Online Resources for AAPI Appreciation Month

Celebrate the rich historical contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during the month of May.

Like many cities in the United States, Kansas City is a diverse community. There are many opportunities to explore other cultures right in our backyard. The Nelson Atkins Art Museum is nationally renowned for its Asian Art collection. Walk through exhibits filled with beautiful porcelain and intricate paintings, and visit the famous wooden figure of Guanyin of the Southern Sea. 

Kansas City also offers a wide variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and Asian Supermarkets that will inspire you to try something out of your comfort zone. You can also explore free and nonprofit cultural events around the city, such as Taste of AAPI in the West Bottoms.

Mid-Continent Public Library prides itself on its extensive physical and digital collections. No matter what you’re interested in, we have something for you.

Explore the biographies of Asian American actors, artists, athletes, writers, and more by searching the online resource Biography. Did you just finish bingeing on the TV series Beef? Read more about the leads, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. Want to get political? Learn about the life of Andrew Yang. Are sports more your thing? Then, read all about the interesting life of Julie Chu, an Asian American hockey player.

Are you interested in learning about the many important contributions of Asian Americans in the history of the United States? Check out primary source documents such as newspaper articles, journal entries, and essays on topics related to Asian Life in America. Some key focal points worth researching include the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, the development of Asian communities in Chinatowns or Koreatowns, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and more.

Are you a big foodie? Do you want to learn how to cook your favorite Asian meals at home? Explore this list created by Goodreads, which is full of the best Asian cookbooks. You can also click through CultureGrams to learn about different countries in Asia.

Looking for a fiction book that explores another culture and point of view? Look through this staff-created list on the Lunar New Year. If you still want more Asian American literature after viewing this list, then try Novelist to find your next read. You can search through Read-Alike lists that suggest books like your personal favorites or explore topics and themes that interest you. You’ll walk away with even more books to add to your TBR.

Interested in learning another language? Check out Mango to learn how to say “Good morning,” “Thank you,” and other key phrases.

May is a great time to watch or rewatch some of your favorite TV shows and movies featuring Asian characters. Some of my personal favorites include Crazy Rich Asians, Parasite, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and the classic The Joy Luck Club. If you want access to thousands of streaming videos available instantaneously from the comfort of your home? Give Access Video on Demand a shot. They have lists decided to Asian American Culture, Asian American History, and Special Topics and Issues.

Feel free to visit your local branch and learn more about all the amazing things that Mid-Continent Public Library has to offer.

Meghan P.
Electronic Resources Librarian