The theme “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” seeks to highlight members of the AANHPI community who have made significant and important contributions to AANHPI history and American society as a whole.
Pioneers, creative trendsetters and groundbreaking innovators from the AANHPI community have shaped our nation’s economy, political consciousness, artistic landscape and technological growth. Many of these leaders have faced significant cultural and systemic challenges. This theme seeks to honor their enduring spirits and unique stories.
DROP-IN MAHJONG GAMING |May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 / 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Learn Mahjong, a classic board game from Asia. Kids and teens can play and snack while learning about the history of this game in China. Grades 4-12 and Families
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO TÁI CHI | May 2, 9, 23 & 30 / 6:30-7:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Join instructors Patti Gabriel and Tom Krapu from the St. Louis Tái Chi Chúan Association for an introduction to Tái Chi. Participants will learn about the health and stress reduction benefits of Tái Chi as well as being guided through the first few postures in the form. A waiver will be needed to participate. Registration recommended but not required. Adults
ANIME GAMES AND SNACKS |May 6 & 20 / 4-6 p.m. / Baden Library
Enjoy Anime based video games on the Nintendo Switch and challenge yourself to try Japanese snacks. All supplies provided. Grades 6-12
BOBA TEA HISTORY AND TASTING |May 6 / 6-7 p.m. / Cabanne Library
Learn about the history of Boba Tea and make some to try. Registration required. Adults
HENNA ART | May 9 / 4-5:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Learn about the history of Henna, an ancient body art that dates back centuries, and try some temporary designs on your arms and hands! All supplies provided. Grades 6-12
MOVIE MATINEE: “LILO & STITCH” |May 11 / 2:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Watch the Disney classic “Lilo & Stitch” and enjoy themed snacks and crafts. Afterwards, children can listen to stories while adults discuss life for Native Hawaiian Islanders today. Grades 4-8 and Families
MONDAY MOVIE NIGHT PRESENTS: “RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON” |May 13 / 4-6 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Help us celebrate Southeast Asian culture with the warrior Raya as she seeks to find the last dragon and save the world of Kumandra. Kids, Teens and Families
K-POP PAR-TEA! | May 14 / 4:30-6 p.m. / Central Library
Sip back and relax as we make K-Pop photocard keychains, listen to tea-riffic music and make our own bubble tea drinks! All materials will be provided. Grades 6-12
“MOANA” SING-ALONG | May 16 / 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Enjoy a “Moana” sing-along with our karaoke machine while learning about history of the islands of Polynesia, creating crafts, and munching on Hawaiian snacks! Grades K-8 and Families
KIMBAP COOKING CLASS: LEARN TO MAKE KOREAN SEAWEED RICE ROLLS |May 18 / 1-2:30 p.m. / Schlafly Library |May 20 / 5-6 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month by participating in these exciting kimbap cooking classes! The programs will be hosted in collaboration with the Gateway Korea Foundation. Registration required. Adults
BUDER IN BLOOM |MAY 18 |9 AM-1 PM |BUDER ELEMENTARY
Join us for our debut festival, Buder in Bloom, to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month! We will have yoga, crafts, food, drinks and more! All Ages Rain or shine! This is a free event to attend, except for food at the food truck. This program is made possible with collaboration from: The Missouri Botanical Gardens, Gateway Urdu, The Japanese American Society of St. Louis, Buder Elementary, STL Kari Virunthu Food Truck and more!
HANDS-ON JAPANESE ART SHOWCASE: ORIGAMI |May 23 / 3-5 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Try your hand at the art of origami, demonstrated by volunteers from the Japan America Society of Saint Louis. Supplies provided! All Ages
HANDS-ON JAPANESE ART SHOWCASE: CALLIGRAPHY (SHODŌ)|May 25 / 10 a.m.-Noon / Carpenter Library
Try your hand at the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy, demonstrated by volunteers from the Japan America Society of Saint Louis. Supplies provided! All Ages
FANCIFUL FANS | May 25 / 10:30 a.m.-Noon / Carondelet Library
Learn about the traditions and decorations of fans in Asian culture and decorate your own. Registration required. Adults
MOVIE MATINEE: “TURNING RED” |May 25 / 2:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Enjoy the Disney fi lm “Turning Red.” Children can create themed crafts and munch on Panda snacks. Grades 4-8 and Families
LION DANCE PERFORMANCE |May 26 / 1:30-2:15 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Watch a traditional Lion Dance performed by Zyi Li Music and Entertainment. Afterwards, stay and make your own lion craft to take home. Please arrive promptly. All Ages
MOVIE MATINEE: “BIG HERO 6” |May 30 / 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Enjoy the Disney fi lm “Big Hero 6” and discuss the Pan-Pacifi c futurist theme. Children can create themed crafts and munch on Japanese snacks. Grades K-8
FLOAT YOUR BOAT: BUOYANCY LAB |May 30 / 4-5:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Did you know that Polynesian navigators have been using canoes to travel long distances for thousands of years? Learn what makes a good canoe, boat or raft. We’ll use a number of household materials to learn about buoyancy, construction and even navigation! Grades 4-12 and Families
