The Los Angeles Public Library will celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Central Library. 630 W. Fifth St. in Downtown Los Angeles, with the third annual AAPI Joy festival on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The AAPI Joy festival uplifts the voices, stories, and traditions that have shaped Los Angeles, including the enduring legacy of author, poet, and activist Carlos Bulosan,” said John F. Szabo, city librarian. “This event also recognizes the leadership and impact of AAPI community members whose contributions continue to inspire, connect, and strengthen our city.”
The free event, themed “AAPI Voices, Then & Now,” honors the diversity, culture, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through author talks, theater, culinary demonstrations, workshops, and crafts.
Highlights include lion dancers, Japanese dance performances, Korean fabric art, lei making, and the Carlos Bulosan Book Club Awards, presented by the Friends of Echo Park Library, honoring literary figures who have made significant contributions to Filipino American literature and community advocacy.
Speakers include Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado of Council District 14, Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, and Philippine Vice Consul Levi Anthony B. Malaylay.
“AAPI Joy is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects the richness of our stories, cultures, and presence in Los Angeles,” said Jennifer Siron, LAPL librarian and AAPI Joy co-lead. “The library’s celebration is an opportunity to come together, share our joy, and honor our heritage.”
Info: lapl.org/aapi-joy