This May, Chicago Public Library celebrates "Preserving Legacies, Building Futures" in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AANHPI stories are a vital part of U.S. history and serves as a bridge between the deep historical roots of the AANHPI community and its ongoing influence on the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary.
We invite you to explore and celebrate through events, exhibits, book discussions, and reading recommendations. Join us in recognizing the diverse stories that shape our communities—this month and beyond.
Share how you’ll be celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! #CPLAANHPI
Events
Explore all Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month events, including cultural events, film screenings, book discussions and family events.
Keynote
Author Scott Kurashige: American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism
Tuesday, May 19 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Harold Washington Library Center, Multipurpose Room, Lower Level
PROGRAMS
Ikebana Demonstration
Saturday, May 2 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Sulzer Regional
Aloha to the 50th: Hawaiian Heritage Trivia Challenge
Saturday, May 02 | 2:00-3:00p.m. | Online
Nature's Tai‑Chi‑Gong with BNEW4LIFE
Friday, May 8 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Budlong Woods Branch
Tuesday, May 19 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Manning Branch
Tuesday, May 19 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Vodak-East Side Branch
The Harmony of Korean Music
Tuesday, May 9 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Portage-Cragin Branch
Lunchtime Korean: Basic
Tuesday, May 5 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Online
Dot Art Inspired by Artist Yayoi Kusama
Wednesday, May 13 | 4:00-5:30 p.m. | Blackstone
Origami Workshop with Ty Yamamoto
Tuesday, May 19 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Portage-Cragin Branch
Open House: Asian American History at the Northside Neighborhood History Collection
Saturday, May 16 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
K-Pop Dance Party with Dance Center Evanston
Saturday, May 23 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Edgebrook
Make Candy Sushi
Thursday, May 28 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | South Shore
Recommended Reading
Building Futures, Preserving Legacies: AANHPI for Kids 2026
Building Futures, Preserving Legacies: AANHPI for Teens 2026
Building Futures, Preserving Legacies: AANHPI for Adults 2026
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: Recent Highlights for Adults