Celebrate Asian culture at Tulsa City-County Library’s monthlong Asian American Festival

Join Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) for a month of entertaining and educational events celebrating Asian American cultures and customs during the 24th annual Asian American Festival in May. Taking place at TCCL branches across Tulsa County, the festival programs are free and open to the public.

The Asian American Festival kicks off with a taiko drumming performance by Ohitsuji Daiko Drumming Group from Bailey Elementary School on Saturday, May 2 from noon-1 p.m. at Central Library, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue. The Japanese tea ceremony, a festival staple since 2003, will be led by tea master Yumie Farringer on Saturday, May 16, 2-3 p.m. at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road. Several TCCL branches are hosting book clubs and discussion groups highlighting works by Asian American authors throughout May.

Free festival programs include:

• Taiko Drumming Performance on Saturday, May 2 from noon-1 p.m. at Central Library. Experience the thrilling rhythms of Japan and delight in the exhilarating energy of a powerful performance by Ohitsuji Daiko Drumming Group from Bailey Elementary School in Owasso. For all ages.
• Yoga for Every Body on Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6-7 p.m. at Central Library. Join us for a beginner-friendly yoga class taught by certified yoga instructor Beth Richmond and guest instructors. Yoga mats are provided. For tweens to adults.
• K-Pop Demon Hunter Fest on Saturday, May 9 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. Calling all Huntrix and Saja Boys fans! Visit Hardesty Regional Library to protect the Honmoon with crafts, music, a photo booth, activities and more. Costumes are encouraged! For all ages.
• Japanese Boro Mending on Monday, May 11 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Schusterman-Benson Library, 3333 E. 32nd Place. Discover the practical art of Japanese Boro mending. Bring your own clothing to patch and learn how to transform scraps into something beautiful. Registration is required. Register at www.tulsalibrary.org/events or call 918-549-7323. For teens and adults.
• Japanese Tea Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 from 2-3 p.m. at Martin Regional Library. Experience a traditional Japanese matcha ceremony led by Oklahoma-based Japan native and tea master Yumie Farringer. For older elementary schoolers to adults.

In addition, adults are invited to celebrate Asian authors with these book clubs:

• LitWits’ Book Club on Wednesday, May 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library. Read “Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu and then join us to discuss chapters we read, compare notes and talk about characters, themes or ideas.
• Banned Book Club on Monday, May 11 from 7-8 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library. Join us to discuss books that have been banned or challenged in schools and libraries. Our featured book is “Front Desk” by Kelly Yang.
• Bixby Book Club on Wednesday, May 13 from 2-3 p.m. at Bixby Library, 20 E. Breckenridge. Read “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” by Michiko Aoyama and join us for a lively discussion. Copies are available at the library or download an e-book at www.tulsalibrary.org.
• Beyond the Book on Thursday, May 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at South Broken Arrow Library, 3600 S. Chestnut. Love talking about books? So do we! Join us to discuss “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See. Reserved copies are available at the library.
• Jenks Book Club on Thursday, May 21 from 6-7 p.m. at Jenks Library, 523 W. B St. Join fellow book lovers to discuss the novel “Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim.

To find copies of these titles or place one on hold, visit www.tulsalibrary.org.

The Tulsa Library Trust sponsors the Asian American Festival. For more details about the festival, visit tulsalibrary.org/asianfestival or call AskUs at 918.549.7323.