We have nearly 100 special programs planned for AANHPI Heritage Month! Enjoy arts and crafts, author talks, concerts, film screenings, special exhibits, and so much more.

Here is a selection of our AANHPI Heritage Month programs. Visit the QPL Calendar to see the full list!

Photo Exhibition: Chinese Laborers and the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad (In-Person)

From 1865 to 1869, thousands of Chinese laborers played a vital role in constructing the first transcontinental railroad in the United States, at an astonishing speed and under hazardous working conditions. The completion of this railroad transformed the U.S. transportation and trade industries and had a profound impact on the U.S. economy that can be felt to this day. Join us for this photo exhibit hosted by APAPA New York and Flushing Library.
Exhibition Opening Ceremony: Saturday, May 11, 1pm

May 1-May 31 (during library hours)
Flushing
41-17 Main Street

Chinese Theatre Works Presents Zhong Kui: The Door Deity (In-Person)

All are invited to meet the iconic Chinese character of Zhong Kui in this event that features a blend of giant puppets, Chinese opera, hand puppetry, and visual art! For more than 1,300 years, Zhong Kui has been a mythical deity in Chinese folklore, known for purging evil spirits from people’s homes and public spaces. This program features a historical exploration of Zhong Kui’s cultural prominence in Chinese paintings, folk tales, films and religious sources—culminating in the performance of a Zhong Kui blessing.

Thursday, May 2
3pm
Elmhurst
86-07 Broadway

Saturday, May 4
2pm
Hunters Point
47-40 Center Boulevard

Ba Ban Chinese Music and Dance (In-Person)

Ancient melodies will come to life through this captivating fusion of music and dance! From the world’s earliest known wind instrument, the dizi, to the timeless sounds of the pipa, to the graceful movements of traditional Chinese dance, immerse yourself in the beauty of China’s cultural tapestry during this captivating program.

Thursday, May 2
6pm
Forest Hills
108-19 71 Avenue

Bhangra Dancing with Urban Stages (In-Person)

Join us and learn joyful folk dance from the Punjab region in India and Pakistan! This dance originated in rural areas and was performed to celebrate a good harvest. The signature moves of this folk dance are strong shoulder movements accompanied by big joyful hops, leaps, and arm movements. The music is positive, energetic, and is highlighted by the dhol drum’s infectious beats! A fun interactive program for children of all ages and the whole family. Balle balle!

Saturday, May 4
2pm
Forest Hills
108-19 71 Avenue

Thursday, May 23
4pm
Woodhaven
85-41 Forest Parkway

Wednesday, May 29
3:30pm
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street

Thursday, May 30
4:30pm
Richmond Hill
118-14 Hillside Avenue

Bilingual Mandarin Storytime with Urban Stages (普通话双语故事儿歌会) (In-Person)

Welcome to a storytime in your language! In collaboration with Urban Stages, Queens Public Library is excited to share Mandarin language fun with early learners (ages 0-5) and their families. This program will contain an interactive storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes, intended for bilingual families and curious learners!
欢迎参加普通话故事儿歌会！表演教育者Susie非常高兴能与宝宝和家人们分享学习普通话的乐趣。每次的活动内容包括肢体运动，音乐和故事。欢迎双语家庭和有兴趣的人群参与。（年龄 0-5岁）

Monday, May 6
10:45am
North Hills
57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck

Wednesday, May 8
10:30am
Bayside
214-20 Northern Boulevard

Wednesdays, May 15, 22, 29
10:30am
Briarwood
85-12 Main Street

Wednesday, May 15
11:30am
Howard Beach
92-06 156 Avenue

Thursday, May 16
3pm
McGoldrick
155-06 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing

Friday, May 17
10:30am
Langston Hughes
100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona

Monday, May 20
10:30am
Poppenhusen
121-23 14 Avenue, College Point

Tuesday, May 28
3pm
North Forest Park
98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills

International Shadow Theatre Presented by Chinese Theatre Works (In-Person)

Chinese Theatre Works will bring us their shadow puppet collection from all over the world, especially from China and the United States! They will discuss the history behind these artistic creations and how they are made, and will give the audience an opportunity to learn simple movements that bring this enchanting world to life.

Monday, May 6
3pm
Woodside
54-22 Skillman Avenue

Wednesday, May 15
4:30pm
South Jamaica
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica

Friday, May 17
2pm
Seaside
116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park

Saturday, May 18
3pm
Ozone Park
92-24 Rockaway Boulevard

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration with Urban Stages (In-Person)

QPL and Urban Stages invite early learners (ages 0-5) and their families to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday. Originally a commemoration of the ancient poet Qu Yuan, the festival now consists of boat racing, special foods, and being together with family. During this program, we’ll explore the holiday by learning songs and stories, dancing like we’re rowing dragon boats ourselves, and with a simple collective craft. Everyone will learn a few words in Mandarin too!

Wednesday, May 8
10:30am
Long Island City
37-44 21 Street

Monday, May 13
11am
Corona
38-23 104 Street

Wednesday, May 15
4pm
Flushing
41-17 Main Street

Thursday, May 16
6pm
Peninsula
92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach

Monday, May 20
11am
Ridgewood
20-12 Madison Street

Monday, May 20
4pm
Kew Gardens Hills
72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing

Wednesday, May 22
10:30am
Bellerose
250-06 Hillside Avenue

Wednesday, May 29
10:30am
East Elmhurst
95-06 Astoria Boulevard

Korean Dance and Music with the Korean Traditional Music and Dance Center (In-Person)

The Korean Traditional Music and Dance Center of New York is excited to showcase a captivating fusion of Korean beauty and rhythm through elegant gestures, exquisite costumes, and dynamic beats. Join us for a traditional performance where you can immerse yourself in Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Thursday, May 9
3pm
Bayside
214-20 Northern Boulevard  

Literary Thursdays: Jami Nakamura Lin, Author of The Night Parade (Virtual)

In this genre-bending speculative memoir, Jami Nakamura Lin explores the monsters, spirits, and creatures of Japanese, Taiwanese, and Okinawan folklore to better understand her bipolar disorder, her ancestry, the death of her father, and the birth of her child. The Night Parade also features incredible illustrations by Jami’s sister, Cori Nakamura Lin.
Join us on Microsoft Teams: queenslib.org/3JfKEU

Thursday, May 9
6pm

The Evolution and Journey of Vietnamese Cuisine (Virtual)

Join us and Katherine Thuy Tien Hung for this special celebration of Vietnamese culture. Learn about the history of Vietnamese cuisine, as well as the recipe for Bò Lá Lốt (grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves). We hope to see you there!
Join us on Zoom: queenslib.org/3TabC4c
Passcode: 726386

Saturday, May 11
2pm

Experiencing Indonesia (In-Person)

Learn about the art and culture of Indonesia, from dance performances to spices! Afterwards, the audience will have an opportunity to learn some basic movements of Indonesian dance, in addition to handling some traditional instruments like the gong, tambourine, and suling (flute).

Wednesday, May 15
11am
St. Albans
191-05 Linden Boulevard

Thursday, May 23
6pm
Queens Village
94-11 217 Street

Soh Young and Friends Celebration Concert (In-Person & Virtual)

Join us as Korean soprano and award-winning artist Soh Young, pianist Ann Zalkind, and guitarist/composer Jesse Choy perform popular music from different lands! This is a live presentation with the option to join virtually. This program is funded by a grant from the Starr Foundation.

Join us on Zoom: queenslib.org/3xdrSd6
Meeting ID: 873 1682 9965
Passcode: 0515

Wednesday, May 15
6pm
Flushing
41-17 Main Street

Lines of Creation: A Drawing Odyssey with Ernest Concepcion (Virtual)

Step into the captivating realm of drawing and comics with the dynamic guidance of acclaimed artist Ernest Concepcion! This transformative workshop is a gateway to unlocking your creative potential. Ernest seamlessly combines traditional and contemporary techniques to teach both the fundamentals of drawing and the art of sequential storytelling. Join him on this captivating journey, where creativity knows no limits.
Join us on Zoom: queenslib.org/3vSaA

Thursday, May 16
4pm

Literary Thursdays: Ed Park, Author of Same Bed Different Dreams (Virtual)

Ed Park’s second novel weaves together three distinct narrative voices with an archive of mysterious images, and twists reality like a kaleidoscope. Korean history, American pop culture, and our tech-fraught lives come together in this extraordinary and unforgettable book, winner of the 2024 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction and named one of the best books of 2023 by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and many others.
Join us on Microsoft Teams: queenslib.org/3xwqnXO

Thursday, May 16
7pm

Chinese Music Appreciation Workshop (In-Person)

Discover the rich and diverse world of traditional Chinese music with these interactive workshops led by Zhou Yi and Yimin Miao from the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of these instruments and various musical pieces, and you can even try playing some of them!

Friday, May 17
4pm
Douglaston/Little Neck
249-01 Northern Boulevard

Wednesday, May 22
4pm
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike

Thursday, May 23
4pm
Whitestone
151-10 14 Road

Friday, May 31
4pm
Fresh Meadows
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway

Journal Writing for Teens (In-Person)

We will be reflecting on AANHPI culture and contributions to the world, while expanding our knowledge and understanding. We look forward to writing with you!

Tuesday, May 21
3pm
Forest Hills
108-19 71 Avenue

Entry to Earthsea Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club (Virtual)

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, the Entry to Earthsea Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club’s May selection is The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu. We hope to see you there!
Join us on Zoom: queenslib.org/3Tq29XA
Passcode: 666595

Tuesday, May 28
5:30pm

Dance and Music Show with Chinese Theatre Works (In-Person)

Presenting “Dance, Music, and Song from China,” artists from Chinese Theatre Works will bring us an interactive performance that includes ribbon dancing, teaching kids songs, and introducing them to the guzheng (a traditional 21-string Chinese instrument)! This program is best for children ages 6-12 and their families.

Thursday, May 30
4pm
Douglaston/Little Neck
249-01 Northern Boulevard

Literary Thursdays: Eve J. Chung, Author of Daughters of Shandong (Virtual)

Eve J. Chung will discuss her extraordinary debut novel, based on her family story about a mother and her daughters and their harrowing escape to Taiwan as the Communist revolution sweeps through China.
Join us on Microsoft Teams: queenslib.org/3TRzF8

Thursday, May 30
6pm