May is Asian Heritage Month, and Markham Public Library is ready to celebrate with the rest of the city!
Whether you're a third-generation Asian Canadian, a newcomer, or simply interested in learning more about Asian heritages, we welcome everyone to join us in exploring and enjoying the special activities planned for May. Below is a curated lineup of events honouring Asian Heritage Month at Markham Public Library.
Asian Dramas and Movies
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with AsianCrush on hoopla, a streaming service featuring a wide selection of popular Asian dramas and movies. A Hoopla login is required.
Author Storytime with Evelyn Sue Wong
Reach for the sky! Join us for a special storytime with author Evelyn Sue Wong as she celebrates Asian Heritage Month. She will be reading her book Reach for the Sky, which is based on a true story.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Aaniin Library
Asian Heritage Month Storytime and Activity
Join us for a special storytime in partnership with AEMS (Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students). We will be reading Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story, a heartfelt picture book about a young boy named Sami who learns that Eid is not just about receiving, but about giving, caring, and thinking of others.
After the reading, children will take part in a “Heart Messages” activity. Each child will create a paper heart and write or draw a special gift they can give to someone else, such as helping at home, sharing with a friend, or saying kind words. The hearts can be decorated and shared or displayed together to create a “Wall of Kindness.” This activity helps children connect the story to their own lives in a meaningful and creative way.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Milliken Mills Library
Asian Heritage Month Dance Performance & Lesson
Join us for a special Chinese dance performance to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. The performance will also be followed by a free dance lesson, so don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Milliken Mills Branch
Register here
Plain Tea and Murukku
Enjoy tea and murukku while playing card games, Ludo, carrom, and other activities with fellow older adults. This program is offered in partnership with the Federation of Tamil Canadians and the Boxgrove Wellness Club.
Date: Mondays, May 11 – November 30
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Aaniin Branch
Persian Storytme
Join us for a fun-filled session of Persian songs and stories that support early literacy and language development.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Thornhill Community Centre Library
Meditation and Yoga programs
Dates – various dates/times throughout the week
Meditation and yoga both have deep roots in Asian history, especially in ancient India. Practices of meditation date back thousands of years and are closely connected to spiritual traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. Yoga began as a spiritual and philosophical practice, not just physical exercise, and was developed to connect the mind, body, and spirit. Over time, both meditation and yoga spread across Asia and eventually around the world, becoming popular tools for relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being today.
Want to keep the celebration going? Dive into our curated book lists featuring fiction and non-fiction by Canadian authors of Asian heritage, or explore picture books that introduce young readers to diverse cultures, stories, and experiences.
Books to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month
Picture Books to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month
Stay tuned for more updates and event announcements throughout the month. Let us know how you are celebrating, and don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay in the loop @markhamlibrary
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