Embark on a journey with us to better understand yourself and others. Take time this month to celebrate and learn about the histories, contributions, and current experiences of those around you.
The stories highlighted here act as windows into other cultures and mirrors of our own experiences. Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vo. 6, no. 3. Summer 1990.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
Transparent Language & Culture Blogs
Led by teams of native speakers & educators, blogs provide a platform in which current events & cultural topics can be discussed.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (Streaming Films)
These films highlight distinctive AAPI stories and they also provide a unique perspective on identity, migration & perseverance.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with These Books for Kids!
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May with these books for kids.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage With These Books for Teens!
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Films)
This May we highlight our media that focuses around Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage, history and experiences.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Audio)
This May we highlight our media that focuses on Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage, history and experiences.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage
Embrace rich cultures, diverse histories & remarkable contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders with Hoopla.
Asian Historical Fiction
Step into the vibrant past of Asia with stories that brings ancient dynasties, legendary battles, and rich cultures to life.
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
This award honors books about Asian/Pacific Americans, their history and culture.
AsianCrush (BingePass)
Enjoy Pan-Asian entertainment with 1,200+ movies including iconic Korean dramas, captivating anime, award-winning films & blockbuster hits.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Media)
For May we highlight media that focuses around Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage, history and experiences.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Books for Kids
Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage this May (and all year long!) with this collection of books for young readers.
AAPI Short Stories (eBooks)
Learn more about how API Americans contribute to the United States' cultural mosaic through fantastic tales and personal stories.
Author interview with George Takei (PBS)
Veteran "Star Trek" actor George Takei revisits his time in WWII internment camps as a child in his memoir "They Called Us Enemy".
Interview with author Gene Luen Yang (PBS Books)
Gene Luen Yang, Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, talks “Paths & Portals” and “American Born Chinese”.
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
A list of great reads featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and/or characters.
2025 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Expressive Tie Dye (Outside/Ages 12-18)
Jun 17th | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate Pride Month by tie-dyeing drawstring bags in the color of your favorite Pride flags. While supplies last. Bags and dyes provided.
Creating Graphic Novels with Grace Ellis (Ages 8-18)
Jun 23rd | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learn about creating graphic novels for kids and teens from bestselling author of the Lumberjanes series, Grace Ellis.
Equity First: Path to Inclusion & Belonging (Online Course)
Mary-Frances discusses gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities.
Rainbow Book List
This is an annual bibliography of quality books with significant and authentic LGBQTIA+ content for ages 0-18.
Expressive Tie Dye (Outside/Ages 12-18)
Jun 17th | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate Pride Month by tie-dyeing drawstring bags in the color of your favorite Pride flags. While supplies last. Bags and dyes provided.
Creating Graphic Novels with Grace Ellis (Ages 8-18)
Jun 23rd | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learn about creating graphic novels for kids and teens from bestselling author of the Lumberjanes series, Grace Ellis.
Equity First: Path to Inclusion & Belonging (Online Course)
Mary-Frances discusses gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities.
Rainbow Book List
This is an annual bibliography of quality books with significant and authentic LGBQTIA+ content for ages 0-18.
About This Initiative
The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome.
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
