“Weaving Stories,” the Library’s celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, offers more than 50 events across the City.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — This May, join San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) for Weaving Stories, its celebration for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. San Francisco’s rich AANHPI culture is highlighted in a diverse array of free programs for all ages at SFPL locations across the City, including traditional arts, dance, music, crafts, film screenings and more.

Youth and their caregivers are invited to join author-illustrator Bo Lu for a read-aloud of her new picture book Ren’s Pencil followed by an art activity on May 3. On May 9, learn about Polynesian stamping with Rachel Anne Palacios, and on May 30, local nonprofit CHOPSTICKSTORY will be at Bernal Heights to help youth craft a pair of traditional Korean chopsticks.

Highlights for adults include Chinese calligraphy with cultural arts educator JoJo Liu and a performance by the Northern California Hanfu Association on May 16, traditional Japanese sashiko embroidery on May 27 and a concert by Alice & the Wave Band on May 31. 

Patrons of all ages are invited to learn about the Asian diaspora through mahjong with Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora author Nicole Wong on May 9. Kristy Aki Oshiro will be at Park Branch on May 16 and Western Addition Branch on May 30 for a taiko drum performance. 

Complementing these programs, the timely 2026 One Book, One Coast selection, They Called Us Enemy, invites readers along the West Coast to read George Takei’s graphic memoir that recounts his childhood experience in U.S. incarceration camps during World War II. The showcase event is an author talk with Takei on May 31, which will be streamed from LA County Library. San Franciscans can choose to attend the event on Zoom, or come to a community livestream viewing at the Main Library’s Chinese Center that day. Other programs related to One Book, One Coast include a panel on Remembering Japanese American Incarceration and Exploring Resources panel on May 10 and the One Family's Story from Crystal City, Texas Internment Camp presentation on May 11.

For more information on SFPL’s Weaving Stories programs and recommended reads, visit sfpl.org/aanhpi.

YOUTH PROGRAMS 

Bibimbap Remix Pop Up with June Jo Lee, May 9, 12 p.m., Golden Gate Valley
Prepare veggie-forward bibimbap with author June Jo Lee. For ages 6 and older. Youth under 8 require an adult.

Bibimbap Remix Pop Up with June Jo Lee, May 9, 3 p.m., West Portal
Cook bibimbap in a hands-on workshop. For ages 12 and older. Reservations required.

Origami, May 12, 4 p.m., Excelsior
Learn origami fundamentals with Angela Wang. Ages 5 and older

K-Pop Vinyl Decals, May 13, 3 p.m., Excelsior
Create vinyl decals inspired by K-Pop. For ages 10–18.

May Matsuri, May 14, 2:30 p.m., Sunset
Celebrate Japanese festival traditions with fun activities and treats. For children and families. For children and their caregivers. 

Puppet Movie Studio, May 16, 2 p.m., Presidio
Make puppets inspired by ocean life and film a short scene.

Sashiko Embroidery, May 19, 4 p.m., Golden Gate Valley

Ube Snack Tasting, May 20, 3 p.m., Excelsior
Taste various ube snacks and vote for your favorite. For ages 8–18.

Japanese Stab Binding Notebook, May 20, 3:45 p.m., Chinatown/Him Mark Lai
Create your own Japanese stab bound notebook. For ages 6–12. Reservations required.

Biblio Bistro, May 20, 4 p.m., Main Library, The Mix, 2nd Floor
Cook japchae and vegan tteokbokki. For ages 12–18.

Straw and Ink Painting, May 21, 2:30p.m., Sunset
Create a Chinese-inspired ink painting using ink and a straw. Ages 6 and older.

Korean Chopstick Making, May 23, 2:30 p.m., Parkside
Craft traditional Korean chopsticks and test your skills. For ages 8–17. Registration required.

Snack Trials, May 27, 4 p.m., Main Library, The Mix, 2nd Floor
Taste and compare different kinds of kimchi. For ages 12–18.

Korean Chopsticks Crafting, May 30, 2:30–4:3 p.m., Bernal Heights
Craft traditional Korean chopsticks. For ages 8–17.

Totoro Paper Plate Purse, May 30, 3–4 p.m., Portola
Create a Totoro-themed purse. For ages 5 and older.

ADULT PROGRAMS 

Emil Amok’s Takeout on Filipino American Immigration History, May 2, 2p.m., Main Library, Hormel Center, 3rd Floor

Resonance Screening: From Archive to Art & Panel Discussion, May 3, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Through art, storytelling, and conversation, Resonance explores how historical archives and personal memories can be transformed into contemporary artistic expression—connecting past and present across generations and continents.

Bojagi — The Art of Korean Sustainable Gifting, May 3, 2 p.m., Marina
Learn the Korean art of fabric wrapping with Judy Kim. Reservations required.

Mandarin Bilingual Conversation Club, May 6, 12, 20, 26,  Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Practice Mandarin in a relaxed, conversational setting.

Chan Is Missing, May 6, 6 p.m., Glen Park
Watch Wayne Wang’s classic noir-influenced film set in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Wild Goose Qigong, May 7, 2 p.m., Presidio
Weekly drop-in Wild Goose (Dayan) gigong class for health and wellness.

Calligraphy Practice — Sutra Copying, May 7, 2 p.m., Chinatown/Him Mark Lai
Experience the meditative practice of sutra copying and explore traditional calligraphy techniques. Reservations required.

Film: Monsoon Wedding, May 8, 2 p.m., Noe Valley
Enjoy the beloved film Monsoon Wedding, a vibrant story of family, love and celebration.

Wild Goose Qigong with Chunfu Cai, May 9, 8:30– a.m., Marina
Outdoor qigong class taught in English and Mandarin. Canceled if raining.

Film: The Only Language She Knows featuring SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim, May 9, 1 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Watch a newly restored film portrait of poet and playwright Genny Lim, presented with CAAMFest.

Papercutting with Ms. Yan, May 9, 2:30 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Learn traditional Chinese papercutting techniques and create your own piece.

Remembering Japanese American Incarceration and Exploring Resources, May 10, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Learn about WWII Japanese American incarceration through digital archives and oral history.

Film: Defiant to the Last, May 10, 3:30 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Screening of a documentary on resistance at Tule Lake followed by Q&A with Barbara Takei, Emiko Omori, and Satsuki Ima, presented with CAAMFest.

One Family’s Story from Crystal City, Texas Internment Camp, May 11, 2 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Hear a descendant share family history from the Crystal City internment camp.

Rabbit in the Moon, May 11, 3:30 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Watch this landmark documentary about Japanese American incarceration and resistance.

Finding Chinese Ancestors with My China Roots, May 13, 10:30 a.m., Virtual Library
Learn how to research Chinese ancestors using genealogical tools and archives.

 Wild Goose Qigong, May 14, 2 p.m., Presidio
Weekly Wild Goose gigong class for health and wellness.

 Wild Goose Qigong with Chunfu Cai, May 16, 8:30 a.m., Marina
Outdoor qigong class in English and Mandarin.

 Bojagi — The Art of Korean Sustainable Gifting, May 16, 2 p.m., Merced
Learn sustainable Korean wrapping techniques. Reservations required.

 Northern California Hanfu Association, May 16, 2 p.m., Sunset
Enjoy classical Chinese dance, live traditional music and a showcase of historic Hanfu styles.

 Chinese Music Concert, May 16, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
A celebratory music performance honoring AANHPI cultural heritage.

Chinese Calligraphy with JoJo Liu, May 16, 2:30 p.m., Richmond
Learn basic brush techniques and foundational calligraphy skills.

Golden Gate Valley Reading Circle, May 18, 3 p.m., Golden Gate Valley
Discuss A Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino.

 Kimono Iris Folding, May 19, 4 p.m., Sunset
Create a layered paper kimono using iris folding techniques. Reservations required.

Sashiko Embroidery, May 19, 4 p.m., Golden Gate Valley
Learn the Japanese art of Sashiko mending and stitching.

Presentation: Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, May 19, 6:30 p.m., Virtual Library
Discover symbolic motifs and visual puns found in Chinese art.

Film: East Bay, May 20, 5 p.m., Park
A comedic drama about self-reflection, relationships and reality. Snacks provided.

Healing Practices for Parentified Daughters of Color (Part 1), May 20, 5:30p.m., Main Library, Hormel Center, 3rd Floor

Ulloa Reading Corner, May 20, 6 p.m., West Portal
Discuss The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff.

Mission Bay Reads, May 20, 6:30 p.m., Mission Bay
Discuss Finding My Way: A Memoir by Malala Yousafzai.

Wild Goose Qigong, May 21, 2 p.m., Presidio
 Weekly Wild Goose qigong session

Wild Goose Qigong with Chunfu Cai, May 23, 8:30 a.m., Marina
Weekly outdoor qigong class.

Sashiko Embroidery, May 27, 4 p.m., Parkside
Learn Sashiko stitching techniques for fabric repair and embellishment.

Book Club: 讀書會：共讀·共賞, May 28, 10 a.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Silent reading followed by relaxed discussion in a bilingual book club.

Wild Goose Qigong, May 28, 2 p.m., Presidio
Weekly Wild Goose qigong session.

Wild Goose Qigong with Chunfu Cai, May 30, 8:30 a.m., Marina
Weekly outdoor qigong class.

Longform Article Reading Club, May 30, 10 a.m., Virtual Library

 Butoh Dance with Kevin Starbard and Tomoko Ide, May 30, 1 p.m., Ortega
Learn the expressive, experimental style of Butoh.

Author: George Takei — Community Livestream Viewing, May 31, 2 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Join a community viewing of Takei’s conversation.

Ribbon Lei, May 31, 2 p.m., Portola
Create a Hawaiian ribbon lei. Reservations required.

ALL-AGES PROGRAMS

Collaborative Movement, May 2, 10:30 a.m., Parkside
Explore emotion, connection and expression through South Asian movement traditions.

Origami Club, May 2, 2 p.m., Bernal Heights
Fold origami with fellow enthusiasts in a community setting.

Pâte à Choux Tasting, May 2, 2 p.m., Ocean View
Learn to make Thai iced tea–flavored icing and enjoy a tasting.

South Asian Dance, May 2, 2 p.m., Eureka Valley
Experience West African and South Asian dance traditions.

Month of Paper Cranes, May 2, 3 p.m., Portola
Learn to fold cranes and contribute to a 1,000 crane senbazuru.

 Drawing Session with Bo Lu, May 3, 2 p.m., Mission Bay
Read-aloud and art session with illustrator Bo Lu.

Watercolor Painting with Vica Lew, May 3, 2 p.m., Noe Valley
Learn watercolor techniques focused on whimsical food illustrations.

Weave Yourself into Your Story, May 6, 4 p.m., Noe Valley
Create a small weaving while learning about global textile traditions.

Polynesian-Inspired Stamp Art, May 9, 12 p.m., Western Addition
Learn about traditional Polynesian stamping and create your own prints.

Musings and Mahjong Play, May 9, 2 p.m., Main Library, Latino Hispanic Room
Explore mahjong as a cultural tradition through hands-on play and presentation.

Film: Moana, May 10, 2 p.m., Glen Park
A family screening of the beloved Polynesian-inspired animated film.

Book Club: Junior Readers, May 15, 4:15 p.m., Glen Park
Craft and early-reader book discussion. Free books available.

Koinobori — Japanese Carp Streamers, May 16, 2:30 p.m., Noe Valley
Create traditional carp streamers in celebration of Japanese cultural traditions.

Dumpling Demonstration, May 16, 3 p.m., Chinatown
Learn dumpling wrapping techniques and family stories with the Kong family.

Japanese Taiko Drumming, May 16, 3 p.m., Park
Experience the rhythms of taiko drums, bamboo flute and storytelling.

South Asian Dance, May 17, 2 p.m., Portola
Enjoy dynamic performances rooted in West African and South Asian traditions.

Butoh Dance with Kevin Starbard, May 19,  p.m., Excelsior
Learn the expressive form of Japanese Butoh through guided activities and performance.

Chinese Calligraphy — Art and Culture Through Brush Strokes, May 20, 6 p.m., Glen Park
Learn Dragon Boat Festival cultural stories and practice basic calligraphy strokes.

Origami with Angela Wang, May 27, 3 p.m., Marina
Fold rabbits, baskets, boxes and more.

Japanese Taiko Drumming, May 30, 2 p.m., Western Addition
Experience taiko drumming and accompanying storytelling.

Alice & the Wave Band Pop Music Concert, May 31, 1:30 p.m., Main Library
Celebrate AANHPI Month with a lively multilingual pop concert.