In May, Kitchener Public Library celebrates Asian Heritage Month! Asian Heritage Month was officially established in Canada in May 2002. This motion was proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy, who was the first Canadian senator of Asian ancestry.
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and history of the diverse Asian communities in Canada. It's also a great time to appreciate the many contributions Asian people have made in Canada and abroad.
Kitchener Public Library Resources
Upcoming Programs
Blossoming Peach: A Poetry-Inspired Watercolour Experience
Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Library
Dumpling Day
Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at Southwest Library
Flavours of Korea
Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Forest Heights Library
Curated Reading Lists
Kitchener Public Library has curated a collection of items that you can borrow for Asian Heritage Month. Browse our list of children's books and adult books.
Virtual Library Resources
Interested in seeing what Kitchener Public Library has to offer beyond our shelves? Your library card gives you access to a wide variety of digital content in the Virtual Library. We've highlighted some resources below to help you celebrate Asian Heritage Month.
- Dragon Source Chinese Magazines is an online resource that provides access to popular Chinese magazines. Use your library card to get free access to hundreds of magazines!
- "Tampopo" is a 1985 Japanese comedy film that's been called the first "ramen Western." It follows an eccentric band of culinary ronin who guide the widow of a noddle shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe. This film is available on Kanopy.
- "Yi Yi" is an acclaimed film directed by the late Taiwanese master, Edward Yang. It follows a middle-class family in Taipei over the course of one year, beginning with a wedding and ending with a funeral. This film is available on Kanopy.
- Explore the Asian Communities in Canada selection of films by the National Film Board of Canada. This collection celebrates the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent.
Community Resources
- India Canada Association Waterloo Region
- Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region
- Significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada
- Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association
We hope that these resources for Asian Heritage Month have sparked your curiosity to explore all that Kitchener Public Library has to offer!