Wednesday, April 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexis Gunderson
(301) 699-3500 x6158
alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – This May, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will observe Asian Pacific American Heritage (APAH) Month by hosting more than 60 special events and programs for all ages that celebrate the cultures, languages, music traditions, foods, histories, and literature of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Highlights of this year’s system-wide APAH celebration include a mehndi workshop with a local professional henna artist; two programs on healthy Japanese cuisine presented by local food education organization Wa-Shokuiku; and a number of diverse dance, movement, and music programs featuring local partners chitra.MOVES, the Washington Toho Koto Society, and Mabuhay, Inc.
Special craft, culture, and language programs developed by PGCMLS branch staff will also be a highlight of the Library’s 2026 APAH festivities. At these programs, kids will be invited to craft dragon puppets, nature mandalas, and Japanese tea bowls; teens will get to make their own manga and learn sashiko mending techniques; and adults will be encouraged to learn about the traditional Filipino tattoo art of Batok and pick up some beginner Chinese (Mandarin) language skills.
“I am excited to share Mandarin with the Prince George’s County community,” says PGCMLS Librarian Chang-yu Hsiao, who will be leading the Greenbelt Branch Library’s special “Beginner Chinese Conversation” program for seniors on May 13, in honor of both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Older Americans Month.
“In a library setting, we can be more inclusive if we greet customers using their own language and offer programs with diverse cultural elements,” Hsiao says. “Language is the key to understanding a country’s culture — and moreover, learning a new language can help prevent aging and memory loss. Reaching out to people using their native language is the best way to build friendly relationships, facilitate mutual understanding, and develop a harmonious living environment.”
PGCMLS also invites customers to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage by using their library card to explore free APAH-themed collections in the Library’s many online resources, including streamable films and documentaries on Kanopy, a manga starter collection on ComicsPlus, and the language learning modules for Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and more on Mango and Transparent Languages.
Finally, community members are invited to visit PGCMLS’ Asian Pacific American Heritage hub, which is available 24/7 and serves as a cultural resource that includes book recommendations, historical timelines, research databases, upcoming events, and more. The Asian Pacific American Heritage hub can be visited anytime at pgcmls.info/asian-pacific-american-heritage.
Select 2026 APAH Month programs are listed below. For the full calendar of 2026 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events at PGCMLS branch libraries, please visit our website here.
Presented by the Washington Toho Koto Society
Free | Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm | All Ages | Joe’s Movement Emporium | Link
Free | Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 pm | All Ages | Greenbelt Branch Library | Link
Free | Saturday, May 30 at 1 pm | All Ages | New Carrollton Branch Library | Link
Experience the serene beauty and harmonious melodies of traditional Japanese koto music at this local musical society’s recital. The koto, a 13-string instrument made of paulownia wood, is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, mirroring the tranquility of Japanese nature. Enjoy a captivating performance showcasing the exquisite sounds of the koto, played with precision and grace.
Presented by chitra.MOVES
Free | Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm | Kids to Adults | Fairmount Heights Branch Library | Link
Free | Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm | Kids to Adults | Bowie Branch Library | Link
Come experience an exciting cultural fusion while fostering connections with fellow program participants at this special interactive dance program that blends Bharathanatyam, an Indian Classical dance form, with elements of Hip Hop. This class will feature social exchanges, movement exploration, and simple choreography.
Presented by Wa-Shokuiku
Free | Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm | Teens and Adults | Accokeek Branch Library | Link
Free | Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 pm | Ages 5-12 | Bladensburg Branch Library | Link
Free | Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 pm | Ages 5-12 | Hillcrest Heights Branch Library | Link
Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm | Teens and Adults | Baden Branch Library | Link
In this cooking class hosted by Wa-Shokuiku, a local program by Table for Two USA inspired and informed by the educational philosophy, flavors, and food of Japan, participants will learn about Japanese rice and will put together a bento — beautiful Japanese single-portion boxed meals that delight both the tastebuds and eyes! Bento consists of simple, healthy recipes that anyone can enjoy. Attendees will also learn other key Japanese food concepts, such as color variety and portion control. All participants must have a signed waiver to take part in the cooking activity.
Free | Wednesday, May 13 at 2 pm | Adults | Greenbelt Branch Library | Link
Are you interested in learning and experiencing Chinese Mandarin? In this special one-time “Beginner Chinese Conversation” program in honor of both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Older Americans Month, attendees will build confidence in their language skills with other beginner learners in a relaxed and supportive setting. Participants will learn new words and greetings, and will be able to practice a Chinese Mandarin practical conversation. This program is for adults of all ages, but seniors are especially encouraged to attend.
Presented by Mabuhay, Inc.
Free | Saturday, May 16 at 1 pm | All Ages | Beltsville Branch Library | Link
Community members are invited to step into the vibrant world of Filipino culture with this immersive event, presented by local arts and culture organization Mabuhay, Inc. While celebrating the colorful traditions of the Flores de Mayo festival with hands-on flower crown-making and woven paper flags crafts, attendees will get to experience the lively rhythms of Filipino folk dances like the elegant Cariñosa and the energetic Tinikling.
Free | Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 pm | Adults | miXt Food Hall| Link
Join fellow community members at miXt Food Hall for a special Asian Pacific American Heritage Month edition of “Solidarity Stories: Community Led Book Discussion” featuring a thoughtful discussion of “Cinema Love” by Jiaming Tang. About the novel: “[A] staggering epic about men and women who find themselves in forbidden relationships, the weight of secrets, and the persistence of memory. Spanning decades, from post-socialist China to contemporary New York, ‘Cinema Love’ is a tour de force about gay men and the women who marry them.” — from the catalog
Free | Tuesday, May 26 at 5:45 pm | South Bowie Branch Library | Link
Free | Wednesday, May 27 at 5:45 pm | Largo-Kettering Branch Library | Link
At this immersive workshop, participants will dive into the world of mehndi (henna art) through a five-senses cultural workshop led by a professional henna artist. Participants will explore the history, botany, and cultural significance of henna across South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African traditions. They’ll also explore henna’s rangoli and mandala-inspired designs, learn how to drape a saree, and discover how to spot authentic, natural henna versus ink-based “henna tattoos.” All interested participants will receive a freehand henna design by the artist; optional bindis will also be available.
Presented by Wa-Shokuiku
Free | Thursday, May 28 at 4:30 pm | Ages 5-12 | Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Link
#EdamameChamp is an annual spring campaign hosted by Wa-Shokuiku, a local program by Table for Two USA inspired and informed by the educational philosophy, flavors and food of Japan. This spring, community members can participate in #EdamameChamp at the Library by learning about healthy eating through Japanese cuisine. In this special Asian Pacific American Heritage Month program, participants will learn about soy through an interactive presentation — compete in a fun chopstick skills challenge — that will conclude with a cooking demonstration of soy-based dishes.
To discuss coverage opportunities, members of the media can contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.