Celebrating Bruce Lee

Celebrate Bruce Lee Day!

In recognition of Bruce Lee’s lasting impact on film, culture and the Chinese American community, San Francisco Public Library is hosting special Bruce Lee celebrations and events on May 13 and May 17. 

On Wednesday, May 15, come hear Assemblymember Matt Haney, Shannon Lee from the Bruce Lee Foundation, Mark Young from Stand with Asians and Justin Hoover from the Chinese Historical Society discuss the new California Bill that honors Bruce Lee. Additionally, Shannon Lee, author of New York Times-bestselling novel Breath of the Dragon—and daughter of Bruce Lee—will be hosting a live Q&A session with teens ages 12–18 with book giveaways, pizza and more. 

The events culminate with all-day festivities and fun on Sunday, May 17. Visit the Main Library for a full afternoon of activities, including screenings of Bruce Lee's films, martial arts demonstrations, nunchucks, mah jong games and other festivities.

Shannon Lee

Shannon Lee.

Shannon Lee is the CEO and Owner of Bruce Lee Enterprises, the Founder and President of the Bruce Lee Foundation (BLF), an Author, Producer and Speaker, and the daughter of martial artist and cultural icon Bruce Lee. 

Through the BLF she focuses on youth mental wellness programs based in the teachings of her father. Her first book, Be Water, My Friend, offers insight into how to use her father’s philosophies toward a more fluid life and has been an editor’s pick and popular choice for teaching curriculums in both high schools and universities. In 2025 Shannon released a fantasy YA novel called Breath of the Dragon (an NYT bestseller), which she co-authored with the talented Fonda Lee, and book two of the duology will be released later this year. She recently launched a short form podcast called "A Little Leeway" available where most podcasts are found. Shannon has also hosted the Bruce Lee Podcast and Executive Produced the series Warrior now streaming on HBOMax. She and her team also have several more film and tv projects in development. 

To connect more with Shannon, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, on Bruce Lee's website and socials (Instagram and Facebook) as well as through the Bruce Lee Foundation (website, Instagram, Facebook) to support her public charity initiatives!

Assemblymember Matt Haney

Assemblymember Matt Haney with a cutout of Bruce Lee.

Assemblymember Matt Haney proudly represents California’s 17th Assembly District encompassing the eastern side of San Francisco. In the state assembly, he’s currently the Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. As one of the few renters in the Legislature, he also serves as the Chair of the Legislative Renters’ Caucus. Previously, he has held leadership positions as Assistant Majority Whip and the Chair of the Select Committee on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction, and Overdose Prevention and Downtown Recovery. He has also held the leadership position as the Assistant Majority Leader for Policy and Research. He has introduced numerous bills focused on housing, homelessness, drug addiction, public safety, worker’s rights, and climate issues. In addition, he serves on the Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration, Natural Resources, and Business and Professions committees.

DateProgramTimeMain Library Location
Wednesday, May 13Speaker: Bruce Lee Event with Assemblymember Matt Haney2–3 p.m.Atrium, 1st Floor
Wednesday, May 13Author: Shannon Lee, Breath of the Dragon: Book One of the Breathmarked Series3–4 p.m.The Mix, 2nd Floor
Sunday, May 17Martial Arts Demonstration12–1:30 p.m.Atrium, 1st Floor
Sunday, May 17Bruce Lee Day Screen Printing1–3 p.m.Children's Center, 2nd Floor
Sunday, May 17Crafts for Youth: Nunchuck Making and Calligraphy1–3 p.m.Children's Center, 2nd Floor
Sunday, May 17Mahjong Afternoon1–3:30 p.m.Chinese Center, 3rd Floor
Sunday, May 17Film Screening: The Big Boss and Enter the Dragon1–4:45 p.m.Koret Auditorium, Lower Level