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Bookshelves of nonfiction books inside the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in North Long Beach on Jan. 4, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)<\/p>\nThe Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) announced the return of the biennial Festival of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Books on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).<\/p>\n
To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, the Festival of AAPI Books (FAB) brings together authors, artists, educators and community members for a day of storytelling, connection and honoring the diverse histories and experiences of AAPI communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The FAB will feature author panels, book signings, children\u2019s storytimes, cultural activities, local vendors and community organizations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Attendees have the opportunity to engage with authors across multiple genres, discover new books and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvents like the Festival of AAPI Books reflect Long Beach at its best\u2014diverse, creative and deeply connected through shared stories,\u201d said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. \u201cThis celebration honors the voices that shape our city\u2019s cultural fabric and inspires the next generation of readers and leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bookshelves of nonfiction books inside the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in North Long Beach on Jan. 4, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)<\/p>\n
Attendees will have access to a lineup of author panels, which include:\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Romance Panel, moderated by Grace Salvador from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., will bring together romance authors Emery Lee, Joss Richard, Julie Tieu and Kaye Rockwell to discuss love, relationships and crafting unforgettable memories.<\/p>\n
Young adult literature fans can join moderator Kristtina Swilling from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a conversation with acclaimed authors Aimee Phan, C.B. Lee, David Yoon and Jennifer Chen as they explore themes of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling.<\/p>\n
The Adult Panel, moderated by Elaine Villanueva Bernal from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m., features authors Devi S. Laskar, Jasmin Iolani Hakes, Vanessa Hua and Ellie Yang Camp, whose works highlight history, culture, family and resilience.<\/p>\n
A special Publishing Roundtable featuring author Kaila Yu, author and illustrator Kenneth Tan, literary agent Noelle Falcis Math and author Melody \u201cFuzz Garden,\u201d will share a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event will also feature a community book signing at 3 p.m. with 22 participating authors, where attendees can meet their favorite writers, ask questions and take home signed copies of books.<\/p>\n
Families can also look forward to a day of storytelling with children\u2019s authors and illustrators featuring:<\/p>\n
Ann Chau\u00a0 \u2014 \u201cMy Ong Ngoai\u2019s Garden: Cal\u2019s Guide to Vietnamese Fruits and Culture\u201d<\/p>\n
Kimberly Tso \u2014 \u201cTic-Tac-Toe Chicken\u201d<\/p>\n
Ann Suk Wang \u2014 \u201cThe House Before Falling into the Sea\u201d<\/p>\n
Min Tonai and Jolene Guti\u00e9rrez \u2014 \u201cUnbreakable\u201d<\/p>\n
Michelle Sterling \u2014 \u201cRiding Through Rice Fields\u201d<\/p>\n
Susie Yi \u2014 \u201cCat & Cat Adventures #6: The Lair of the Owl King\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the author events, the festival will be filled with hands-on fun, including interactive craft activities for children and families throughout the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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