Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific Resource Center Events

The Asian Pacific Resource Center at Rosemead Library strives to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures that form Los Angeles County. It supports programs and book discussions that elebrate and explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Join us to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Date	Location
Tue, May 8, 6:30 PM @ Montebello Library	BOOK Club Discussion of 'Farewell to Manzanar' Join us for an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month book discussion of Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's "Farewell to Manzanar."  This year marks the 70th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 which led to the incarceration of Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II.  "Farewell to Manzanar," is the true story of one family's attempt to survive those times.  This California Reads program is made possible with support from Cal Humanities in partnership with California Center for the Book.  Hosted by the Asian Pacific Resource Center.
Thu, May 10, 3:00 PM @ Rosemead Library	Origami Cards and Flowers Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Create origami flowers and cards for mother's day.  All materials will be provided.
Wed, May 16, 6:30 PM @ Gardena Mayme Dear Library	BOOK Club Discussion of 'Farewell to Manzanar' Join us for an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month book discussion of "Farewell to Manzanar," by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.  This year marks the 70th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 which led to the incarceration Americans of Japanese Ancestry during World War II.  This California Reads program is made possible with support from Cal Humanities in partnership with California Center for the Book.  Hosted by the Asian Pacific Resource Center.
Sat, May 19, 2:00 PM @ Rosemead Library	Dances from China  The America Chinese Dance Association will present dances from the many regions of China in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Thu, May 24, 6:30 PM @ Rosemead Library	BOOK Club Discussion of 'Farewell to Manzanar' This year is the 70th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 which led to the incarceration of Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II.   Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's "Farewell to Manzanar," is the true story of her family's attempt to survive the internment.   Join us for an Asian Pacific Heritage Month book discussion co-sponsored by Cal Humanities, California Center of the Book, and California Reads.

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History of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is observed nationally to recognize the contributions that people of Asian and Pacific heritage made to American culture. President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring May 4-10, 1979, as the first Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed an extension changing Asian Pacific Heritage Week to a month-long observance. It is celebrated in May to acknowledge the first Japanese immigrants to the United States who arrived May 7, 1843.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Japanese Gardens in the County of Los Angeles Public Library
• What can you tell me about the history of Japanese Americans in Gardena?
• 2011 Census Facts
• Chinese New Year
• Notable Asian Americans

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Reading Lists

• Asian American and Asian Authors
• Asian Pacific American Authors
• Explore Food & Cooking
• Films at the Asian Pacific Resource Center
• Hawaii and Samoa Titles
• Chanoyu: The Japanese Tea Ceremony

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Additional Information

Ethnic Newspapers

• Chinese Daily News - Chinese language newspaper, also known as the World Journal
• International Daily News - Chinese language newspaper, launched in Monterey Park in 1981
• The Korea Daily - Korean Language newspaper
• The Korea Times - Korean Language newspaper
• Nguoi Viet Daily News - The first Vietnamese language newspaper published in the United States, began in 1978
• Rafu Shimpo - Japanese-English newspaper based in Little Tokyo
• Singtao Daily - Chinese language newspaper founded in Hong Kong in 1938
• Vien Dông Daily News - Vietnamese language newspaper published in the Little Saigon neighborhood of Westminster, CA

Museums

• Pacific Asia Museum - The Pacific Asian Museum contains examples of art and artifacts from Asia and the Pacific Islands, spanning a period of five thousand years.
• Japanese American National Museum - The Japanese American National Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans with Japanese ancestry.
• Chinese American Museum - The mission of the Chinese American Museum is to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Chinese Americans.
• Korean American Museum - The Korean American Museum is dedicated to increasing the understanding of the Korean American experience.

Other Sites

• FDA Los Angeles District, Asian Pacific Islanders Women's Health - This multi-lingual site offers information in several languages to help Asian Pacific Islander women with health related topics.
• Library of Congress, Asian Reading Room - With over 2.8 million books, it is one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian language materials outside of Asia.
• Famous Firsts by Asian Americans - Site lists Asian American firsts from government, entertainment and the sciences.

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