Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During May, gain new perspectives on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and its relevance for us today. You can also browse our reading lists.
Past Events
Morning Movie: Spirited Away
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 10:00 am
While traveling to a new home, Chihiro and her parents stumble upon an abandoned amusement park.
After her parents turn into giant pigs, Chihiro learns that they are really in a resort for the supernatural. From legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, this masterpiece won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
2001 -- 125 minutes -- PG for some scary moments -- Anime
Asian Snack Week
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Asian Snack Week
Friday, May 23, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Asian Snack Week
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Learn About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3:00 pm
Let's explore Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage. Drop by to talk, learn more about key moments in history, and engage in an interactive timeline game.
Pages Through History: Fragile Cargo
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 7:00 pm
In 1924, a small group of scholars began the monumental task of cataloging the hundreds of thousands of rare items amassed in the Forbidden City by China's emperors
It is perhaps the greatest collection of Chinese art and antiquities ever assembled, and one never meant to be seen by the public. These scholars moved heaven and earth to save their nation's past from its war-ravaged present, but even they couldn't keep the collection from being permanently split between Beijing and Taipei. Fragile Cargo: The World War Two Race to Save the Treasures of the Forbidden City, by Adam Brookes, is their story.
Find Fragile Cargo in the library catalog.
This is a hybrid event with the option to participate in person or on Zoom. Online participants will receive the Zoom link in their confirmation email.
If you have questions about this event after registration has closed, please email the events team or call the library at 847-673-7774.
Limited to 24 in-person participants.
Asian Snack Week
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Talking Books Discussion Group: Honor
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1:30 pm
Indian American journalist Smita has reluctantly returned to India to cover a story. Long ago, she and her family left the country with no intention of ever coming back.
In this novel by Thrity Umrigar, as Sita follows the case of Meena--a Hindu woman attacked by members of her own village and her own family for marrying a Muslim man--Smita comes face to face with a society where tradition carries more weight than one's own heart, and with a story that threatens to unearth the painful secrets of Smita's own past.
This is a hybrid event with the option to participate on Zoom or by phone. If you wish to participate on Zoom, indicate your interest in the registration form and we will email the Zoom event link and call-in number after registration has closed.
Registration closes at 10 am the day of the event. If you have questions about this event after registration has closed, please email the events team or call the library at 847-673-7774.
Movie Night: Didi
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:30 pm
After watching the film together, share your questions and comments in a discussion with Chris and Sharon.
For his feature film directorial debut, Sean Wang created a tender and funny semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 2008 in Fremont, CA. We meet 13-year-old Didi during the summer before high school. She's learning to navigate adolescence and what things your family can and can’t teach you. Starring Izaac Wang and Joan Chen. Directed by Sean Wang. In English and Mandarin.
2024 -- 91 minutes -- R for language throughout, sexual materials, and drug and alcohol use all involving teens -- Drama
Asian Snack Week
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Books and Bites: Ramen for Everyone
Monday, May 19, 2025, 6:30 pm
Taste some yummy ramen and make a ramen inspired craft to take home while listening to a reading of this lovely book by Patricia Tanumihardja.
For families. Children younger than eight must be accompanied by an adult
Asian Snack Week
Monday, May 19, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
Asian Snack Week
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 4:00 pm
Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture. Drop-in event for grades 6-12.
LitLounge: Hula
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 7:30 pm
Join us as we discuss Jasmin Iolani Hakes's debut novel.
Hula is a sweeping family saga that explores the tragic history of Hawai‘i through the lives of several generations of women in a Native family.
The book can be found in our library catalog as well as digitally on Hoopla.
This discussion is brought to you in partnership with Morton Grove Public Library.
Art Exploration: Ruth Asawa
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 4:30 pm
Explore a new artist and create a project inspired by their work. Learn about Ruth Asawa, a Japanese American artist best known for her abstract wire sculptures.
Children age 6-12 attend independently. Children younger than 8 must have an adult in the library during the event. Adaptive and supportive art tools will be available as needed for projects.
Learn About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 3:00 pm
Let's explore Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage. Drop by to talk, learn more about key moments in history, and engage in an interactive timeline game.
Adventure Club: Kyrgyzstan Homeschool Edition
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1:30 pm
This is a special edition of our popular program designed for children who are homeschooled.
Learn about Kyrgyzstan's culture, traditions, foods, and fun.
Drop-in event for kids age 5-10. Caregivers optional.
Learn Basic Bollywood Dance: Teens
Monday, May 12, 2025, 5:00 pm
Culture in Motion dance studio leads a workshop on basic Bollywood dance steps. No experience necessary! For grades 6-12.
Grounded in having fun and broadening horizons, Bollywood dance blends traditional Indian classical styles with modern, upbeat movements. It lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of India.
Family Movie: The Tiger's Apprentice
Friday, May 9, 2025, 6:30 pm
Tom Lee is surprised to learn that Chinese mythology is real and that his grandmother was sworn to protect humanity by being the guardian of a powerful magical Phoenix stone.
Now he must take her place and Mr. Hu, the Tiger guardian, along with other shapeshifting Zodiac Warriors, are on board to train Tom to fulfill this duty before the stone is used by an evil sorceress.
Featuring the voice talents of Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, and Michelle Yeoh.
2024 -- 84 minutes -- PG for action/violence, thematic elements, some language, and suggestive references -- Animation
Children younger than eight must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 3:00 pm
Let's explore Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage. Drop by to talk, learn more about key moments in history, and engage in an interactive timeline game.