Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Skip Auld, Anne Arundel County Public Library Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT THE FRONT COVER Cover art by renowned local artist Deirdre Tanton , whose springtime cherry blossoms bloom into a tree shaped like our system itself, with limbs that echo the 16 Anne Arundel County Public Library branches reaching into every corner of the community.
Spring is the season of renewal. Buds open, days lengthen and our communities step back outside to reconnect, rediscover and grow together. At Anne Arundel County Public Library, this season of rebirth reminds us that learning and belonging are always in bloom. Spring into Stories, Growth and Belonging
Author Talk: Katherine Haas For all Saturday, May 2 at 2 PM Join the local author in discussion about her memoir, Little Jade . She will share her story of growing up in China, Italy and the United States, and how she navigated racism and cultural change.
Hula Maryland For all Hula Maryland will teach us about hula, music and traditions of the islands. Broadneck: Monday, May 4 at 6 PM Severn: Saturday, May 2 at 2 PM
LIBRARY INFO LIBRARY CLOSINGS
Each spring also brings meaningful opportunities to celebrate the rich tapestry of stories that shape our nation. In March, we honor Women’s History Month and the countless women whose courage and creativity continue to move us forward. April invites us to recognize Arab American Heritage Month, highlighting vibrant cultures and contributions that strengthen our shared community. In May, we celebrate both Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, reflecting on histories of resilience, innovation, creativity and hope. You can learn more about events and activities celebrating these months throughout this issue. Our branches come alive with programs, book displays, conversations and activities that welcome every customer to explore these stories. Whether you join a discussion, attend a cultural performance or simply discover a new author, you are part of a larger journey of understanding.
BOARD of TRUSTEES OFFICERS Damita McDonald, Chair Lonni K. Summers, Vice Chair Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided for library- sponsored programs upon request to the branch manager at least one week in advance of the program date. Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5 Mother's Day: Sunday, May 10 Memorial Day: Monday, May 25 LIBRARY BOARD MEETINGS Thursday, March 19: Busch Annapolis Library Thursday, May 21: Severn Library EQUITY STATEMENT We advance diversity, inclusion, and belonging for our staff, customers, partners, and the whole community to create an equitable Library and society. We are committed to using our resources and partnerships to improve the lives of people of every race, ethnicity, culture, faith, age, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and gender. ----
Edgewater: Saturday, May 2 at 2 PM Glen Burnie: Tuesday, May 5 at 2 PM Severna Park: Saturday, April 18 at 2 PM
Eastport-Annapolis Neck Make It Yours with Decoden Decor Saturday, May 2 at 3 PM For teens Bling out your favorite item with Kawaii charms, rhinestones and sparkle! Glen Burnie Cultural Arts Tour of the Polynesian Triangle Saturday, May 30 at 11 AM For all Enjoy songs, dances, drumming and hula from Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand. Held outdoors. Presenter: Meki Tamure Polynesian Arts Group Maryland City at Russett ⚛ Bonsai Basics Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 AM For adults Learn the history of the Asian art of Bonsai and the basics for growing your own bonsai tree. Presenter: Michael Ecker, Maryland Bonsai Association Mountain Road R Sashiko Embroidery Wednesday, May 13 at 6 PM For teens and adults Learn the history of Sashiko embroidery while creating an embroidered bookmark. Supplies limited. What's Cooking? Polynesian Food Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 PM For adults Share Polynesian dishes and recipes while exploring food traditions together. Bring enough to share with at least five people. Presenter: Hula Maryland Riviera Beach Adult Romance Book Club Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai Saturday, May 9 at 2 PM For adults
Crofton
Brooklyn Park Learn Henna: "Magic Kitchen" Mixology and Design Workshop Monday, May 4 at 6 PM For teens Learn to prepare natural henna paste and create safe temporary body art designs in this workshop. Materials provided. Presenter: Chelsea Stevenson Busch Annapolis K-Pop Party Saturday, May 2 at 2 PM For kids Enjoy crafts, self-care and a KPop Demon Hunters party inspired by our favorite hits. Flicks with Sticks: Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13, 2013) Saturday, May 16 at 2 PM Bring any needlework and enjoy crafting along to a movie. For adults and teens An Introduction to Taiko, the Art of Japanese Drumming Saturday, May 30 at 2 PM For all Join an interactive experience blending traditional and contemporary rhythms with a bit of Japanese history. Presenter: Mark H Rooney Dancing Stories with Kalanidhi Dance For all Journey to India through South Indian classical Kuchipudi dance as performers use rhythm, gestures and expression to bring stories and fables to life. Eastport-Annapolis Neck: Saturday, May 23 at 2 PM Severna Park: Saturday, May 9 at 11 AM
Japanese Bilingual Storytime
Monday, May 4 at 10:30 AM For preschoolers
Young children will enjoy stories, songs and activities while building ready to read skills in English and in Japanese. 小さなお子様は、物語、歌、アクティ ビティを楽しみながら、英語と日本語 で読む力を身につけます。 Gyotaku: Fish Printing Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 PM For teens and kids Learn the art of Japanese Fish Printing (Gyotaku) by creating your very own marine art! Deale R Art Night: Art Inspired By East Asia Tuesday, May 19 at 6 PM For adults Create art inspired by East Asian styles through painting, drawing or sketching.
Libraries grow because people grow. When customers gather to learn about one another, barriers soften and connections deepen. This spring, we invite you to explore, celebrate and belong.
Inside This Issue BRANCH PAGES
MORE ITEMS OF INTEREST Asian American Heritage Month....3 Jewish American Heritage Month....6 News Articles..........................8, 10 Online Programs........................11 Women's History Month.........12-13 Kindergarten Readiness.............13 Foundation Report ..............22-23 Arab American Heritage Month......24
Broadneck.................................4 Brooklyn Park .........................16 Busch Annapolis........................5 Crofton ..................................10 Deale........................................6 Discoveries: The Library at the Mall................................7 Eastport-Annapolis Neck ...........8 Edgewater ................................9
Glen Burnie..............................17 Linthicum................................18 Maryland City at Russett...........11 Mountain Road........................19 Odenton..................................14 Riviera Beach..........................20 Severn. ...................................15 Severna Park ..........................21
Laura J. Ellis, Secretary Tim Lemke, Treasurer
DIRECTORS Gerald P. Starr
Jeremy York MEMBERS Skip Auld, Ex-Officio Dylan Behler Catherine Belcher Barbie Caulder Abby Chan Noah Comet James R. Estepp Ishani Gandhi Christopher B. Nelson J. Robert Sapp III Simmona E. Simmons JanElaine Smith Faith Steele
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall Teen Sushi Night Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 PM For teens Learn how to make candy sushi, play Sushi Go! with friends and decorate your own soy sauce dish. Make Your Own Ukulele Saturday, May 23 at 2 PM For kids Learn the origins of the ukulele and how to make your own from household items.
Library STEAM Programs Promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Skills STEAM education fosters a love of math, science and art by encouraging learners to engage in inquiry, logical reasoning, collaboration and investigation. In Library Happenings, programs that incorporate STEAM principles are designated with this icon: ⚛
This donor funded icon brings awareness to the many wonderful programs and experiences that are a reality at the library thanks to community donors.
2 R Registration is required and begins two weeks before the program at aacpl.net/events . ⚛ STEAM Program. See page 2 for details.
March, April and May 2026
Bilingual Program
ASL Interpreter Available
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Library Happenings
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