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
“Campy, punchy, and indulgent! A collection of poetry that reflects a playful, pop-art-ish engagement with culture, subjugation, and the turbulence of youth. Tibble’s wordplay is engaging and delightfully fresh. Definitely one to read multiple times.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
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
Tauhou by Kōtuku Titihuia Nuttall
“An unusual exploration in storytelling, Tauhou takes the reader on a journey of ‘reimagined versions of Vancouver Island and Aotearoa that sit side by side in the ocean. Each chapter in this innovative hybrid novel is a fable, an autobiographical memory, a poem.’ I’ll admit it took my brain a little time to adjust to the way the book is written and the stories within it are told, but it was beautiful, compelling, and dreamlike.”
– Jenni, Community Relations Specialist
“What’s not to love about magical realism? Sally Wen Mao engages with Chinese folklore and the demands of womanhood in these nine delightful tales, ranging from tragic to triumphant. Lyrical, dreamlike, and strange, I deeply enjoyed this collection!”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
“A collection of speculative fiction short stories that reads as a love story to language, memory, and culture. Ken Liu uses sci-fi, fantasy and anthropology to lead readers to a deeper appreciation of and new perspective on some of the “magic” of everyday life: reading, writing, remembering, and adapting to the world around us.”
– Katrina, Head of Public Services
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
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:
Popo & Meimei Can Help by Cathy Wu
“This is such a sweet story about a grandmother and granddaughter helping each other out while speaking two different languages (English and Mandarin Chinese)! I love that this simple story easily paints a picture of a day in the life of my own kids and parents.” Recommended for ages 2 – 8.
– Bernice, Children’s Services Librarian
“I needed a whole box of tissues to get through this beautifully rendered picture book about individuality, beauty, and acceptance. Check out Toto if you’re in need of more cute birthmarks and happy tears (and really, aren’t we all?).” Recommended for ages 3+
– Ali, Children’s Services Librarian
“Everybelly by Thao Lam is a joyful picture book celebrating the diversity of bodies, especially bellies. Through vibrant illustrations, it showcases different shapes, sizes, and scars, promoting body positivity and acceptance.” Recommended for ages 3 – 7
– Kian, Library Assistant
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! By Alice Pung
“A beautiful story told in both English and Chinese about a young boy who wants to explore the outside world, but through generational trauma, his family wants him to slow down and be careful. An important story – read the note from the author, too!” Recommended for ages 4 – 8.
– Bernice, Children’s Services Librarian
Clairboyance by Kristiana Kahakauwila
“In a bid to connect with her estranged best friend, Clara wishes that she could understand boys better. But when she’s magically granted the ability to literally hear boys’ thoughts, she finds that figuring out how to navigate middle school—and the friendships she makes there—takes a little more than just knowing what’s going on in someone’s head.” Recommended for ages 8 – 12
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Last Chance Academy: A Study in Secrets by Debbi Michiko Florence
“If only my 7th grade experience was half as interesting as Meg Mizuno’s. I don’t know about you, but nobody at my middle school put on an intriguing treasure hunt that pitted me against the rest of the school and led me down secret passages. Kinda feel like I missed out.”
– Jeff, 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