The Bellingham Public Library celebrates Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Month with books, films and more that feature APIDA authors, characters, and experiences. Library staff have great recommendations and lists to get you started.
Included in APIDA Month celebrations are people from all of the countries located on the Asian continent, India, and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
APIDA Books for Adults
Bellingham Public Library has poetry, biographies, fiction, graphic novels, manga and anime, and much more. Library staff are happy to help you find what you’re looking for on our shelves or from another location. Many titles are also available as eBooks and eAudiobooks accessible on your personal device.
BPL’s Adult and Public Services Librarians have also put together a great list of recommendations for APIDA Month:
Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences Book List
Adult Nonfiction
Library Staff Recommend:
Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s first South Asian Star by Mayukh Sen
“Merle Oberon, nominated for an Oscar in 1936, explained her unusual looks by claiming French-Irish descent. She also told reporters that she had been born in Tasmania, which was, in 1936, remote enough to block further investigation. This was all untrue. She was born in India, and raised by her grandmother, a Sinhalese woman from Sri Lanka. Her transformation from an impoverished girl in Kolkata to a ravishingly beautiful Hollywood star is meticulously documented by the award-winning journalist Mayukh Sen.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Detours: A Decolonial Guide to Hawai’i edited by Hokulani Aikau and Vernadette Vicuña Gonzalez
“These essays by Indigenous and Native Hawai’ians provide a problematic tourist’s guide that pushes back against the image of a paradise designed for the pleasure of haole visitors. This sounds like a depressing read, but most of it is not. The intimate knowledge of landscape and history, and the pride and love these authors have for their home, increased my fascination with these wonderful places. I especially recommend ‘Fantasy Island’, about the island that now belongs to Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh
“Koh writes stunning prose reflecting on her childhood & early adulthood, and scatters translations of her mother’s letters from Korea throughout the work. Mother-daughter dynamics, language barriers, forgiveness and reconciliation are all prominent themes in this gem!”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan
“Jessica Pan, who is an introvert, writes about the year she challenged herself to be more extroverted. She does a great job at articulating her experiences and reactions to the different parts of her challenge. As an introvert myself I found the ways Pan stepped outside of her comfort zone intimidating and inspiring.”
Marissa, Public Services Clerk
The Golden Screen: the Movies that Made Asian America by Jeff Yang
“With thoughtful, accessible presentation, Jeff Yang documents often overlooked Asian American cinema from the pre-Golden Age to the present with depth that honor both the known and the forgotten.”
– Rob, Public Services Librarian
Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency by Chen Chen
“Chen Chen examines inheritance, trauma (both generational and our own), and spirit in this deeply human collection of poetry; attempting to distill at least one facet of the author’s experience as a queer Chinese-American man in the tumultuous modern era.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Grave on the Wall by Brandon Shimoda
“Poet Shimoda traces his grandfather’s fascinating history through vignettes and historical documents relating to his internment during World War II. A moving meditation on silence and loss.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Sea People: the Puzzle of Polynesia by Christina Thompson
“This book is is packed with information, theories and legends about the staggering distances traveled by Polynesian seafarers. The greatest story, for me, was about Tupaia, an 18th century navigator who got on a boat in Tahiti, sailed 2,500 miles to Aotearoa, and spoke Tahitian to the Maori warriors standing on the beach. They understood him perfectly. Sadly, the boat he was on was Captain Cook’s Endeavor, but it’s still a great story.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
The Sunflower Cast A Spell To Save Us From The Void by Jackie Wang
“Wang’s poetry collection reads like a dream journal- seemingly nonsensical storytelling, unlikely concepts and relationships intersecting to reveal a vast, complex inner world.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Adult Fiction
Library Staff Recommend:
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
“This fascinating book of historical and future fiction takes you through eight matrilineal generations following the arrival of Afong Moy, known as the first woman to immigrate from China to the U.S. Through the interwoven stories of Afong Moy and her descendants, we learn how inherited trauma of ancestors can impact the lives of their descendants at the cellular level. The action all leads up to one woman’s attempt to change the outcomes for her daughter.”
– Miranda, Library Events Coordinator
Superman Smashes the Klan by Eugene Luen Yang (Graphic Novel)
“This is just such an exceptionally well done story. Yang creates such wonderful complexity for Superman and his situation as an alien on earth. There are so many great points about representation in media, the demands of assimilation, and the lies perpetuated by racism. The story is a lot of fun, and the characters are easy to root for. And of course there is the promised smashing of the Klan by Superman, which happens multiple times and is quite satisfying.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
“A powerful, achingly painful, and beautifully written story that demonstrates how much the connection and kindness of friendship and family can turn the tide of despair when all that is good in life seems lost.”
– Jenni, Community Relations Specialist
Mammoths at the Gate by Nghi Vo
“This is the fourth installment in the Sinning Hills Cycle, and I can’t get enough of Cleric Chih and their adventures deciphering myth from truth.” Recommended for ages 16 +
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
APIDA Books for Teens
Check out this great list of APIDA materials for young adults and visit us in person to browse our displays!
APIDA Selections for Young Adults
Library Staff Recommend:
“This book flips the miscommunication trope right on its head. Every time it looks like there’s going to be a frustrating miscommunication, there isn’t. Oh, is there about to be a tragic misunderstanding—no, there’s not, they’re going to work it out and everything is going to be fine. These adorable kdrama teens are going to be open and supportive with each other through the whole story. It’s wholesome and wonderful and I loved it.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and Leuyen Pham
“This graphic novel is beautiful in so many different ways. Valentina is struggling with learning family secrets and figuring out where she stands on love. Will she ever find love or is she cursed to never find love like she’s told? I loved this book from beginning to end, plus I share the same name as a character in the book! 😊” Recommended for ages 13 and up
– Bernice, Children’s Librarian
A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee.
“The worldbuilding is rich and the characters are fun and exciting in Traci Chee’s Japanese-inspired fantasy adventure! When Miuko, a girl with a too-loud voice, finds herself transforming slowly into a demon with a killer touch, she leaves on a quest to reverse her curse and return to her normal human life. But is normal really what she wants, when her dangerous new existence is surprisingly full?”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
“With lush, almost dreamlike prose and vibrant imagery, Axie Oh’s retelling of Korean folklore is a stunning historical fantasy full of wonder. A descent beneath the waves brings Mina into the strange, dangerous spirit world in an attempt to break the curse on her village and appease the Sea God as his ill-fated bride. But things in the spirit world aren’t what she expected, and the allies she makes aren’t always what they seem. Perfect for more romantic fans of movies like Spirited Away.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
“Less giant robots punching giant monsters this time. Way more political maneuvering and intrigue. Still absolutely seething with feminist rage. An excellent follow up to Iron Widow. It felt like a different genre from the first book, but was just as good.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
APIDA Books for Children
So many great books to read and stories to hear! Our staff have compiled two great lists of APIDA books to get you started. Visit the Children’s Department at the Bellingham Public Library to find these great titles and more.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices: Picturebooks
Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices
Library Staff Recommend:
“Do you ever ponder about plants? Let your curiosity bloom as you explore many floras with the bright siblings in this story.” Recommended for ages 3 +
– Ali, Children’s Librarian
Luna’s Yum Yum Dim Sum by Natasha Yim
“Luna’s Yum Yum Dim Sum is a clever picture book about culture, food, and math!” Recommended for ages 3-7
– Mandee, Children’s Programming Specialist
Tokyo Night Parade by J.P. Takahashi
“A sweet, vivid picture book about belonging, home, and friendship featuring Eka, a new immigrant to New York coming back to visit Tokyo for the Night of One Hundred Demons and all her yokai friends that she loves so much.” Recommended for ages 4-8
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho and Liz Kleinrock and illustrated by Dung Ho
“Another gorgeous collaboration between Joanna Ho and Dung Ho! This is a beautiful story about adoption, heritage, and building family.” Recommended for ages 4 +
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George
“Brimming with love for nature and Hawaiian tradition, this book transported me to a land of lush flowers, music, and mythology.” Recommended for ages 4 +
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
“Lovers of linguistics, Chinese history, and great stories will adore this magical adventure in which Chinese characters come to life!” Recommended for ages 4 +
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa
“A rich and colorful anthology of Indonesian folktales. Full of brave heroines and compassion.” Recommended for ages 8 +
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Films and Documentaries Featuring APIDA Stories
The Bellingham Public Library has a great selection of films to choose from on DVD, and also provides access to stream films for free with Kanopy.
Immerse yourself in the world of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with free access to a handpicked selection of AAPI films on Kanopy. Experience captivating stories and insightful
documentaries that celebrate the rich cultural fabric of the AAPI community. Start your cinematic
journey HERE
The Friendship Garden at the Bellingham Public Library: a gift that delights the senses
Tucked into the west corner of the Bellingham Public Library grounds (alongside Grand Avenue) is a small, but lovely, Japanese inspired garden; a gift to the people of Bellingham from Tateyama, Japan – the oldest of our sister cities. The garden has many appearances, depending on the time of year, but is always a lovely place to sit and contemplate. The Bellingham Sister Cities Association is currently making plans to improve this tranquil spot.
The Arch of Healing and Reconciliation: an acknowledgement of our history and a step toward a better future for all
The Arch of Healing and Reconciliation on the corner of Lottie and Commercial Streets was installed in April of 2018 to recognize and honor immigrant communities in Whatcom County and to acknowledge shameful periods in our local history when many immigrants were persecuted or forced out by anti-immigrant and racist sentiment.
Read more about the Arch of Healing and Recognition
Local Events in May
APIDA Celebration 2025: Celebrating Unity and Diversity
When: May 14, 2025, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL available upon request. Contact tzaragoza@whatcom.edu by May 7 for accommodations.
The theme “A Legacy of Resistance: Justice, Healing, and Joy” highlights the shared journey of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities, encompassing over 50 ethnic groups from diverse regions. This heritage honors a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and histories rooted in resilience and celebration. While facing challenges like racial injustice, xenophobia, and colonial legacies, APIDA communities have cultivated solidarity through collective healing and justice.
This year’s theme emphasizes the inseparability of justice and healing, advocating for addressing intergenerational trauma through ancestral wisdom, storytelling, art, and community care. Additionally, joy is celebrated as a form of resistance, affirming humanity and fostering activism by centering happiness, traditions, and unity. Together, these elements weave a vision of collective liberation where justice, healing, and joy inspire a thriving future.
Experience the Celebration:
- Free food
- Intergenerational conversation
- Cultural performances
- Local vendors
All Are Welcome! Come celebrate, learn, and connect with our beautiful community.
Pickford Film Center: Cinema East
“For over fifteen years, Pickford Film Center has been screening select choices from the vast and diverse landscape of Asian cinema. Co-presented by the Western Washington University Libraries and curated by Jeff Purdue, chosen films are often accompanied by introductions by educators and experts. From renowned icons Yasujirō Ozu and Edward Yang, to contemporary figures Hong Sang-soo and Jia Zhang-ke, Cinema East strives to provide a look into the wonderful world of Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese cinema.
This year marks the 16th season for Cinema East. When it began in 2009, it had a different name and focused on Japanese cinema, particularly the great films of the 30s-50s. Over time, it changed to accommodate films from other Asian countries and more recent films. In those years, we have shown over 100 films from 50 directors and 10 different countries. Despite name changes and shifts in focus, Cinema East has always had two core components: showing works from great directors of the past and present, and providing introductions from local scholars and community members who are passionate about films from the diverse countries of Asia.”
– Jeff Purdue, Cinema East Curator
Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum
Both museums feature exhibits that spotlight APIDA artists and themes and are worth a visit in May, or any time of year.
For more information about hours, locations, and admission, click HERE
Wing Luke Museum
“The Wing Luke Museum is an art and history museum in Seattle, Washington, United States, which focuses on the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It is located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Established in 1967, the museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States.”
Links for More Information About APIDA Topics
Local:
Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington
Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington
National:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Asian Mental Health Collective
Japanese American Citizens League
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum