May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Month, and there will be a host of exciting events you can enjoy here at Spokane Public Library. We’ve followed up these event highlights with some brilliant new titles to check out from our collection. Also be sure to check out more regional celebrations online at the Asians for Collective Liberation website.
- Boba Buddies Presents: Seattle Creative Arts Taiko | Central Library, 3rd Floor, nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall, Friday, May 3rd: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
- Enjoy a Taiko drumming performance and workshop for kids in collaboration with Asians for Collective Liberation! For kids and families, ages elementary school through high school.
- Expo Revival: Searching for Trent Alley - Exhibit and Events with Asians for Collective Liberation | Central Library, 3rd Floor, Saturday, May 4th: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Explore the history of Spokane’s Asian/Asian American community with a presentation, history exhibit, Taiko drums, dance performances and art exhibit. Presented by Asians for Collective Liberation.
- Authentic Indian Yoga | Shadle Park Library, Friday, May 10th: 10am
- Instructor Devika Gates will lead you in an authentic Indian Yoga practice. Wear loose clothing, bring a yoga mat, and come prepared for gentle exercise!
- Resisting Erasure through Storytelling - A Humanities WA Speakers Bureau Event with Putsata Reang | Liberty Park Library, Thursday, May 16th: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- Celebrated author Putsata Reang describes how writing and storytelling are an antidote to shame, discrimination, and erasure in this discussion and writing workshop.
- The Rock in My Throat - An Evening with Kao Kalia Yang and Jiemei Lin | Central Library, 3rd Floor, nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall, Saturday, May 18th: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Join us for an evening of stories with author Kao Kalia Yang and illustrator Jiemei Lin as they share about their new children’s book, The Rock in My Throat.
- Virtual Book Club - No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies by Julian Aguon | Wednesday, May 22nd: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Registration Required)
- In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a book discussion of No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies: A Lyric Essay by Julian Aguon.
- Spokane Taiko Drum Performance | Liberty Park Library, Saturday, May 25th: 11:00am – 12:00pm
- Spokane Taiko, the local, Japanese-style drumming group, will perform and then invite attendees to try out the drums!
- Bhangra and Bollywood Dance Fitness | Liberty Park Library, Sunday, May 26th: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
- This class combines the excitement of Bollywood with the folk of Bhangra. Wear loose clothing and come for a fun and invigorating dance. No experience necessary.
- Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir - Author & Artist Tessa Hulls Converses with Sharma Shields | Liberty Park Library, Tuesday, May 28th: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Seattle writer and illustrator Tessa Hulls converses with Sharma Shields about her lauded new graphic memoir ‘Feeding Ghosts.’ Auntie’s Bookstore will be on hand for book sales.
Book Recommendations
The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha
Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho and Liz Kleinrock
Shining a Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World by Veeda Bybee
Ma and Me: A Memoir by Putsata Reang
Hula: A Novel by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes
Meet me Tonight in Atlantic City: A Memoir by Jane Wong
You Know What You Did: A Novel by KT Nguyen
Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls
Local: A Memoir by Jessica Machado
Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare: Stories by Megan Kamalei Kakimoto
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum, translated by Shanna Tan
Asian American Herbalism: Traditional And Modern Healing Practices For Everyday Wellness by Erin Masako Wilkins
The Chinese Groove: A Novel by Kathryn Ma
Yellowface: A Novel by R.F. Kuang
Memory Piece: A Novel by Lisa Ko
The Bandit Queens: A Novel by Parini Shroff
The Brightest Star: A Novel by Gail Tsukiyama
A Quitter’s Paradise: A Novel by Elysha Chang
Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian In Black And White America by Julia Lee
