Celebrating the Rich Traditions, Art & History of the AANHPI Communities

LAS VEGAS (May 8, 2026) –This May, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District invites the community to celebrate the diverse cultures and profound contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Throughout the month, customers can explore this vibrant heritage through immersive dance performances, historical lectures, wellness workshops and contemporary musical showcases across the Library District’s 25 unique branches.
Below is a partial list of events and activities planned for AANHPI Heritage Month. Visit the Library District’s 2026 AANHPI Heritage Month blog page for a full list of events, gallery exhibits and curated reading lists, streaming video, and more. All events are free and open to the public. Seating at some events may be limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Events subject to cancellation without notice. Please view individual event descriptions for complete details.
-
Experience and Travel to the Beautiful Islands (Adults) – Attendees will immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands through a stunning Polynesian dance performance.
- Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. Windmill Library
- Saturday, May 9, 3 p.m. West Charleston Library
- Saturday, May 9, 7 p.m. Whitney Library
-
“Like Friends, Like Foes: Japanese Nevadans During WWII” – Author Visit & Book Signing (Teens – Adults) – Andrew B. Russell will discuss his book, which covers the struggle of Japanese Americans in the Silver State.
- Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. Clark County Library
-
Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) Information Session (Adults) – Learn about vital community resources including culturally sensitive food banks, health care clinics and SNAP assistance.
- Wednesday, May 13, 2 p.m. Spring Valley Library
- Wednesday, May 27, 2 p.m. Spring Valley Library
-
Learn Tai Chi and Qigong: Discover the Art of Moving Meditation (Adults) – Cultivate balance and inner peace through ancient healing arts set to gentle music.
- Friday, May 15, 11 a.m. Windmill Library
-
Past Self in Concert: Darkwave, Shoegaze, K-Goth (Teens – Adults – Seniors) – Attendees will immerse themselves in Past Self’s signature K-Goth sound, which blends Korean and English lyrics with darkwave melodies.
- Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m. East Las Vegas Library
-
Isamu Noguchi Lanterns (Toddlers – Preschoolers) – A playful story time and craft session inspired by the magic of light and the designs of Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi.
- Thursday, May 21, 3:30 p.m. Whitney Library
-
Teen Thursday: Flower Bookmark (Teens) – Creative young minds can craft their own unique lotus flower bookmark.
- Thursday, May 21, 4:30 p.m. East Las Vegas Library
-
Mission: Mahjong! (Adults) – Newcomers and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy an afternoon of Hong Kong Mahjong with the community.
- Sunday, May 10, 12 p.m. Clark County Library
- Sunday, May 17, 1 p.m. Rainbow Library
- Sunday, May 24, 1 p.m. Enterprise Library
-
Spotlight Poetry Presents: Asian American Pacific Islander Poetry Showcase (Adults) – A showcase featuring poets from across the AANHPI community exploring themes of heritage, migration, and belonging.
- Saturday, May 20, 3 p.m. West Charleston Library
-
Learn Korean with a Native Speaker! (Kids – Tweens – Teens – Adults) – Love K-Dramas and K-Pop? Learn to speak Korean with a native speaker in a stress-free environment.
- Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m. Windmill Library
-
Madama Butterfly: The Opera in Concert (Adults) – The International Opera Institute presents Puccini’s legendary opera, featuring world-class voices from the Metropolitan and Los Angeles Operas.
- Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. Whitney Library
“Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month allows us to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of communities that define and enrich our world,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “Our libraries serve as a gateway to these diverse experiences, offering free access to the art, history and resources that connect us all. Through our Free to Be mission, we invite everyone to engage with these incredible legacies, whether through live events at our branches or by exploring our curated collections of books, music and films that you can borrow, download or stream for FREE with your library card.”
###
About the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 2.8 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District’s new Free To Be public education campaign demonstrates the vital and vibrant role that the library plays in Las Vegas and Clark County, offering unexpected experiences; limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit TheLibraryDistrict.org
