April 10, 2025

   Celebrate and learn about Asian American cultures and customs with entertaining, educational events for the whole family at Tulsa City-County Library’s 23rd annual Asian American Festival. This year, festival programs will take place at various TCCL locations throughout May. All events are free and open to the public.                               

   Celebrations will take the form of traditional Korean games, a Bollywood dance workshop courtesy of Kripalaya Dance Academy, a taiko drumming performance from the Bailey Elementary School, crafts and more. The Japanese tea ceremony, which has been a festival staple since 2003, will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 2-3 p.m. at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road. Another long-running festival feature is the Kyoto-Oklahoma Art Exchange, which highlights children’s artwork from Kyoto, Japan. This year’s art will be displayed at Martin Regional Library during May, courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. 
   Festival events include:

  • “Traditional Korean Games” on Saturday, May 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Central Library, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue. For all ages.
  • “Japanese Tea Ceremony” on Saturday, May 10 from 2-3 p.m. at Martin Regional Library. For all ages.
  • “Paper Crafts for Kids” on Tuesday, May 13 from 4-5 p.m. at Jenks Library, 523 W. B St., Jenks. For preschoolers and elementary schoolers.
  • “Yoga – Breathe. Stretch. De-Stress.” on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.-noon at Peggy Helmerich Library, 5131 E. 91st St. Registration is required. For all ages.
  • “Taiko Drumming Performance” on Saturday, May 17 from 1:30-2:15 p.m. at Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford. For all ages.
  • “Bollywood Dance Workshop” on Tuesday, May 20 from 6-7 p.m. at Peggy Helmerich Library. Registration is required. For all ages.
  • “Sashiko Stitching Workshop” on Thursday, May 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St. For ages 14+.

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

  • Wednesday, May 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library, reading “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee.
  • Monday, May 12 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Brookside Library reading “The Island of the Sea Women” by Lisa See.
  • Wednesday, May 14 from 10-11 a.m. at Martin Regional Library reading “Real Americans” by Rachel Khong.
  • Wednesday, May 14 from 3-4 p.m. at Nathan Hale Library reading “Malice” by Keigo Higashino.
  • Thursday, May 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at South Broken Arrow Library, 3600 S. Chestnut, reading “The Brightest Star” by Gail Tsukiyama.
  • Thursday, May 15 from 6-7 p.m. at Jenks Library reading “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” by Michiko Aoyama.
  • Tuesday, May 20 from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom reading “The Eyes Are the Best Part” by Monika Kim.
  • Tuesday, May 27 from 6-7 p.m. at Owasso Library reading “Real Americans” by Rachel Khong.

   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 www.tulsalibrary.org/asianfestival or call AskUs at 918-549-7323. 

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