

1. Curate Dedicated Book Displays

A well-chosen book display is one of the most visible ways a library can honor AAPI voices. Displays can span compelling memoirs, captivating fiction, children’s books, and histories that showcase the resilience, contributions, and achievements of AANHPI individuals [3]. Curating from collections that include literary nonfiction, novels, and poetry about AAPI identities and experiences, as well as books on AAPI history, politics, and activism, helps ensure broad representation [4]. The Boston Public Library assembled a staff-curated list of 77 books for children, teens, and adults for AAPI Heritage Month 2025, emphasizing recent releases and diverse voices across the community [5].

2. Host Author Talks and Community Panels

Author events create a direct connection to the community. Libraries can stream author talks, panel conversations, and maker talks featuring writers, artists, and activists from AAPI communities [6] — in person or virtually. The Alameda County Library is hosting a livestreamed author talk with George Takei on May 31, 2026, in partnership with the LA County Library and Long Beach Public Library [7]. The Association of Research Libraries’ 2025 AAPI Heritage Month roundup also highlighted events at Duke University Libraries, Emory University Libraries, and Boston Public Library featuring mural unveilings, community history workshops, and documentary screenings [8].

3. Collect and Share Oral Histories

Oral history projects preserve community memory in ways no single book can. The DC Public Library has organized oral histories in which Asian American chefs and restaurateurs share their lived experiences of opening restaurants and introducing their heritage cuisines to local communities [6]. Libraries can build similar local archives, partnering with community organizations to record, preserve, and share firsthand stories. The South Asian American Digital Archive, recommended by the Association for Asian Studies, offers a model for this kind of community-centered digital collection [9].

4. Offer Cultural Workshops and Hands-On Programming

Interactive programming brings heritage to life. Libraries can offer workshops in traditional handicrafts such as Amigurumi (crocheting or knitting dolls), Sashiko stitching, and origami — accessible activities that invite all ages to engage with AAPI cultural traditions [6]. Other libraries have hosted onigiri-making workshops, mural unveilings, and community history and art workshops as part of AAPI Heritage Month programming [8]. The Smithsonian Institution also offers resources and toolkits, including programming on Asian court music traditions for upper elementary students, that libraries can adapt [10].

5. Promote Digital Resources and Film Screenings

Libraries hold powerful digital tools often underutilized by the public. Resources like Asian Life in America — which offers access to over 35 million newspaper articles and personal stories about Asian American life from 1704 to today — and Ethnic Diversity Source provide a rich background for deeper exploration [7]. Pairing these databases with a film series through platforms like Kanopy rounds out a month of engagement. University libraries have also organized AAPI film sections and curated cinema

https://asianpacificheritage.gov/

recommendations as part of their month-long programming [8].

This month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have played in our shared history [10] — and libraries are some of the best places in any community to do exactly that.

Sources

[1] Awareness Days. “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026.” https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month/. 

[2] University of Washington Tacoma, Office of the Chancellor. “May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/chancellor/may-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month. 

[3] Eastern Washington University. “AA-NH/PI Library Book Display.” https://inside.ewu.edu/diversityandinclusion/event/aa-nh-pi-library-book-display/. 

[4] Harvard Kennedy School Library. “Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month – HKS Library Book Displays.” https://guides.library.harvard.edu/hks/book-displays/aapi-heritage-month. 

[5] Boston Public Library. “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 2025: 77 Books for Children, Teens & Adults.” https://bpl.bibliocommons.com. 

[6] District of Columbia Public Library. “AAPI Heritage Month.” https://www.dclibrary.org/aapi-heritage-month. 

[7] Alameda County Library. “Ways to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.” https://aclibrary.org/blogs/post/ways-to-celebrate-aapi-heritage-month/. 

[8] Association of Research Libraries. “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025.” https://www.arl.org/blog/aapi25/. 

[9] Association for Asian Studies. “Celebrating Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” https://www.asianstudies.org/celebrating-asian-american-and-native-hawaiian-pacific-islander-heritage-month/. 

[10] Asian Pacific Heritage / Smithsonian Institution et al. “May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.” https://asianpacificheritage.gov/.