SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) invites residents of all ages to join in celebrating the arts, culture, and stories of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community that resides in Saint Paul with events at local libraries all month long.
“At Saint Paul Public Library, we believe libraries are spaces where everyone in our community can see themselves reflected and celebrated,” said Gao Yang, SPPL’s Community Partnerships and Programs Coordinator. "Join us for programs all month long created by the AAPI community to celebrate and share the diversity and richness of AAPI cultures, from weaving to writing to comedy."
The events are free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
Our Favorite Stories with Theatre Mu: Families can first enjoy tales from across the AAPI diaspora that include precious memories from the artists’ childhoods, then dive into creativity to tell new stories with activities such as costume design, movement, props or puppets.
- May 13 and May 27, 11 a.m.-noon at George Latimer Central Library, 90 4th Street West
Aloha Storytime with Ms. Rose Oyamot: Families are invited to sing along with Ms. Rose and her ukulele to explore interactive songs featuring Hawaiian language and culture.
- May 16, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway
- May 24, 10:30-11:15 a.m., West 7th Library, 265 Oneida Street
An Evening with Dr. Soua Lee, Author of “The Fifth Wife: A Memoir of Hope, Love, and Faith” and Former Miss Minnesota 2020, Padee Yang: Hmong author Soua Lee and former Miss Minnesota 2020 Padee Yang will discuss the themes in Lee’s debut novel and the importance of capturing Hmong women’s voices in literature and stories. Light appetizers, drinks, and a book signing will be included.
- May 17, 6-7 p.m., Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Avenue
K’Nyaw Storytime & Crafts: St. Paul-based author Remona Htoo presents an engaging storytime in both K’Nyaw and English with a fun craft to follow.
- May 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Arlington Hills Library, 1200 Payne Avenue
Tae Kwon Do Storytime: Local author, Cristina Oxtra, will read from her book, Tae Kwon Do Test, followed by a Tae Kwon Do demonstration and activities.
- May 20, 3-4 p.m., Saint Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Avenue
The Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) Comedy Variety Show: Participants will enjoy an afternoon of interactive audience fun where they'll learn about the juicy parts of Asian American history and culture. Part-game show, part-variety show, all comedy. Recommended for 18+.
- May 21, 3-4 p.m., George Latimer Central Library, 90 4th Street West
Storytime and Craft with HmongBaby!: Families with young children can enjoy an interative storytime in Hmong and English with Local author Julie from Hmongbaby. A craft will follow the storytime
- May 24, 6:30-7:15 p.m., Hayden Heights Library, 1456 White Bear Avenue
Visit the calendar of events for more information. The SPPL’s AAPI programming is made possible by Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Funds.
