In 2025, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) will celebrate four decades of service to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” honors the hard work of leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity. SLPL embraces “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience” as both a tribute and a call to action, and we add to it with our focus on traditions and tastes. We honor the achievements of those who have paved the way while igniting the passions of those who will follow. Through this theme, we strive to honor tradition, nourish our community and inspire the next generation.
For more information and to register for programs, please visit the events calendar at slpl.org. All programs are subject to change to a virtual format.
BUDER IN BLOOM / May 3 / 10 a.m.-Noon / Buder Library
Watch Kamishibai, a Japanese storytelling tradition and do Origami with The Japanese American Society of St. Louis! Create a Koi fi sh wind sock with the Missouri Botanical Garden and learn about the Koi fish that live in their Japanese Garden. Hear from Gateway Urdu with fun facts about Pakistan and
practice your calligraphy skills! All Ages
Traditions:
A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience among AANHPI Communities By highlighting traditional arts, storytelling and customs, SLPL honors the resilience of these practices that have been passed down through generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that shapes leadership and identity today.
MOVIE MATINEE: “TURNING RED” / May 3 / 10 a.m. / Schlafly Library
Join us for a screening featuring a thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee who turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. PG / 1hr 40min Kids, Teens
QIGONG AT THE LIBRARY /May 5, 12 & 19 / 10 a.m. / Central Library
Join Certified Level 1 instructor of Zhineng Qigong Melanie Galli for Qigong. Qigong is a 5,000-year-old system which originated in China that cultivates vital
life force energy (qi) bringing body, mind and spirit into health and balance. Dress comfortably. Adults
TEEN ORIGAMI CHALLENGE / May 5 / 3:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Test your paper folding skill with 5 Origami challenges. Learn about Japan, the history of Origami paper folding and enjoy some Japanese snacks. Teens
CARPENTER IN RETROGRADE: SURVEYING THE HAWAIIAN LUNAR CALENDAR (NA KAULANA MAHINA) WITH BRANDELLE MANINI /May 14 / 6 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Join Brandelle Manini to learn about Hawaiian history and the Lunar calendar and how to let the moon provide a renewed sense of rhythm in their lives. Attendees will receive a Mahina workbook, while supplies last. Registration is recommended. Adults
LOST CHINATOWN AND INSIGHTS TO ST. LOUIS CHINESE AMERICAN HISTORY / May 17 / 1 p.m. / Central Library
Explore the rich history of St. Louis’ Lost Chinatown and the Chinese Americans who have shaped our region since as early as 1857. Join Peter Tao for a captivating presentation that uncovers this often-overlooked part of our local heritage. Adults
CELEBRATING THE WORK OF KOYOHARU GOTOUGE: DEMON SLAYER TOURNAMENT AND ANIME GLASS PAINTING / May 19 / 4 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Join us in celebration of the work of Koyoharu Gotouge by battling it out in our Demon Slayer video game tournament, creating a custom Demon Slayer glass painting or both! Registration required. Teens
EXPLORING ORIGAMI / May 24 / 1 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Discover the art of origami and its surprising influence on the world! From theatre and medicine to engineering and technology, origami plays a role in many fields beyond paper folding. Kids, Teens
FAMILY ART: DOT PAINTING / May 28 / 6 p.m. / Central Library
Learn about famous contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and her iconic use of bold colors and polka dots. Then create your own work of art inspired by Yayoi. All supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids, Teens
“THE BLOCK MANAGER: A TRUE STORY OF LOVE IN THE MIDST OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMP” /May 31 / 1 p.m. / Buder Library
Discussion with author Judy Mundle about Janice Hattori Koizumi and their forty-year friendship. Janet (Janice), an American-born child of Japanese immigrants, and her family were forced into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Book available to purchase with cash or check. Adults
TASTES:
Legacy of Leadership and Resilience in AANHPI Foodways In St. Louis, as in much of the U.S., AANHPI cuisine reflects the theme of “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” Dishes like Kimbap and tea ceremonies embody stories of migration, adaptation and survival, preserving culinary traditions through adversity. AANHPI food has also been a symbol of resistance during struggles such as Japanese American internment and the fight for civil rights, fostering resilience and defiance.
MAKE YOUR OWN FRESH SPRING ROLLS / May 5 / 6:30 p.m. / Cabanne Library
Learn about the history of fresh spring rolls and make some to try. If the program is full, participants are welcome to come and observe. Registration required. Adults
ANIME SNACK CHALLENGE & VIDEO GAMES / May 6 & 13 / 3:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Play Anime-themed video games on the Playstation 5 and test your skills in a chopsticks challenge, while enjoying Japanese and Korean snacks. Teens
KIMBAP COOKING CLASS: LEARN TO MAKE KOREAN SEAWEED RICE ROLLS / May 17 / 1 p.m. / Schlafly Library / May 21 / 5:30 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Join us for a hands-on demo from the the Gateway Korea Foundation on the making of kimbap. Ingredients and rolling mats will be provided! Registration required. Adults, Teens
BOBA TEA MAKING / May 19 / 6 p.m. / Divoll Library
Join us for a hands-on DIY Boba Tea making class where you’ll learn how to make boba pearls from scratch. Afterward, create a delicious drink using pre made pearls while discovering the history behind this popular beverage. Registration required. Adults, Teens
SENSE OF TEA: TEA CEREMONY & TASTING / May 19 / 5 p.m. / Barr Library
Join The Friends of Taiwan-Greater St. Louis to learn the traditions of tea from different cultures, including a tasting of teas from Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Kenya. Participants will learn about the resilience, rituals and flavors of tea. Registration required. Adults
TEACUP DECORATING / May 19 / 6:30 p.m. / Barr Library
Join us in Creative Experience to decorate your own teacup to take home with you. Registration required. Adults
MYTHS & MORSELS: SOUTH KOREA / June 5 / 6 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Learn about some of the remarkable creatures and beasts that appear in myths and folklore from South Korea while tasting a variety of treats from the
region. Adults