Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month celebrates generations of AAPI contributions to American history, society, and culture.

Initially founded as a week-long celebration by Congress in 1977 and amended to a full month in 1990, May is a time to honor these integral communities' multifaceted identities, contributions, and struggles. AANHPI Heritage Month isn't just a commemoration but a declaration — a testament to the resilience, innovation, and cultural wealth of AAPI immigrants and their descendants.

Your family can observe AANHPI Heritage Month with the Free Library of Philadelphia in many ways!

Check Out Some of Our Favorite Curated Book Lists

• AANHPI Heritage Cookbooks
• The Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department's AAPI Heritage Month book list
• Biographies of Famous Asian Americans
• Asian American Children's Books from the Children's Department
• Asian American Historical Fiction and Nonfiction for Teens

Enjoy AANHPI-Related Programming

• Discover the intersection of food, community, and identity in We Are What We Eat: a new exhibition at Parkway Central Library featuring specially curated items from the Special Collections Division.
• Uplift and enjoy AAPI voices with the Free Library Author Events Podcast, featuring conversations with notable figures like Michelle Zauner, Rabia Chaudry, and Amy Tan.
• Research your Chinese Genealogy with the Social Science and History Department's virtual Getting Started with Chinese Genealogy event on May 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
• Celebrate Printmaker Chen Lok Lee by viewing a lithography collection gifted to the Free Library by Lee's family on May 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the Print and Picture Collection.
• Attend Understanding China: How American and Chinese Cultural and Language Differences Hinder Communication on May 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Heim Center at Parkway Central Library.
• On May 30 at 5:00 p.m., join the Science and Wellness Department at Parkway Central Library for an AAPI Community Healing and Mental Health Discussion event.
• Enjoy a performance by the Chinese Beijing Opera on June 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Stay tuned for more AANHPI events on the Free Library's Events Calendar.