Asian Pacific Resource Center Events

The Asian Pacific Resource Center at Rosemead Library strives to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures that form Los Angeles County. It supports programs and book discussions that celebrate and explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Join us to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Sound of China Guzheng Ensemble at Rosemead Library on Saturday, May 19, 2 pm.

Libraries are hosting events throughout LA County - a listing is located in the right-hand column.

History of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is observed nationally to recognize the contributions that people of Asian and Pacific heritage made to American culture. President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring May 4-10, 1979, as the first Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed an extension changing Asian Pacific Heritage Week to a month-long observance. It is celebrated in May to acknowledge the first Japanese immigrants to the United States who arrived May 7, 1843.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Japanese Gardens in the County of Los Angeles Public Library
• What can you tell me about the history of Japanese Americans in Gardena?
• 2017 Census Facts
• Chinese New Year

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Reading Lists

• New Titles at the Asian Pacific Resource Center
• Asian Pacific Immigrant Voices of California
• Asian Pacific American Authors
• Selected Titles on Asian Pacific American Culture and History
• Asian Pacific Resource Center Book Club Favorites
• Cooking & More
• Titles about Hawaii

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Additional Information

Ethnic Newspapers

• Chinese Daily News - Chinese language newspaper, also known as the World Journal
• International Daily News - Chinese language newspaper, launched in Monterey Park in 1981
• The Korea Daily - Korean Language newspaper
• The Korea Times - Korean Language newspaper
• Nguoi Viet Daily News - The first Vietnamese language newspaper published in the United States, began in 1978
• Rafu Shimpo - Japanese-English newspaper based in Little Tokyo
• Singtao Daily - Chinese language newspaper founded in Hong Kong in 1938
• Vien Dông Daily News - Vietnamese language newspaper published in the Little Saigon neighborhood of Westminster, CA

Museums

• USC Pacific Asia Museum - The USC Pacific Asian Museum contains examples of art and artifacts from Asia and the Pacific Islands, spanning a period of five thousand years.
• Japanese American National Museum - The Japanese American National Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans with Japanese ancestry.
• Chinese American Museum - The mission of the Chinese American Museum is to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Chinese Americans.

Other Sites

• Library of Congress, Asian Reading Room - With over 2.8 million books, it is one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian language materials outside of Asia.
• Library of Congress, Asian Pacific Americans - Resources - Library of Congress site for Asian Pacific American themed resources. Find official documents, newspapers, photos, poems, maps, images, and webcasts.
• Famous Firsts by Asian Americans - Site lists Asian American firsts from government, entertainment and the sciences.

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