May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an opportunity to explore the stories and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Princeton Public Library has programming and content on AAPI heritage throughout the year but has a particular focus during May.

A resource guide with an overview of the history of AAPI Heritage Month is available at princetonlibrary.org. In addition to programs planned in recognition of the month, the guide features nonfiction and fiction book selections for all ages highlighting the experiences and perspectives of members of the AAPI community.

Programs related to AAPI History Month Include:

Friday, May 5, 4 p.m.: Bhangra dance in the Community Room featuring a performance by Princeton Bhangra and a chance for attendees to participate.

Saturday, May 6, 2 p.m.: A workshop where those 8 and up will learn about the ancient dye-making techniques used by Kalamkari, Phad, Madhubani, and other Indian folk artists and have the opportunity to create a cloth painting of their own.

Tuesday, May 23, 7 p.m.: “Amplifying Asian American and Pacific Islander History,” is an informative session that will explore the influences and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in U.S. history from the 19th through mid-20th centuries. The in-person program will be facilitated by Marianne De Padua, assistant manager of professional learning at the New York Historical Society.

Thursday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.: Master calligrapher Michael Shiue, whose work is on view on the second floor of the library, discusses his art and demonstrates calligraphy techniques in the Community Room followed by a reception and tour of the exhibit on the second floor at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 27: Michael Shiue leads two hands-on calligraphy classes. Youth 10 and up may register for the 11 a.m. class. A 1 p.m. session for adults is also scheduled. Registration is required for both classes.

Also on May 27, the award-winning documentary Who Killed Vincent Chin? will be screened in the Community Room followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Christine Choy.

In addition to programs planned specifically for AAPI Heritage Month, families may also wish to take part in one of the library’s World Language Storytimes. Japanese Stories will be held on May 20 and Bilingual Urdu Stories on May 21 in the third-floor Story Room. Little Panda Storytime, in Mandarin Chinese, will be held virtually on the library’s YouTube channel on May 24.

Learn more at princetonlibrary.org