The city of Pasadena is hosting a series of events for all ages in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

In a statement, the city said the activities are designed to recognize “the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.”

The activities, which are virtual and in-person, are the result of collaboration between the Pasadena Public Library, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, as well as The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, who sponsored the library activities.

Here is a list of what’s happening around the city throughout May and June, organized into categories of events, crafts, storytimes and social media campaigns.

EventsFor all ages unless specified.

American Mah Jongg ClubMondays (except May 27), 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.All levels of Mah Jongg players are invited to this activity. Attendees are advised to bring their Mah Jongg set and yearly game card or use the library’s. For ages 18+.

Tales of Asia and the Pacific IslandsSaturday, May 11, 2 p.m., Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.Hear storyteller Barbara G. Wong shares tales about mythical Asian dragons that live in palaces beneath the sea, as well as other stories.

Traditional Chinese Music Performed by Celia LiuThursday, May 16, 4:30 p.m., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

Award-winning musician Celia Liu will perform traditional pipa favorites and share the history of the instrument in Chinese music. Pipa is a traditional Chinese four-stringed lute shaped like a wooden pear. For ages 18+.

The Architecture of the Huntington’s Chinese and Japanese GardensSaturday, May 18, 2 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.Visitors are invited to explore the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens’ Chinese and Japanese Gardens, where they can immerse themselves in the beauty of East Asian garden design. This program will highlight the building’s architecture within those gardens, including the recently opened 17th century Japanese country magistrates’ residential compound, transplanted from Japan, and the classical Suzhou-style buildings and pavilions within the Chinese Garden. The construction of these structures involved the expertise of more than 60 traditional craftsmen from Suzhou, who spent more than a year on the project. For ages 18+.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month & National Foster Care Month with the Asian Foster Family Initiative (AFFI)Saturday, May 18, 3 p.m., Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.This project will help attendees understand the challenges faced by Asian foster children and how one can help those in need. Participants can also learn about the process of becoming an adoptive/foster family. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 18+.

Gamelan Merdu KumalaSaturday, May 18, 4 p.m., Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St.Learn about Balinese music-making tradition through Gamelan Merdu Kumala, a community gamelan assemble. For ages 5+.

Chinese Tea Brewing and Tasting: Gong Fu StyleFriday, May 24, 1-3 p.m. • Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.Taste four Gong Fu style brewed teas, including leaves from the Ancient Tea Tree in the Yunnan Province in southwestern China. Wendy Chen and Nathan Epstein, owners of the Callisto Tea House, will present the history, brewing techniques and benefits of the tea. This event is open on a first come, first serve basis to the first 50 participants in attendance. For more information, call (626) 744-7300.

Tea Tasting with Callisto Tea House • Explore the Teas of China, Korea and IndiaSaturday, May 25, 11 a.m., Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.Learn more about the benefits of tea, different tea growing regions of the world, as well as tea culture and brewing styles. This event is also presented by Callisto Tea House. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 13+.

Maps & Music: AAPI EditionThursday, May 30, 4 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.Explore some locations and music of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Sashiko MendingSaturday, June 1, 2:30 p.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.Learn about the basics of sashiko mending, a Japanese style of hand stitching, in this hands-on program. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 18+.

Storytimes

Chinese StorytimeSaturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m., Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.Enjoy a special bilingual Chinese/English storytime. For ages 3-5 and their parents or caregivers.

Storytime and ArtMonday, May 13, 3:30 p.m., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

Participate in an interactive session with educators from the USC Pacific Asia Museum, who will delve into Asian cultures, arts and practices through storytelling and hands-on art making. This program is free to families with elementary school-aged children. To reserve your spot, call (626) 744-7268, beginning May 1. For ages 5-12.

Storytime AdventuresTuesday, May 14, 10:15 a.m., Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.Embark on a fun storytime journey celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This program promises exciting tales with colorful stories, lively music and interactive activities perfect for little ones. For ages 1-4 and their parents or caregivers. Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.

Asian American and Pacific Islander StorytimeWednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m., Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.Enjoy a special storytime featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander stories and authors, then stay to make a craft. For ages 3-5 and their parents or caregivers.

Kwentuhang Pambata: A Bilingual StorytimeSaturday, May 25, 3 p.m., Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.Participate in a fun and interactive Kwentuhang Pambata: A Bilingual Storytime. The organizers will share Tagalog/English children’s stories, fingerplays, songs and craft. “Samahan kami sa masayang kantahan at kwentuhan.”

Read with Pasadena Public Library: Asia & the Pacific IslandsAttend a story map tour of library literature celebrating the voices, experiences and contributions of authors of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage – Arcg.Is/5S4Sz0.

Crafts

Asian American and Pacific Islander Paper DollsFriday, May 3, 10 a.m. • While supplies lastLearn about various Asian and Pacific Islander cultures through coloring and decorating paper dolls. No registration is required. Pick-ups begin Friday, May 3, at Hastings, Jefferson and Santa Catalina Branch Libraries.

Cherry Blossom CraftMonday, May 6, 1 p.m., San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.Enjoy the spring bloom with cherry blossom craft. All supplies provided. To attend, call (626) 744-7270. For ages 3+.

Drop-in Crafts: MandalasMonday, May 13 – Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.Celebrate AAPI by working on a mandala. Supplies will be provided until they last.

DIY CompassThursday, May 16 • While supplies lastMake your own compass. Organizer will prepare a kit for a DIY compass, an ancient invention originating from Asia more than 2,000 years ago. No registration required. Kits pick-ups begin on Thursday, May 16, at Santa Catalina Branch Library. For ages 5+.

Take & Make: TangramMonday, May 20 • While supplies lastMake your own tangram, a puzzle made up of seven distinct shapes that can be arranged to create many different designs. All seven pieces must be used without overlapping, and every piece must touch at least one other. Invented in China as Qi Qiao Ban, the tangram was introduced to Europe and America via trading ships. Reserve a kit at CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/F/Tangrams. Sign-ups begin on Monday, May 20. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. For ages 4+.

Social Media Campaign

The City’s Communications and Marketing office will also spotlight businesses owned by Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Pasadena.

Stay updated on featured videos by following the city on Facebook and Instagram @CityOfPasadena and Twitter (X) @PasadenaGov.

For more information, visit CityOfPasadena.net; follow on Twitter (X)at @PasadenaGov, and on Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena. People can also reach out to the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.