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Asian Pacific American Librarians Association
@apalaweb.org
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APALA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing leadership opportunities through informed dialogue that addresses the needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander library workers and those who serve these communities.
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apalaweb.org
APALA member Joshlyn Thomas sat down with author Bianca Maboute-Louie over Zoom this summer for an interview about her recent book, libraries, experiences around the Asian diaspora, and a shared love of zines.

Catch the full interview on the APALA website at:
www.apalaweb.org/apa-author-i...
An interview announcement featuring Bianca Mabute-Louie. On the left side, there is a smiling person with chin-length dark hair sitting and resting their chin on their hand. They are wearing a knitted sweater with a black, white, and gray pattern and light blue jeans. To the right of the person is a bright yellow book cover titled "UNASSIMILABLE" in large pink letters, with additional text in smaller black letters. Below the book cover is the name Bianca Mabute-Louie in pink. The text “Author Interview” is placed on the left side, along with the name Bianca Mabute-Louie in black. At the bottom left, the logo and name of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) appear in red.
November 9, 2025 at 3:06 AM
apalaweb.org
The Very APALAween retrospective continues, featuring our immediate Past President, one of our At-Large Executive Board Members and one of our social media mavens... (2/2)
A person dressed in a raven-themed costume sitting indoors in an office setting. They wear an intricate black mask resembling a raven, complete with feather details that obscure much of their face. The attire includes a feathered cloak draped over their shoulders, adding to the masquerade theme. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: Jaena Rae Cabrera as a masquerade raven. Poe is nowhere to be found! APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025 Two individuals in costume against a neutral indoor background. The person on the left is wearing a black witch's cloak and a large, intricately patterned witch hat in white and black. They are smiling and wearing glasses. The person on the right is dressed as the character Dog Man, with a blue shirt featuring a yellow badge shape and a blue baseball cap with a yellow emblem. They have long, plush, brown dog ears attached to the cap. Both individuals are standing close together, smiling at the camera. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: Member-At-Large Maria Shackles (dressed as Dog Man) at the Glen Ellyn Public Library's annual Haunted Library event APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025 Person dressed as Velma from Scooby-Doo holding a magnifying glass, with Halloween-themed text below. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: "I'm Velma. Ms. Dinkley, if you're nasty…." - Tricia Greenstein APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025.
November 9, 2025 at 2:37 AM
apalaweb.org
Recently, our members submitted pictures of themselves in costume for a Very APALAween retrospective... (1/2)
Two people in Halloween costumes: one as a tree, the other as a lanternfly. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: "I was a spotted lanternfly and my spouse an infested tree." - Yoko Ferguson APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025 A person dressed in a creative Halloween costume, depicted as a container of "Zoey Hamburger Ramen." The costume is primarily green with a large print of a drawing, including imagery of a hamburger and a character wearing a hat. Yellow yarn or string is draped over the person's head, resembling noodles. They are standing indoors near a wooden bookshelf with signage, and the background features fluorescent lighting and library shelving. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: "Happy to share my Kpop Demon Hunters costume! I'm Zoey’s Hamburger Ramen." - Miyo Sandlin APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025 Three individuals are standing in a row, dressed in Halloween costumes. On the left, a person is dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, wearing a red hooded cloak and holding a book titled "Little Red Riding Hood." The person in the center is dressed casually, making a peace sign with both hands and wearing a colorful hat. On the right, a person is in a large, brown bear costume holding a small plush toy. Behind them is a wooden desk with books and decorative items, and above is a sign with text in two languages. Text above the Logo of the Asian Pacific American Library Association: "Happy Halloween from Sunset Branch Library." - Liza Ly APALA HALLOWEEN! A collection of costumes submitted by APALA members from Halloween 2025
November 9, 2025 at 2:37 AM
apalaweb.org
Don't forget! The deadline for submissions to the APALA newsletter is Monday, Nov. 3rd!

Submissions may be made by any current APALA member or APALA affiliate. Our uidelines were sent to the listserv.

See past issues of the newsletter on our website: apalaweb.org/publications/newsletter
Flyer calling for submissions for the APALA fall newsletter, with submission details and content ideas. Text: APALA FALL NEWSLETTER Call for Member Submissions Submission Deadline: NOVEMBER 3 APALA MEMBERS & AFFILIATES NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS: Chapter News Member News Reflections from recent professional development events View previous issues on APALA’s website for other content ideas apala asian pacific american librarians association
October 29, 2025 at 10:48 PM
apalaweb.org
It's spooky season, and APALA's Media and Publicity Committee would love to feature your Halloween photos and seasonal programming

If you want your bootiful photos featured in an upcoming APALA post, please send them with short captions to communications@apalaweb.org.

Don't ghost us, now! 👻.
An illustrated orange pumpkin with a jagged mouth and triangular eyes and nose. The pumpkin is overlaid on a dark purple background atop the APALA logo: a red abstract shape. Below the pumpkin illustration is the text "apala" in lowercase letters, colored in red.
October 29, 2025 at 10:39 PM
apalaweb.org
Better know a member of the Executive Board... 😉

Meet APALA secretary Christine Wei (she/her/hers) through our newest member highlight, now live on our website!

"I love bringing people together and sharing information, so going down this path is my calling..."

www.apalaweb.org/member-highl...
A person standing outdoors on a lush green lawn. The individual is facing the camera, wearing a black graduation gown over a dark outfit. Their medium-length hair is styled with darker roots transitioning to a lighter blonde at the ends. In the background, there is a large, stone building with arched windows, partially obscured by green trees and shrubs. The setting appears to be a campus, with a paved pathway visible behind the individual. The sunlight casts a warm glow, highlighting the person and the foliage.
October 29, 2025 at 8:33 PM
apalaweb.org
" What started off as a slow summer quickly becomes a summer of change. As Emma struggles to help the Menehune cope..., Emma comes to terms with her own Native Hawaiian identity."

Catch more of Melissa Ernst's review of "The Invisible Wild" now on the APALA website: www.apalaweb.org/book-review-...
Book cover of "The Invisible Wild" by Nikki Van De Car, featuring a forest scene within a silhouette of a woman's head. Text of the accolades atop the cover: “A poignant exploration of forgiveness and making things right from an authentic Hawaiian lens.” —Kekai Kendall, author of How Far I’ll Go (Moana’s Twisted Tale)
October 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
apalaweb.org
Susie Lee has been a librarian for over a decade, w/ the majority of her career at Queens Library. She joined APALA as a mentee, and her experience with the program inspired her to transition into becoming one!

Read more: apalaweb.org/holding-up-the-ladder-mentorship-and-abundance-in-librarianship
The author, Suzie Lee, sitting in a restaurant with a cozy, inviting ambiance. She is wearing a sleeveless blue top and round glasses, sitting on a wooden chair with their arms folded in front.
October 18, 2025 at 12:42 AM
apalaweb.org
Would you believe our President, Eileen Bosch, has done an interview with us, but hasn't done a member highlight?

Until now. 😉

You can get to know Eileen through this member highlight. Now live on our website! www.apalaweb.org/member-highl...
a person with short black hair and a confident expression, standing against a plain light background. They are wearing a short-sleeved black top with a white leaf pattern. The person accessorizes with vibrant orange earrings and a matching chunky necklace composed of large orange beads. Their arms are crossed, displaying several bracelets on the wrist, including one with multi-colored round beads. The overall composition conveys a sense of calm assurance and style. a person with short black hair and a confident expression, standing against a plain light background. They are wearing a short-sleeved black top with a white leaf pattern. The person accessorizes with vibrant orange earrings and a matching chunky necklace composed of large orange beads. Their arms are crossed, displaying several bracelets on the wrist, including one with multi-colored round beads. The overall composition conveys a sense of calm assurance and style.
October 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
apalaweb.org
The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Scholarships and Awards Committee is delighted to announce our 2025 APALA Scholarship and APALA Sage & JCLC NALCo LIS Student Scholarship recipients. 👇🏼🧵
A promotional graphic announcing scholarship recipients. It consists of a large circle in dark blue on the left, with the text "Celebrating APALA's Scholarship Recipients!" in white. Below, a website URL "apalaweb.org/awards" is presented in a smaller white rectangle. On the right side of the image are two photographs stacked vertically. The top photo shows a person with long hair and glasses wearing a black shirt, standing against a brick wall. The bottom photo features a person in a dark blazer, smiling, with a blurred background. Both photos have names underneath: "Megan Bauerle" on the top and "Elaine Kong" on the bottom. In the middle left section, there is a text block announcing scholarships from the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA). The APALA logo is located at the bottom, surrounded by colorful, abstract shapes. In the text box: The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Scholarships and Awards Committee is delighted to announce our 2025 APALA Scholarship and APALA Sage & JCLC NALCo LIS Student Scholarship recipients!
October 5, 2025 at 12:32 AM
apalaweb.org
"These incidents are not singular or isolated, and the recent Supreme Court decision on ICE raids in Los Angeles only compounds fear and distrust. APALA supports all those who are experiencing racism, harassment, and unjust imprisonment based purely on racial profiling."

Full statement: next post
At the top, there is a rectangular section in a lighter shade of red containing white text that reads: "APALA STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY WITH IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, QUEER COMMUNITIES, AND ALL LIBRARY COMMUNITIES." Below this, in the main red area, smaller white text details a statement from three organizations: the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), the American Indian Library Association (AILA), and REFORMA, explaining their solidarity with marginalized communities facing increased intimidation and violence. Towards the bottom, three logos are displayed side by side: the APALA logo featuring text in a rectangle; the REFORMA logo in burgundy text; and the AILA logo, which consists of a white abstract design next to the text on a black background. In the bottom right corner, an arrow pointing to the next part is in light pink. Next section: The top section contains white text on a slightly darker red banner reading, "APALA STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY WITH IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, QUEER COMMUNITIES, AND ALL LIBRARY COMMUNITIES." Below the banner, the main text is white and expresses support against racism and harassment, emphasizing the need for safety and protection for all communities. At the bottom, the text encourages readers to view the full statement on apalaweb.org. The logos of APALA, REFORMA, and AILA appear at the very bottom of the image.
September 13, 2025 at 8:49 PM
apalaweb.org
Tomorrow’s the night! 🎉 Join us Sat, June 28 (6–9pm ET) in Philly for the APALA Literature Awards Banquet. Celebrate honorees, enjoy food from Sang Kee & Lovash, and connect with community. Cash bar too! Tickets: www.zeffy.com/ticketing/20...
Dark green graphic with text reading "You are invited to the 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet 28 JUNE SATURDAY 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The Crane Community Center 1001 Vine St 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107" with small APALA logo on bottom right.
June 27, 2025 at 4:56 PM
apalaweb.org
We have just released a brand new episode of the APALA Podcast!

Our very own Media and Publicity Committee colleague, Tim Chu, interviews Mike Yam, sportscaster for the NFL Network and CW Sports, and author of a children's book called Fried Rice and Marinara.

www.apalaweb.org/apala-podcas...
Book cover for children's book "Fried Rice & Marinara" featuring an illustration of a child holding a plate of fried rice and a fork with pasta, surrounded by various food items. Text Fried Rice & Marinara Written by Mike Yam Illustrated by Laura Dong
June 27, 2025 at 3:26 AM
apalaweb.org
Due to expected rain, we need to adjust our plans for the walking tour at #ALAAC25. Asian Americans United has kindly offered to host us for an indoor gathering.

Our new meeting time and location? FACT School, 1023 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, at 11 AM EDT.

Safe travels, everyone!
Flyer announcing that the APALA Friday Walking Tour highlighting Philadelphia's Chinatown and its hidden Native Hawaiian History will now be held indoors with Asian Americans United at the FACT School, 1023 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, on June 27, 11 AM–12 PM, due to rain.
June 25, 2025 at 10:47 PM
apalaweb.org
Are you new to the profession or mid-career?
Are you a seasoned APALA member interested in supporting them on their career path? Join our mentorship program as a mentor or a protégé!

Applications are now open and will close on July 31st.
APALA Mentoring Program 2025-2026 flyer with application details and megaphone illustration. Transcribed Text: Asian Pacific American Librarian Association logo atop the flyer alongside a QR code. Text: MENTORING PROGRAM 2025-2026 DUE JULY 31, 2025 RECRUITING PROTÉGÉS & MENTORS! APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 31, 2025 LEARN MORE @ HTTPS://BIT.LY/APALA_MENTORING CONTACT: MENTORING@APALAWEB.ORG
June 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
apalaweb.org
While the walking tour is now sold out, APALA still has several more events in store at #ALAAC25...Nearly two weeks away!

www.apalaweb.org/apala-ala-an...

We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia soon!
Poster with text "Join Us!", and "APALA @ ALA ANNUAL 2025." repeated. The logo of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association is at the top right-hand corner above all the text.
June 17, 2025 at 1:38 AM
apalaweb.org
“Our mission at Kwento is to uplift diverse voices and celebrate the richness of Asian heritage and culture. The areas where both my daughter (South Florida) and I (Illinois) grew up did not have a large Asian population much less a Filipino one."
Two pictures combined: Kwento Xomocs' Cecilia speaking with a panel at ComicCon, and both volumes of the Mask of Haliya series.
June 15, 2025 at 11:06 AM
apalaweb.org
Just in time for summer, Jiuya Lin’s amazing design for APALA's 45th Anniversary is now available on bucket hats at tiny.cc/hatsofftoAPALA!

Donations support enhancing leadership opportunities thru informed dialogue addressing the needs of AANHPI library workers & those who serve these communities.
Square graphic showing three bucket hats in khaki, royal blue, and grey with the APALA 45th Anniversary design. Text reads “HATS OFF TO APALA” at the top and “Available while supplies last at tiny.cc/hatsofftoAPALA” at the bottom, alongside a QR code.
June 14, 2025 at 4:08 AM
apalaweb.org
We are happy to share a second book review this week: Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

"Although this is labeled as a young adult romance, this felt like more of a bildungsroman to me. Gemma grows and figures out what being Taiwanese American means to her."
The book cover for Gloria Chao's Ex Marks the Spot , a colorful and detailed illustration of two characters standing in a vibrant urban night setting illuminated by strings of red lanterns above. The characters, a male and a female, hold a large map between them. The male, on the left, wears a blue shirt and has a backpack. The female, on the right, sports a striped tank top and looks determined.
June 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
apalaweb.org
We are proud to announce APALA's Travel Grant recipient for 2025!

Joe Lee (she/her/hers) is a Reference Library Services Specialist at the Kuhn Library & Gallery at the Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, She's also studying for her MLIS at UMD’s College of Information.

Congratulations, Joe!
Announcement for the 2025 APALA Travel Grant Recipient, Joe Lee. Text under header: The Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Scholarships and Awards Committee is excited to announce the recipient of the 2025’s APALA Travel Award: Joe Lee! Joe Lee (she/her/hers) is passionate about empowering BIPOC/BIWOC librarians and library workers, as well as sharing information and awareness of patron privacy rights. She would like to one day use her knowledge of legal research to help make information and resources more accessible for her community members. In her spare time, Joe likes to play RPGs and board games, cuddle with her brother’s cat, and watch far too much Kdrama. Read the full announcement on apalaweb.org
June 12, 2025 at 1:06 AM
apalaweb.org
Now up on our site: Victoria Ho's review of Clement Baloup's "Vietnamese Memories" books one and two.

"...this short series reveals the complex lives of refugees navigating survival, identity, and resilience during World War II and the Vietnam War."

Full review at: www.apalaweb.org/book-review-...
Book covers for Vietnamese Memories Book 1 and Book 2.
June 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
apalaweb.org
Join APALA at some or all of our exciting events at #ALAAC25 in Philadelphia, including our Literature Awards Banquet, our President's Program and a Hidden Native Hawaiian History in Philly...walking tour!

Want to know more? Check out: www.apalaweb.org/apala-ala-an...
Logo of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Banner for the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2025 in Philadelphia, June 26–30.
June 10, 2025 at 7:23 PM
apalaweb.org
Join our walking tour Fri., Jun. 27 for hidden Native Hawaiian history in Philly in archives of nupepa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language newspapers, historical sites, oral stories from “Our Chinatown” poster project, and impacted locations from displacement & gentrification tiny.cc/2025walkingtour
Blue, orange, green, and red circles and half circles on white background of graphic with navy text that reads: APALA WALKING TOUR Friday, June 27 from 9:40 AM - 12 PM EDT Ticket: $10 per person Sign up: tiny.cc/2025walkingtour A two-part walking tour of Philadelphia’s hidden Native Hawaiian history & Chinatown.
May 27, 2025 at 4:52 PM
apalaweb.org
The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association firmly stands with Dr. Carla Hayden, who has worked tirelessly to bring libraries, literacy, and the love of reading to our communities.
Text above the logo for the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association: APALA stands with Dr. Carla Hayden.
May 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
apalaweb.org
We’re thrilled to invite you to join us for the 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet, which will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the beautiful Crane Community Center in Philadelphia (1001 Vine Street).
Poster for the 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet Text on the left-hand side: 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet. Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association's 2025 Literature Awards Banquet. We are celebrating this year's awardees and honorees, and we want you to be there. Seating is limited, so purchase your ticket early! On the right-hand side: Book covers of the awardees and honorees with the Asian Pacific American Librarian Association logo on the rightmost bottommost rectangle.
May 8, 2025 at 7:51 PM