Ways to Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month

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Blog by Kristen Hubbard
Illustration of red flowers with golden pollen floating on water with gentle ripples. Orange top and bottom border. Text: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It's a time to recognize and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities across the United States. It's also an opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate together—with your community and your library card.

We'll share information about AANHPI Heritage Month and ways to celebrate with us, including a book giveaway, special events, title recommendations, and featured eResources.

What is AANHPI Heritage Month?

AANHPI Heritage Month is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role the AANHPI community has played in American history—and continues to play today.

Why May?

May was chosen to honor two important milestones:

  • May 7, 1843: The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States.
  • May 10, 1869: The transcontinental railroad was completed, largely through the labor of Chinese immigrants.

A Brief History

  • 1977: Asian-Pacific Heritage Week was first proposed in Congress.
  • 1978: The recognition was signed into law.
  • 1992: The celebration expanded into a full month.
  • 2009: The name changed to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
  • 2021: It became AANHPI Heritage Month, recognizing the unique identities of Native Hawaiians alongside Asian Americans and other Pacific Islanders.

Understanding the AANHPI Community

The AANHPI community is made up of culturally and linguistically diverse groups from:

  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Polynesia
  • Melanesia
  • Micronesia
  • U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

While the term "AANHPI" is intended to be inclusive, it can sometimes obscure the unique identities of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) communities. Asian Americans are often centered in AANHPI spaces and conversations, which can unintentionally overshadow and marginalize NH/PI voices.

It's important to recognize that Asian American and NH/PI communities experience different challenges, struggles, and needs. Native Hawaiians, in particular, hold a distinct place within the United States, shaped by the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the complex history of annexation and statehood.

Although it is crucial to recognize and honor the histories and contributions of specific individuals and groups, AANHPI Heritage Month serves as a time to listen, share, and learn together as we celebrate how our diversity continues to enrich this country, and as we create a more inclusive, equitable, and just place for all.

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with AC Library

We invite you to join us throughout May with special a book giveaway, events, title recommendations, and featured eResources.

Pick up a Free Book

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, Alameda County Library is giving away books for all ages to take and keep. Visit any AC Library location to pick up your free book. Available while supplies last.

Attend Events and Programs

More Events

Explore Book Lists

Celebrate AANHPI voices and experiences with these staff-curated lists:

AANHPI Perspectives




View Full List

AANHPI Graphic Novels




View Full List

Check Out Our eResources

Your library card gives you free access to online resources that highlight AANHPI communities:

  • Asian Life in America: Explore over 35 million newspaper articles and personal stories about Asian American life from 1704 to today.
  • Ethnic Diversity Source: Find articles, books, and videos about the experiences and traditions of different ethnic groups in America, including AANHPI communities.
  • My China Roots: Learn about your Chinese ancestry with access to family trees, historical records, and old photos.
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