The Bellingham Public Library celebrates Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month in May with special displays of 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 including China, Japan, Vietnam, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and many more. Also included are people from 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
Book Lists:
Library Staff Recommendations:
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho (Fiction)
“When Jessamyn moves back to Malaysia with her parents she is sure the disembodied voice that assails her at family gatherings is the result of extreme stress. After all, she is unemployed, and missing her very secret girlfriend back in the U.S. She is wrong. The voice belongs to her dead grandmother, who demands Jessamyn’s help with a vengeful plan. Especially relatable if you are job searching or subject to bullying by elderly relatives.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (Adult Fiction)
“Hell is bureaucracy. This dark academia fantasy draws inspiration from Dante’s descent into the Inferno to create an allegory for academic burnout. Blending existential philosophy, afterlife mythology, and paradoxical theory, this book follows two grad students training as magicians at Cambridge University as they navigate their own personal and literal hells and discover the prices they are each willing to pay for their ambition.”
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
A Mouthful of Dust by Nghi Vo (Adult Fiction)
“Cleric Chih embarks on a new journey in this recent installment of The Singing Hills Chronicles. This time Chih and Almost Brilliant, their magical hoopoe companion, must unravel the mystery of a legendary famine and escape from the clutches of a menacing magistrate. I loved getting lost in this rich and fantastical world inspired by East Asian and Southeast Asian mythology and history.”
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
APIDA Books for Teens
Book Lists:
Asian American and Pacific Islander Teen Fiction
Teen fiction written by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors, featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander characters.
Library Staff Recommendations:
My Father, the Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang (Teen Fiction)
“Bridging generations and continents, this pensive and harrowing novel explores how war marks those who experience it and takes a toll on their descendants.” Recommended for ages 15 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Tamamo the Fox Maiden: And Other Asian Stories edited by Kel McDonald (Teen Graphic Novel)
“Filled with humor, adventure and thrills, this anthology of comics inspired by Asian folklore was an absolute delight to read!” Recommended for ages 13 and up.
– Lark, 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.
Book Lists:
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Voices: Picture Books
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Voices
Library Staff Recommendations:
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 Librarian
Bitter Tea and Rock Candy by Yan Gu (Children’s Picturebooks)
“This sweet story about intergenerational bonds and cultural sharing made me want to savor a cup of tea with my own Nana.” Recommended for ages 4 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Every Peach Is a Story by David Mas Masumoto (Children’s Picturebooks)
“A joyful and brilliantly illustrated story about migration, heritage, storytelling, and the sweetness of peaches!” Recommended for ages 4 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Kadooboo! a Silly South Indian Folktale by Shruthi Rao (Children’s Picturebooks)
“This retelling of a South Asian folktale had me singing along, giggling, and craving the titular food!” Recommended for ages 3 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Many Things at Once by Veera Hiranandani (Children’s Picturebooks)
“This is a gorgeously crafted story celebrating multicultural heritage. I was captivated by the detailed illustrations and the depth of feeling that this story conjured.” Recommended for ages 4 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung (Children’s Picturebooks)
“This is a celebration of the delicious food, vibrant traditions, and wonderful community that marks the festival of the Lunar New Year. Candied kumquats are such a delicious treat!” Recommended for ages 4 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
“Dedicated ‘to the next generation of young activists and changemakers,’ this book follows Grace Lee Boggs and James Boggs as they navigate the promises and perils of life in America between 1915 and 2015. Racial justice, labor rights, fair housing, and disability justice are all explored through both the individual and the shared experiences of Grace and James. Their belief in the power of ideas and in seeking truth through shared conversation shines in their commitment to each other, in their love for their communities, and in their efforts to answer the question ‘what kind of world do we want?’ by consistently working to create it.” Recommended for ages 7 – 11, Grades 4 – 6.
– Kate, Staff Development Coordinator
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
Polite Society (Adult DVD)
“Ria, raised in London, does not want her sister in an arranged marriage. Her extensive Pakistani family begs to differ. For martial arts fans (really), with a touch of Bollywood, plus nods to Tarentino, heist films and Bend it Like Beckham. This is silly and stylish and bloody, and the cast is utterly committed to the madness. Highly recommended.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
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
One Book, One Coast is a shared community reading program that celebrates literacy, learning, community, and civil discourse. Over 190 libraries across the West Coast will participate, including the Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom County Library System. All participating libraries will read and discuss the graphic novel They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker.
One Book, One Coast Book Discussion at the Bellingham Public Library*
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for an in-depth group discussion of the graphic novel They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, the 2026 One Book, One Coast selection. Pre-registration is required. Register HERE.
The program will close on Sunday, May 31 with a special author talk featuring George Takei at East Los Angeles Library, that will also stream live on YouTube beginning at 2 pm Pacific Time. Visit the Bellingham Public Library website for a link to the livestream and more information about One Book, One Coast and links to live and online events at other West Coast libraries.
Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together APIDA Festival 2026
When: May 12, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL available upon request. Contact Tanya at tzaragoza@whatcom.edu by May 7 for more information.
This year’s national theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening communities together, highlights the importance of collective strength, shared stories, and bridge-building across APIDA communities. It reminds us that our resilience grows when we stand together, uplift one another, and work collaboratively toward justice and belonging.
Unity is a form of resistance and healing. When we gather as community, we honor the legacies of our ancestors, nurture spaces that allow us to rest and restore, and celebrate the joy that sustains our activism. By centering our connections-across cultures, generations, and lived experiences-we cultivate the power needed to envision and build a future where all can thrive.
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
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
Pacific Islanders in Publishing
