Celebrate AAPI food, dance, martial arts and more at Shreveport libraries

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — May is Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Shreve Memorial Library invites patrons to experience culture through interactive workshops and food demonstrations across various branches.

Shreve Memorial Library (SML) says all programs are free and open to the public. AAPI events include learning Tai Chi, drawing asian flowers, painting Mt Fuji, a Tahitian dance class, origami techniques, making Chinese sky lanterns, and much more.

Throughout the month, patrons can stop by the Blanchard Branch at 344 Alexander Street in Blanchard, Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to create Chinese sky lanterns, says SML.

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• On Friday, May 16, the West Shreveport Branch will host a Tahitian dance workshop for children at 4:45 p.m. at 4380 Pines Road. In Belcher, children will be able to learn to Hula at the Belcher-Wyche Branch, located at 409 Charles Street, on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m.
• On Monday, May 19, the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, located at 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, will host a beginner’s Tai Chi class. Led by Glenn Guerin of Lee’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi Center.

SML details that the Tai Chi Class introduces adults to a martial art style that uses gentle, flowing movements, deep breathing, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being.” The class will begin at 4:30 p.m., and registration is required. Interested patrons can sign up at the branch or call (318) 687-6824 to register.

Each Thursday in May at 4:00 p.m., the Belcher-Wyche Branch hosts AAPI story time featuring books written by and about AAPI authors and culture.

• On Tuesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m., patrons at the Mooringsport Branch, located at 603 Latimer Street, will make various crafts, including leis, tiki suncatchers, and hibiscus hair clips.
• On Wednesday, May 21, the Means Branch, located at 7016 E. Magnolia Lane in Ida, will host a drawing workshop at 4:00 p.m., during which patrons will complete drawings of Asian flowers.
• On Thursday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. at 4844 N. Market Street, at the North Shreveport Branch, adults will use acrylic paint to capture the beauty and magnificence of Mt. Fuji. Registration is required. To sign up, visit the branch or call (318) 674-8172.
• On Tuesday, May 27, those interested in learning the Japanese art of origami are encouraged to visit the Belcher-Wyche Branch at 4:30 p.m. for an interactive workshop. In this workshop, patrons will use origami techniques to make a kite.
• On Wednesday, May 28, teens interested in creating “zines,” small-scale publications with drawings, collage, and writings, at 5 p.m.

SML will host food demonstrations, including special ‘coffee time,’ boba tea, and bake club with savory and sweet treats.

• Special Coffee Time at Belcher-Wyche Branch on May 16 at 10 a.m.
• Polynesian Chicken, a sweet, savory island favourite, is available at the West Shreveport Branch on May 22 at 4 p.m.
• Bubble/boba tea demonstration at the North Caddo Branch on Wednesday, May 28, at 3 p.m.

There are movies and storytelling events across several SML branches. For more information, visit SML’s website.