Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

April 12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
561-822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the City of West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The City of West Palm Beach will observe Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May with free events at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach (411 Clematis St.) for all ages. AAPI heritage month celebrates and recognizes the diverse cultures and contributions of AAPI to the United States. The month honors AAPIs who enriched the country’s history and society and raises awareness of the challenges and discrimination faced by the community. AAPI Heritage Month promotes cultural understanding, diversity, inclusion, and social justice for all.

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS REMINDER: 

In-person programs have returned to the library, though there are some programs that we have chosen to remain virtual at this time. Please read listings carefully to note if the program is in person or virtual. Safety guidelines and cleanliness procedures are in place. For the safety of our library community, patrons and staff are expected to comply with CDC, state, and county COVID recommendations.

Unless otherwise noted, library programs are made possible by the generous support of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation.

ADULT IN-PERSON PROGRAMS: No registration is required

Banquet of Chinese Performing Arts 
Sunday, May 28
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Auditorium
Presented by the South Florida Chinese Performing Arts Group, this banquet of Chinese performing arts acts will offer a delightful taste of Chinese culture for all ages.

Getting to Know Japan’s Mascots
Tuesday, May 30
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
The Morikami Museum is happy to present “Getting to know Japan’s Mascots.” Japan loves its mascots! From sports teams to museums to the military, there doesn’t seem to be a place without one. Learn about as many of these colorful characters as you can in one hour!

Kowai Yo! Demons, Monsters, and Spirits in Japan
Wednesday, May 31
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
The Morikami Museum returns for a lecture on “Kowai Yo! Demons, Monsters, and Sprits in Japan.” Explore the world of yokai, the demons, monsters, and spirits from Japanese folklore as they appear through anime and games.

TEEN IN-PERSON PROGRAMS: No registration is required.

Getting to Know Japan’s Mascots
Tuesday, May 30
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
The Morikami Museum is happy to present “Getting to know Japan’s Mascots.” Japan loves its mascots! From sports teams to museums to the military, there doesn’t seem to be a place without one. Learn about as many of these colorful characters as you can in one hour!

Kowai Yo! Demons, Monsters, and Spirits in Japan
Wednesday, May 31
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
The Morikami Museum returns for a lecture on “Kowai Yo! Demons, Monsters, and Spirits in Japan.” Explore the world of yokai, the demons, monsters, and spirits from Japanese folklore as they appear through anime and games.

CHILDREN IN-PERSON PROGRAMS:

All Things Pokémon
Mondays (no program on Monday, May 29)
4 p.m.– 5 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
Calling all Pokémon trainers! Share your love for Pokémon with other fans! Have fun making themed crafts and playing games together like Pokémon Go! Bring your Pokémon cards to show others and have some friendly battles. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 3:30 PM.

K-Pop Club
Wednesday, May 3
4 p.m.– 5 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
Calling all the K-pop fans in grades 4 – 6! Are you a fan of Blackpink, BTS, StrayKids, and other K-pop groups? Join other K-pop fans to watch music videos, enjoy Korean snacks, and make your own Korean name tag. Dance along with the music videos and practice your Korean skills with Ms. Jin! In-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 3:30 PM.

Family Storytime: Korean-English Bilingual Storytime
Wednesday, May 10
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
Let’s celebrate Asian-Pacific Heritage Month with Korean-English Bilingual Storytime!
For families with children up to 5 years old. Join the Children’s Librarian, Ms. Jin for music and movement, songs, rhymes, art, and, of course, great books in Korean and English. 

For media inquiries, please contact Alyson Seligman at The SBS Agency by calling (561) 602-8558 or emailing alyson@thesbsagency.com.

For more information, please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call the Mandel Public Library at (561) 868-7701 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please call (561) 822-2222 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To learn more, please visit wpb.org.

About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.

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