Pasadena Celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Programs and Events

PASADENA, Calif - The City of Pasadena is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture and achievements of the United States with a series of virtual programs, events and activities for all ages. Library programs are sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.

Programs & Events:

Rice in a Pot: A Family Gardening Workshop

Saturday, May 9 • 10:30 a.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 N. Hill Ave.
Discover the importance of rice across cultures and learn traditional methods of growing and harvesting it in this fun, hands-on workshop. Then decorate your own pot, plant a rice seedling in it, get tips on how to care for it and take it home to grow and thrive. Presented by The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden's Education and Botanical staff. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For all ages.

Japanese Book Binding
Saturday, May 16 • 10:30 a.m. • Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St.
Learn the technique of Japanese book binding. Supplies provided. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 8-18.

Explore the Culture and Craft of Asian Tea

Friday, May 22, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. • Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Join us for a journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of teas from across the Asian continent. Discover unique brewing traditions, learn about the origins of different teas, and enjoy a guided tasting featuring selections from several countries. This warm, flavorful experience is perfect for tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Open to ages 18 and over. Registration is required, reserve your spot today! For more information, call (626) 744-7300.

Bilingual Chinese Storytime
Saturday, May 23 • 10:30 a.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 N. Hill Ave.
Join us for a special bilingual Chinese/English storytime. Whether you're a native speaker or hoping to learn something new, it's a perfect way to have fun with language, stories and crafts! For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

Tea Tasting with Callisto Tea House
Saturday, May 30 • 11 a.m. • Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 N. Hill Ave.
Enjoy an educational tea tasting presentation. Learn about the history, culture and brewing styles of different teas then give them a taste yourself! To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 18+.

AAPI-owned Businesses Spotlight Series

Month-long series | Social Media
The City's Communication and Marketing Division and Economic Development Division under the City Manager's Office will highlight AAPI-owned businesses in Pasadena throughout May. This series will highlight the local heritage of cultures that contribute to making Pasadena a diverse community. Follow along on social media via Facebook and Instagram @CityOfPasadena, and Twitter @PasadenaGov.

ONE BOOK, ONE COAST

One Book, One Coast (OBOC) is a new, multi-state community reading initiative that invites readers across the entire west coast to engage with a shared text through discussion, programs and reflection. Our inaugural selection is They Called Us Enemy (2019), a graphic memoir by George Takei that recounts his childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens, following Executive Order 9066 in 1942.

Books are available in the Pasadena Public Library collection for checkout and are also available in digital formats.

Allendale Book Discussion Group

Saturday, May 9 • 10:30 a.m. • Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Blvd.

Online Book Group
Saturday, May 23 • 10:30 a.m. • Zoom

To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/.

Linda Vista Book Discussion Group
Saturday, May 30 • 11 a.m. • Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St.

A Reader's Guide to They Called Us Enemy
Saturday, May 16 • 3 p.m. • Lamanda Park Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
George Takei's lifelong commitment to truth telling and equal rights was forged in his childhood while unjustly imprisoned in World War II American concentration camps. Susan H. Kamei, award-winning author of When Can We Go Back to America? Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during World War II, provides behind-the-scenes context for Takei's firsthand accounts of his family's incarceration in his best-selling graphic novel They Called Us Enemy. A descendant of wartime incarcerees, Kamei shares lessons to be learned about the meaning of being American.

Share Your Story: Graphic Memoir

Thursday, May 21 • 3 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Create a one-page graphic memoir of an important part of your own life. Drawing skills are not required. Collage materials will be available.

Conversation with Author George Takei

Sunday, May 31 • 1 - 4 p.m. • East Los Angeles County Library, 4837 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles Celebrate One Book, One Coast with an afternoon of activities, author talk and book signing.

• 1 - 2 p.m.:
  • Book sales, resource partners, art displays, selfie station and snacks
• 2 - 3 pm.:
  • Author Talk with George Takei, Los Angeles County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Long Beach Public Library Director Cathy de Leon
• 3 - 4 p.m.:
  • Book Signing with George Takei