Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Published on May 01, 2026

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the City of Lakewood proudly joins federal and state agencies, along with countless public and private organizations, in honoring this important national observance.

There are more than 23 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. This diverse and growing population makes up about 7% of the total U.S. population and about 15% of the Lakewood population.

The City of Lakewood has issued a proclamation in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (see sidebar).

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played vital roles in shaping the United States—from building the Transcontinental Railroad to advocating for labor law changes to fighting to defend our nation in multiple wars. They made these contributions while also facing persistent discrimination and violence throughout U.S. history. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans. They have long been perceived as outsiders, despite many Chinese being the first Asian immigrants arriving in the United States in significant numbers over 150 years ago in the mid-nineteenth century.

Please join the City of Lakewood in paying tribute to the Asian and Pacific Islander community, which has enriched our nation and been instrumental to its progress.

Resources to learn more

Visit the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) for a wealth of information about the Asian Pacific American community, art and history online.

Check the Los Angeles County Public Libraries website for excellent resources, including booklists for adults, teens and kids.

There are also links to some educational videos that highlight Asian Pacific food and culture. 

Both Lakewood libraries have events in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well. Attendance is limited for these programs and advance registration is required. You can sign up with library staff or use the online links for each library below.

Iacoboni Library events

1000 Paper Crane Display

In Japan, it is believed that if you fold 1000 paper cranes, your deepest wish will come true. This beautiful tradition is called Senbazuru. Participants of all ages are welcome to fold paper cranes that can be dropped off at our Customer Service desk to be included in the final display.

Japanese American Watercolor Landscapes - One Book, One Coast Program

• May 12, 6-7 p.m.
• Join us to create a watercolor postcard inspired by professional artist Chiura Obata who was an inmate at a Japanese incarceration camp and taught classes in drawing and painting portraits and remembrances of life before incarceration. For adults.

Street Foods of Hong Kong

• May 13, 6-7 p.m.
• Learn about the street foods of Hong Kong! There will be a food demonstration by Chef Phoebe Chow of More Than Bread, a brief cultural and historical background of the food items, and samples will be provided while supplies last. For adults.

STEAM Storytime: Beep, beep! Here comes the Jeepney! 

• May 19, 6-7 p.m.
• Learn about the Jeepney! Then design your own colorful public transportation chipboard to take home with you! Registration required. For ages 4 - 12.

Origami Butterflies

• May 21, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by creating Japanese origami butterflies. For teens ages 13 - 18.

Register for these Iacoboni Library events (opens in new tab)

Nye Library events 

Japanese American Bird Pins: One Book, One Coast Program

• May 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Join us to make a bird pin inspired by a popular craft among incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II. Wooden bird pins were carved by hand, painted and worn as brooches or pins that were small and powerful expressions of beauty and individuality. For adults. 

Register for this Nye Library event (opens in new tab)