The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is gearing up for the third annual AAPI Joy festival, a vibrant celebration in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The event will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Central Library, located at 630 W. Fifth St.

City Librarian John F. Szabo emphasized the significance of the festival, stating, “The AAPI Joy festival uplifts the voices, stories, and traditions that have shaped Los Angeles, including the enduring legacy of author, poet, and activist Carlos Bulosan.” He noted that the event recognizes the vital contributions of AAPI community members, whose influence continues to inspire and strengthen the fabric of the city.

The festival, themed “AAPI Voices, Then & Now,” aims to honor the diversity and cultural heritage of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities, including author talks, theatrical performances, culinary demonstrations, workshops, and craft stations. Notable highlights will feature traditional lion dancers, Japanese dance performances, Korean fabric art, and lei-making sessions. Moreover, the Carlos Bulosan Book Club Awards will be presented by the Friends of Echo Park Library, celebrating significant figures in Filipino American literature and community advocacy.

Scheduled speakers for the event include Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado of Council District 14, Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, and Philippine Vice Consul Levi Anthony B. Malaylay.

Jennifer Siron, a librarian at LAPL and co-lead of the AAPI Joy initiative, shared her personal connection to the event, stating, “AAPI Joy is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects the richness of our stories, cultures, and presence in Los Angeles. The Library’s celebration is an opportunity to come together, share our joy, and honor our heritage.”

The Los Angeles Public Library, a recipient of the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services—the highest honor for library service in the nation—serves a diverse urban population through its Central Library and 72 branch libraries. With a physical collection of over six million items and an array of public programs, LAPL provides free access to information and a commitment to lifelong learning for all community members.

For more information about the festival and our programs, visit lapl.org.