OC Public Libraries is proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a variety of enriching programs, including author talks, cooking classes, music appreciation series, and more!
We invite you to visit your local branch to learn about special events and additional programming throughout the month.
Cookbook Authors:
Sarah Ahn & Nam Soon Ahn
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00pm
Sarah Ahn’s viral food videos of her and her mom have captivated millions of viewers with their behind-the-scenes look at Korean cooking and multigenerational home life. This collaboration is now a must-have cookbook blending the emotional intimacy of Crying in H Mart with practical culinary advice from Nam Soon’s lifetime of kitchen experience. The recipes are framed by mother-daughter conversations that are funny, profound, and universally relatable—plus all the food is backed by the recipe-testing power of America’s Test Kitchen.
Sarah Ahn is ATK's social media manager and the creator of the Ahnest Kitchen website. She records her experiences on Instagram and TikTok of living with her Korean immigrant parents, chronicling her mother’s cooking, grocery shopping trips, and more. Many of Sarah’s posts have gone viral with 10+ million views and they have sold grocery stores out of product. She has been featured on NBC News, ABC News, Yahoo News, and Good Morning America.
Nam Soon Ahn, her mother, is a former restaurateur whose culinary wisdom and recipes form the foundation of this book. Together, they honor their heritage with love, flavor, and authenticity.
Complimentary books available, while supplies last. Early arrival suggested. No registration required, all ages welcome.
Cypress Library
5331 Orange Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630
For more information, call 714-826-0350 or email ocpl.cypress@occr.ocgov.com
This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.
Cookbook Author:
Owen Han
Sunday, May 18 at 11:00am
Owen Han is a chef and culinary content creator, coined the ‘King of Sandwiches’ on TikTok with millions of fans tuning in daily to see his latest take on the internet’s most delicious sandwiches. Owen first learned how to cook from watching his first-generation Chinese father and Italian mother in the kitchen, along with spending countless hours in his Nonna’s kitchen in Italy. He expanded on those skills when he, and fellow digital creator H Woo, opened a supper club while attending USC. He rapidly gained a following on social media with his quick-cut ASMR videos where he puts together mouth-watering sandwiches ranging from a Korean Philly cheesesteak to a Carne Asada Torta and an Indian Butter Chicken Burrito. Owen has collaborated with brands such as Coca Cola, Nutella, Burger King, and Made In. Just this past year, Owen has collaborated with the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, Paris Hilton, Naomi Osaka, and Devin Booker.
Complimentary books available, while supplies last. Early arrival suggested. No registration required, all ages welcome.
Clifton C. Miller Community Center
300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780
For more information, call 714-566-3034 or email ocpl.programs@occr.ocgov.com
This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.
Kate's Japanese Kitchen
Join OC Public Libraries for a unique culinary experience! Take part in one of our three exclusive cooking classes led by passionate culinary professionals from Kate’s Japanese Kitchen.
Each class will explore authentic Japanese cooking techniques with modern plating styles to create unforgettable dishes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook, this hands-on experience will help you discover expert tips and tricks, experiment with new flavors, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. All supplies will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to cook, learn, and savor delicious creations!
Space is limited, please contact individual branch for registration details. All ages welcome.
Monday, May 12 from 4-6pm
Foothill Ranch Library
(949) 855-8072
Monday, May 19 from 4-6pm
Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library
(562) 430-1048
Tuesday, May 27 from 4-6pm
Westminster Library
(714) 893-5057
This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.
Bei Bei
Music lovers of all ages are invited to visit the library and enjoy a performance by one of the world's premier guzheng (Chinese zither) musicians, Bei Bei.
Monday, May 5 at 5:00pm
Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library
Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30pm
Rancho Santa Margarita Library
Wednesday, May 7 at 5:00pm
Westminster Library
Monday, May 12 at 11:00am
Brea Library
Wednesday, May 14 at 5:00pm
Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Hanabi Taiko
Join us for a music appreciation series. Music lovers of all ages are invited to visit the library and enjoy a taiko drumming performance by Hanabi Taiko.
Thursday, May 15 at 4:00pm
Westminster Library
Saturday, May 17 at 11:00am
San Juan Capistrano Library
Saturday, May 24 at 10:00am
Tustin Library
No registration required. All ages welcome.
For more information, call 714-566-3034 or email ocpl.programs@occr.ocgov.com
This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered locally by the Orange County Office on Aging.