Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Long Beach Public Library is pleased to host a dynamic array of events and programs in observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), nationally recognized from May 1–31. The Library celebrates the diversity and allure of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures through a plethora of engaging experiences that mirror the vibrancy of the community.
The Library also co-hosts the eagerly anticipated Festival of AAPI Books (FAB), a day brimming with literary delights, featuring engaging book discussions and author readings from esteemed AAPI authors. Festival participants also have the opportunity to browse and purchase books and treats from a variety of local vendors.
All residents are encouraged to participate in honoring and delving into the rich cultural legacy of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Visit the Long Beach Public Library during May to check out the amazing programs and events happening!
Staff Picks
As a public library, LBPL endeavors to be a space that promotes equity and inclusion for all communities, as well as the freedom to read. Conversations on race and culture can be challenging, difficult, and at times, uncomfortable. Books highlighted during cultural heritage months may be perceived as controversial and do not necessarily represent the views of all LBPL staff or the City as a whole.
Britannica School
Elementary | Middle School
Learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with curated Britannica School resource packs that feature engaging, trustworthy articles and images.
Mango Languages
Over 24 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders—from more than 50 different ethnic groups with dozens of unique languages, religions, customs, and histories—reside in the United States. Celebrate the diversity of this growing group by learning one of the languages with Mango!
Explore and Connect
Download our exclusive AAPI Heritage Month coloring sheets designed by Los Angeles artist Megan Mark (Instagram: @markedbym).
United Cambodian Community (UCC)
UCC provides culturally competent social services to the Cambodian community in Long Beach, home of Cambodia Town, the largest population of Cambodians in the nation. UCC was established in 1977 by a small group of Cambodian refugees to integrate Cambodian immigrants into Long Beach by providing housing, economic, and benefit enrollment support. Since then, UCC has developed into a multi-service agency providing youth development, workforce development, gang prevention, and mental health services.
Khmer Girls in Action
Khmer Girls in Action’s mission is to build a progressive and sustainable Long Beach community that works for racial, gender, and economic justice led by Southeast Asian women and youth. The Khmer Girls in Action work to build a safe, healthy and just world where all people are free from oppression and are able to determine their lives and communities.
Cambodian Association of America
The Cambodian Association of America (CAA) is the oldest and largest Cambodian organization in the United States. The organization has been instrumental in establishing the Cambodian community in Long Beach and promoting small businesses along the Anaheim and Atlantic corridors, an area known to many as “Cambodia Town.”
Filipino Migrant Center
The Filipino Migrant Center (FMC) was founded to address the needs of Filipinos in the South Bay cities of Southern California and has since expanded to serve throughout the entire region. FMC is a Filipino immigrant-led organization who aims to educate, organize, and mobilize low-income, working class Filipino families.
Hmong Association of Long Beach
The Hmong Association of Long Beach was founded as a Mutual Assistance Organization to serve the growing Hmong refugees immigrating from Southeast Asia. Today, with little to no influx of new Hmong refugees from Southeast Asia, the Hmong Association's main mission is to help preserve their rich cultural heritage and pass it on to the next generation, inspiring the youths to make a meaningful difference in their community and the world.
Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center
The Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center (LBJCC) has served the Long Beach and Harbor areas for over 65 years. LBJCC's mission is to be the resource for civic events and artifacts, in addition to preserving the the legacy of timeless cultural traditions. They host accessible, quality instruction in various Japanese cultural and visual arts instruction, as well as Japanese language classes, events and activities for the benefit of citizens of all ages, ethnicities, and religious affiliations.
Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS)
Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS) is a 501(c)3 private nonprofit community-based organization that works with the AAPI population while serving thousands of low-income children, adults, and families from many ethnicities and cultures. Their services encompass all age groups and are offered in various languages.
Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) is the first museum dedicated to Pacific Island art and culture in the US. The mission of the museum is to incorporate the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands, with a focus on Micronesia, into a permanent collection, educational programs, rotating exhibits, and living arts.
