West LA Times

The Santa Monica Public Library is gearing up to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout the month of May. The library will be showcasing the rich and diverse contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent through various displays, book lists, and special events.

One of the highlighted events at the Main Library on Santa Monica Blvd. is on May 11 at 2 p.m. Filmmaker Brian Tadashi Maeda will screen his award-winning feature documentary, "We Said No! No!: A Story of Civil Disobedience," which tells the story of Japanese Americans who refused to say "yes" to the Loyalty Questionnaire. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the cast and crew.

On May 25 at 2 p.m., authors Katie Gee Salisbury and Jeff Yang will discuss "Anna May Wong and the Golden Age of Asian American Cinema," along with other underappreciated Asian American pioneers of early Hollywood. Filmmaker and author Arthur Dong will moderate the conversation, with a book sale and signing to follow.

Apart from these events, the library offers a range of opportunities to learn about the AAPI community, including displays of books and DVDs for all ages, curated book lists on AAPI history and culture, and titles by AAPI authors. In addition, there are Staff Picks for various age groups and books by AAPI authors translated into Spanish.

Outside of the library, there are other events in Santa Monica to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. This includes the "Moon & Stars: Los Angeles Asian Women in Art" exhibition at the bG Gallery at Bergamot Station, featuring contemporary Asian women artists. Special events at the gallery will include an opening reception on May 4 and an AAPI Cultural Celebration Day on May 18.

Furthermore, various events around the city will be celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, such as comedy shows, intimate narrative performances, a circus show, and the Santa Monica College APIDA Night Market.

The Santa Monica City Council will also be involved in the celebrations by presenting a proclamation declaring May as AAPI Heritage Month to Sung-Hee Son, the curator of the Moon & Stars exhibit at bG Gallery. The proclamation will take place on May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, with the option to view the livestream on the city’s YouTube channel.

Overall, the Santa Monica Public Library and the city as a whole are coming together to honor and recognize the contributions and heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community throughout the month of May.