In 2025, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) will celebrate four decades of service to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” honors the hard work of leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity. SLPL embraces “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience” as both a tribute and a call to action, and we add to it with our focus on traditions and tastes. We honor the achievements of those who have paved the way while igniting the passions of those who will follow. Through this theme, we strive to honor tradition, nourish our community and inspire the next generation.
For more information and to register for programs, please visit the events calendar at slpl.org. All programs are subject to change to a virtual format.
Traditions:
A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience among AANHPI Communities By highlighting traditional arts, storytelling and customs, SLPL honors the resilience of these practices that have been passed down through generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that shapes leadership and identity today.
EXPLORING ORIGAMI / May 24 / 1 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Discover the art of origami and its surprising influence on the world! From theatre and medicine to engineering and technology, origami plays a role in many fields beyond paper folding. Kids, Teens
FAMILY ART: DOT PAINTING / May 28 / 6 p.m. / Central Library
Learn about famous contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and her iconic use of bold colors and polka dots. Then create your own work of art inspired by Yayoi. All supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids, Teens
“THE BLOCK MANAGER: A TRUE STORY OF LOVE IN THE MIDST OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMP” /May 31 / 1 p.m. / Buder Library
Discussion with author Judy Mundle about Janice Hattori Koizumi and their forty-year friendship. Janet (Janice), an American-born child of Japanese immigrants, and her family were forced into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Book available to purchase with cash or check. Adults
TASTES:
Legacy of Leadership and Resilience in AANHPI Foodways In St. Louis, as in much of the U.S., AANHPI cuisine reflects the theme of “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” Dishes like Kimbap and tea ceremonies embody stories of migration, adaptation and survival, preserving culinary traditions through adversity. AANHPI food has also been a symbol of resistance during struggles such as Japanese American internment and the fight for civil rights, fostering resilience and defiance.
BOBA TEA MAKING / May 19 / 6 p.m. / Divoll Library
Join us for a hands-on DIY Boba Tea making class where you’ll learn how to make boba pearls from scratch. Afterward, create a delicious drink using pre made pearls while discovering the history behind this popular beverage. Registration required. Adults, Teens
SENSE OF TEA: TEA CEREMONY & TASTING / May 19 / 5 p.m. / Barr Library
Join The Friends of Taiwan-Greater St. Louis to learn the traditions of tea from different cultures, including a tasting of teas from Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Kenya. Participants will learn about the resilience, rituals and flavors of tea. Registration required. Adults
TEACUP DECORATING / May 19 / 6:30 p.m. / Barr Library
Join us in Creative Experience to decorate your own teacup to take home with you. Registration required. Adults
MYTHS & MORSELS: SOUTH KOREA / June 5 / 6 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Learn about some of the remarkable creatures and beasts that appear in myths and folklore from South Korea while tasting a variety of treats from the
region. Adults