SAN FRANCISCO, January 8, 2024 — San Francisco Public Library announces free programming for all ages in honor of Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, 2024 marks the year of the Wood Dragon, which symbolizes intelligence and success, attributes the Library can help patrons cultivate in the new year.

The fun commences in early January with an array of engaging activities that spotlight the rich heritage and customs associated with the annual celebration. Highlights of the season include the return of Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One on February 13. Presented in partnership with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, this year’s celebration of Black History Month and Lunar New Year features a variety of music and spoken word performances, including special appearances by violinist Kippy Marks and a performance by the internationally acclaimed rapper SETI X. On February 24, the Main Library hosts a cultural extravaganza featuring musical, theatrical and dance performances by students from San Francisco High School of the Arts and hands-on activities for all ages. From educational workshops to captivating performances, the Library invites residents and visitors alike to join in the celebration and embrace the spirit of the season.

"We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and cultural exchange, and Lunar New Year always provides a wonderful opportunity for our diverse community to come together and learn from one another," says City Librarian Michael Lambert. "San Francisco Public Library encourages everyone to take part in the Lunar New Year celebrations and experience the cultural richness that this auspicious occasion brings.”

ALL-AGES PROGRAMS 
Lion Dance with Jing Mo Athletic Association
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a Lion Dance performance with Jing Mo Athletic Association. Learn more about the rich heritage of Lunar New Year traditions, see a spectacular martial arts demonstration and touch a piece of lucky lettuce to start your year off right.

January 13, 2024
Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Anza Branch, 550 37TH Avenue, 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Avenue, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Avenue, 1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Court, 2:15 – 2:45 p.m.
Ocean View Branch, Little Footprints Preschool, 308 Randolph Street, 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

January 20, 2024
Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green Street, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  
Mission Bay Branch, 960 4th Street, 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.

January 27, 2024
Western Addition, 1550 Scott Street, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Bernal Branch, 500 Cortland Avenue, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 
Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street, 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. 
Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission Street, 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Noe Valley, 451 Jersey Street, 2:15 – 3: 15 p.m. 
Park Branch, 1833 Page Street, 4:15 – 4:45 p.m.

January 28, 2024
West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox Way, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  
Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Melody of China
Celebrate Chinese New Year of Dragon with Chinese instrumental music performed by the students from Melody of China. Space is limited. Reservations required: (415)355-5600. This program is in partnership with Melody of China. 歡迎參加由漢聲樂團的學生帶來的中國傳統器樂演奏以慶祝中國龍年的到來。位置有限，請打(415) 355-5600報名。January 13, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Avenue

Chinese Guqin and Xiao / 中國古琴與簫演奏 
Traditionally, the four arts of the Chinese literati are “琴 Qin, 棋 Chinese Chess, 書 calligraphy and 畫 painting.” This event is an opportunity for more culture enthusiasts to get to know and understand this ancient and traditional music art form. These traditional arts are treasures belonging to all people. 中國古代傳統四藝是“琴、棋、書、畫”。本次活動提供一個認識和瞭解這種古老而傳統的音樂藝術。這些傳統藝術是屬於所有人。January 21, 2024, 3rd floor, Chinese Center, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Dragon Craft
Use wire ribbon and colorful paper to craft a simple yet elegant dragon to welcome in the Lunar New Year. January 25, 2024, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue

Red Envelope Craft
Create a decorative lantern with red envelopes in celebration with Chinese New Year.  Space is limited. Reservation required: 415-355-5660. January 27, 2024, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street

Chinese New Year Red Envelope Lantern Craft
Instructor Maria Fong shows you how to make a beautiful red lantern decoration for Chinese New Year. For ages 10 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5700 (starting January 2). January 28, 2024, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval Street

Lion Dance Led by the West Coast Lion Dance Troupe
Ring in the Year of the Dragon with a traditional lion dance. February 3, 2024, Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega Street, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. and Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

The Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company
Enjoy a colorful and energetic Chinese dance performance, ushering in the new Year of the Dragon. Traditional and contemporary choreography will inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. February 3, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento Street

Red Envelope Creations
Welcome in the Lunar New Year with Maria Fong, who will teach participants how to make an artistic craft with “lucky” Chinese red envelopes. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2848 (starting January 4). February 4, 2024, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue

Lunar New Year Craft
Craft a paper dragon decoration to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For children and their families. February 8, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street

Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, drinks and crafts with us. February 11, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch, 451 Jersey Street

Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One 
The Library is thrilled to host the second annual Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One, a celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year, in partnership with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. This year’s event will feature a variety of music and spoken word performances, including special appearances by violinist Kippy Marks and a performance by the internationally acclaimed rapper SETI X. February 13, doors open at 5:00 p.m., program starts at 5:30 p.m., Main Library, 100 Larkin Street

Chinese New Year Riddle Contest / 慶元宵猜燈謎
In celebration of Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, please come join us for our Chinese and English Riddle Contest with prizes! 為慶祝農曆新年及元宵佳節，我們誠邀您來參與我們的中、英語有獎猜燈謎會。男女老幼，無任歡迎！February 23, 2024, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street

Chinese New Year Extravaganza/ 慶祝中國新年表演盛會
An unforgettable afternoon awaits as the students of San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts) take center stage to usher in the Chinese New Year with a dazzling showcase of their immense talent and creativity. 舊金山藝術高中（私立學校, HSArts）學生將走上舞台，以令人矚目的才華和創意迎接中國新年。February 24, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Lower Floor, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street

ADULT PROGRAMS

Lunar New Year Calligraphy Class 
Create and learn about Chinese calligraphy with Jojo Liu to celebrate the Lunar New Year (the Year of the Dragon). The instructor will teach the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy basics including holding a brush, writing basic storks, and New Year sayings. January 4, 2024, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission Street and January 13, 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m., Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega Street. Space limited. Please call (415) 355-5700 to register.

Traditional Chinese dessert Fa Gao
Learn how to make a traditional Chinese dessert Fa Gao in celebration of Lunar New Year of Dragon.  Participants will leave with instructions on how to make Fa Gao at home. Space is limited. Reservations required: (415)355-5600. 學習如何製作傳統中式甜點髮糕慶祝農曆龍年的到來。位置有限，請打(415) 355-5600報名。February 1, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Avenue

Red Envelope Crafts with Maria Fong
Maria Fong will demonstrate how to make beautiful lanterns from red paper envelopes.   Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2808 (starting January 19). February 2, 2024, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Avenue

Chinese New Year Karaoke / 卡拉OK賀新春
Enjoy our Chinese New Year Karaoke Party with your family and friends. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2888  -  與您的家人及好友一同歡唱卡拉OK，歡度新年佳節。 座位有限，需提前預約：(415) 355-2888 February 9, 2024, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street

For a complete schedule of events and more information, please visit the Library's website: sfpl.org.