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Bookmark This: Festival of AAPI Books Returns to Long Beach July 11
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Jul 8, 2026
Looking to do some “shelf care” this weekend? The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) will host its Festival of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Books this Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.)
The Festival of AAPI Books (FAB) is a biennial event that celebrates AAPI communities and histories by featuring several authors, cultural activities, book signings, local vendors, book signings and other fun activities. FAB is a great opportunity for community members of all ages to make meaningful connections with authors and learn about important stories that highlight AAPI identities and experiences.
FAB will feature a dynamic lineup of author panels throughout the day:
Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
12:15 to 1 p.m. | The Romance Panel | Moderated by Grace Salvador, authors Emery Lee, Joss Richard, Julie Tieu and Kaye Rockwell will take the stage to discuss crafting unforgettable stories on love and relationships. |
1:15 to 2 p.m. | The Young Adult Panel | Celebrated YA authors Aimee Phan, C.B. Lee, David Yoon and Jennifer Chen will engage in lively conversation with moderator Kristtina Swilling as they delve into what storytelling means to young readers. |
2:15 to 3 p.m. | The Adult Panel | Elaine Villanueva Bernal will moderate a panel featuring Devi S. Laskar, Jasmin Iolani Hakes, Vanessa Hua and Ellie Yang Camp exploring themes of history, family and culture. |
3 p.m. | Community Book Signing | 22 participating authors will be present for attendees to meet their favorites, have their books signed and ask questions. |
Special story times will be available during the festival for young readers by the following children’s authors and illustrators:
- Ann Chau, “My Ong Ngoai's Garden: Cal's Guide to Vietnamese Fruits and Culture”
- Kimberly Tso, “Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken”
- Ann Suk Wang, “The House Before Falling into the Sea”
- Min Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, “Unbreakable”
- Michelle Sterling, “Riding Through Rice Fields”
- Susie Yi, “Cat & Cat Adventures #6: The Lair of the Owl King”
Aside from the author events, FAB will host a variety of craft activities led by TeachAAPI, a nonprofit organization focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander representation/education. A marketplace of local vendors and community organizations with informational booths will also be present throughout the event.
Visit the LBPL Events Calendar to view all upcoming AAPI events and other community activities.
