Written By: Isabella B. at the Woodside Library
We're commemorating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May at San Mateo County Libraries! Join us for performances, lectures and workshops that celebrate the diverse cultures and histories of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Learn about and enjoy the cultural and artistic contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with events led by local Bay Area artists, filmmakers, genealogists, musicians and more! Check out our full list of events in honor of AAPI Heritage Month on our Events Calendar.
Events to Explore
Live Music with Jasmin Nicole
Join us for a special musical performance with Jasmin Nicole, a Filipino singer/songwriter celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through song. Her interpretation of island reggae with a twist of pop and R&B blends contemporary and traditional influences. Her music honors personal and cultural stories, celebrating AAPI resilience, identity and tradition. These performances are open to all ages! See the full list of Jasmin’s performances.
Clay and Culture: A Journey Through Asian Ceramics
This virtual program on Monday, May 5 at 7:00 PM will give you a tour of the Asian Art Museum's collection of Asian ceramics and reveal how Chinese ceramics have influenced ceramic traditions globally. You will learn the ancient history of the artform and trace its development through time. Reserve your virtual spot.
My China Roots and the Chinese American Experience
This multimedia session, led by genealogy expert Ron Chan, offers essential tools and resources to help trace Chinese ancestry, including how to locate your ancestral village, find your jiapu (lineage book) and access U.S. immigration records like those from Angel Island. Through the oral history of one Chinese American family, you’ll explore themes of hardship, discrimination and cultural assimilation. Attendees will receive a research checklist, learn about translation tools and get details on joining genealogy communities and attending the Chinese American Genealogy Conference. Learn more details about these sessions and see the full list of dates.
DIY Pom Pom Ice Cream Keychain
This DIY Pom Pom Ice Cream Keychain workshop for children and teens is led by local maker and designer Justine, whose art is inspired by Asian American food and culture. Justine will show you how to use a pom pom maker to transform yarn into a cute ice cream keychain. Young children are also welcome with adult supervision! Create your own pom pom ice cream keychain by registering for a workshop.
Lasa and Legacy: A Docuseries about Filipino American Activism and Food
The Lasa and Legacy, opens a new window docuseries blends documentary and cooking show formats to highlight Filipino American history in the San Francisco Bay Area. The episodes tell the stories of the Filipino farm labor movement, the struggle for the International Hotel, activism in Filipino punk culture and the SF-based anti-dictatorship movement during the Martial Law in the Philippines — each including a cooking segment on related traditional Filipino dish. Each screening will be followed by a group discussion and light refreshments. Find a screening at a library near you.
Dim Sum Tote Bag Painting
Do you love dim sum? If you do, this painting workshop is for you! James Mertke, a local painter from San Jose, will guide you through this hands-on painting session open to all skill levels. You'll decorate a tote bag with delicious dim sum designs with step-by-step directions. All materials will be provided. Make sure to reserve your spot!
Baybayin Workshop
Local Filipino American artist, Francis Garcia, leads a Baybayin workshop all about the history of one of the ancient Philippine scripts used to write Tagalog in precolonial times. You will learn how to read and write Baybayin and have the opportunity to create a unique piece of personalized art with your name written in the script. Register to reserve your spot.
Ikebana Workshop
Discover the elegant art of ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, which uses branches, flowers and leaves to highlight line, color and form. Taught by longtime Bay Area instructor Gloria Lee, this class welcomes all experience levels. Due to high demand, participants are asked to register for only one session to ensure wider community access. Reserve your spot.
Scented Sachet & Calligraphy Workshop
Create a personalized scented sachet and learn the fundamental techniques of Chinese calligraphy in this combined workshop. You will learn about the history of the Dragon Boat festival as well as how these scented sachets are used for protection and well-being. Make sure to reserve your spot for these workshops.
Reed Diffuser Workshop
Develop your own custom fragrance as you are led step-by-step through the process of making reed diffusers in this workshop. Take home a personalized 4-ounce reed diffuser created with seasonal scents and natural reeds. All materials will be provided. Register to create your own reed diffuser!
Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Create a Turkish mosaic lamp using handcrafted glass tiles and beads! No experience is needed to create a stunning lamp as expert instructors will guide you step-by-step through the mosaic creation process. Design your own mosaic lamp by registering in advance.
Discover More AAPI Stories
Here are some amazing and impactful albums, movies and books created by members of the AAPI community!
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