Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In 1992, members of the U.S. Congress set aside an entire month to remember and celebrate the contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have made to American society and culture throughout history. 

"The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants." (AsianPacificHeritage.gov, opens a new window).

Sno-Isle Libraries welcomes you to explore resources and events by, for, and featuring Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Library Events

• Craft Sampling: Sashiko Sewing – Join us at the Lake Stevens Library on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM for an introduction to Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique. Participants will create a small coaster using the basic running stitch. All materials are provided. Registration is required.
• 한국어 스토리타임 Korean Storytime , opens a new window – Join us at the Mountlake Terrace Library on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM for a special storytime featuring books, songs, and activities in Korean. 어린이와 가족을 위한 한국어 스토리타임에 참여하세요! 이야기, 노래, 운율과 창의적인 활동을 한국어로 즐기고 책읽는 재미를 맛보세요. 놀이 시간과 미술 활동이 이어집니다.
• Let's Live A.L.O.H.A. – Join local author Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell at the Marysville Library on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM for a reading of her new book, Let's Live ALOHA!. Discover life lessons through the acronym A.L.O.H.A. (Ask-Listen-Observe-Heart-Adapt), emphasizing empathy and adaptability. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages.
• AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with LQ Lion Dance – Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Lynnwood Library on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, with a vibrant lion dance performance by LQ Lion Dance. This event is presented in collaboration with the City of Lynnwood's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
• 日本語ファミリーストーリータイム　Japanese Family Storytime , opens a new window –Join us at the Mukilteo Library on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a special storytime featuring books, songs, and activities in Japanese. 日本語の絵本を読み、うたを歌い、たのしいアクティビティを通して、ご家族で日本の文化を体験しましょう！
• Spring Rolls – Join us at the Sultan Library on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM for a hands-on culinary workshop where you'll learn to make fresh spring rolls. This event is open to adults and teens. Registration is required.

Community Events

• Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration – Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at the Seattle Center’s Armory Food & Event Hall on May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This free, family-friendly Festál event features cultural performances, food vendors, children's activities, and more.
• AAPI Heritage Festival – Join us at Terrace Park Elementary School in Mountlake Terrace on May 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Enjoy cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and community resource booths. This free event is hosted by the City of Mountlake Terrace's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
• APIDA Heritage Month at Western Washington University – Throughout May 2025, Western Washington University honors Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month with a series of events celebrating the identities, experiences, and cultures of APIDA communities. Programming includes guest lectures, community discussions, cultural celebrations, and more, all aimed at fostering awareness, appreciation, and connection.​