APA Heritage Month

Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
May 1-31 (all ages)
SCLSNJ’s Warren Twp. Library branch, located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren Twp.
Stop in the library during the month of May and be a part of the celebration. This month-long program includes displays, crafts, and other activities. No registration.

Chinese Food and Culture (all ages)
May 24, 6-7 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill
Explore the world of Chinese culture through food. Presented by Good Good Study (GGS) Learning School. Registration required.

Duanwu Festival (all ages)
May 24, 7-8 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough
Travel back two thousand years to find out why and how the Chinese celebrate this holiday. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional holiday that originated in China. Hear the story of the Dragon Boat Festival, see a traditional Chinese dance, and make a sachet called Xiang-bao. This program is presented by Ying Zhang. Registration required.

Polynesian Luau presented by Pacific Rhythm (all ages)
May 31, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater
Pacific Rhythm will take us on a journey around the Polynesian islands. Pacific Rhythm is a family-owned and operated Polynesian dance group. The performance will include traditional Polynesian dances with authentic costumes, a coconut cracking demonstration, and even a Samoan Fireknife dance demonstration (weather permitting). Sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgewater Library. No registration.

Heroes in Chinese History (grades K-6)
May 1, 5-6 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill
Good Good Study (GGS) Learning School provides an interactive presentation on famous figures in Chinese culture. There will be acting, food, crafts, and more. Registration required.

Paper Lanterns (grades K-4)
May 16, 3:30-4 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Manville Library branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville
Make a colorful paper lantern to celebrate Asian culture. Registration required.

Learn Calligraphy (grades 6-12)
May 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Somerville branch, located 35 West End Ave in Somerville
Learn the ancient art of calligraphy as we celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. No prior experience is necessary. Registration required.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival (grades 5-12)
May 16, 7-8 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough
Experience different cultures through the traditions, food, and art of local Asian/Pacific American teens. Get hands-on experiences creating freestyle mandalas, tips and tricks of applying henna, folding origami, tasting food, and more. No registration.

Asian Tea Experience: China and Japan (adults)
May 19, 3-4 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield
Food Historian and Certified Tea Specialist Judith Krall-Russo will lecture on the unique tea preparation of both countries. Registration required.

Modular Origami (teens and adults)
May 23, 7-8 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Memorial Library branch, located at 402 East High Street in Bound Brook
Learn the mathematics behind origami and create a modular origami structure. Presented by Jacqueline Lee. Registration required.

Learn About Henna (adults)
May 26, 2-3 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater
Professional henna artist Maliha Merchant will demonstrate the uses of henna by doing a small flower henna demonstration. Patrons will be given their own henna to practice the ancient art. Registration Required.