The Bellingham Public Library is spending the month of May highlighting books, films, and programming that feature Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American authors, characters, and experiences, in recognition of APIDA Heritage Month. Staff members are sharing personal recommendations for both adults and children throughout May, building a reading list that reflects the library's commitment to representing the full range of Whatcom County's community.
Among the featured picks is "Katabasis" by R.F. Kuang, recommended by Lark, a Library Clerk at Bellingham Public Library. Described as a dark academia fantasy drawing on Dante's Inferno, the novel follows two graduate students training as magicians at Cambridge who navigate both literal and personal descents. Lark describes it as "an allegory for academic burnout" that blends existential philosophy, afterlife mythology, and paradoxical theory. The book is recommended for adult fiction readers.
For younger readers, another staff pick spotlights "The Tray of Togetherness" by Flo Leung, a children's picture book celebrating Lunar New Year traditions, food, and community. Lark recommends it for ages 4 and up, describing it as a warm celebration of the "delicious food, vibrant traditions, and wonderful community" that marks the festival. Both recommendations offer immediate reading options for Bellingham families looking to explore APIDA voices and stories during May.
APIDA Heritage Month has been observed nationally in May since 1992. The month recognizes the contributions and experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, as well as the broader South Asian diaspora. Public libraries across the country typically mark the month with themed programming, curated book lists, and events, and Bellingham's library system has consistently participated in recent years.
The library's broader May programming includes events for all ages. The Children's Library branch has its own separate APIDA feature series running alongside the main library. Residents looking for the full calendar of May events and programming can check the Bellingham Public Library website or visit the main branch at 210 Central Avenue in downtown Bellingham. The library also maintains an active Facebook presence where staff recommendations and event announcements are posted regularly.
The library system serves the full Bellingham community through its main branch and through the Whatcom County Library System, which operates branches across the county including in Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, and other communities. Card holders can access digital lending through Libby and other platforms, meaning the APIDA reading list is accessible to county residents regardless of which branch they typically visit.
For families with children, the picture book pick offers a particularly accessible entry point. "The Tray of Togetherness" can be requested through the library catalog and checked out at any Whatcom County Library System branch. Pairing a picture book read-aloud at home with a library visit to explore the broader APIDA collection is one of the most direct ways to use the library's curation work this month.
The library's APIDA Heritage Month highlights continue through the end of May. More staff recommendations and featured titles are expected to be shared over the coming weeks. Residents with questions about the programming or the library's collections can reach the main branch at (360) 778-7323 or connect through the library's social channels and website.
