Asian Pacific American Librarians Association

APALA executive board candidates poster with photos of seven candidates and election information. Text: APALA executive board candidates VOTING OPEN THROUGH MONDAY, MARCH 30 Elections: Vice President Treasurer Secretary Members-at-Large Candidates: Jamie Kurumaji, Edward Junhao Lim, Allison Payne, Jenay Dougherty, Jane Martinez Khaytin, Selina Sharmin, Melody Steiner 2026-2027 Elections apala asian pacific american librarians association

APALA members—it's time to vote for your next Executive Board! 🎉 Choose the next VP/President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and 2 Members-at-Large.

Voting ends on March 30, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Learn more about the candidates at: www.apalaweb.org/apala-2026-2...

Photo: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Four-segment panorama of Philadelphia skyline, as viewed from the South Street Bridge.

A reflection from APALA 2025 Travel Grant Recipient, Joe Lee:

"Attending the ALA Conference has reminded me of the importance of community and the power of our unique voices, especially through the written word—now, more than ever."

More on APALA's website: www.apalaweb.org/2025-ala-ref...

Digital poster announcing that applications are open for two 2026 APALA Scholarship Awards. Text: APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! For the: 2026 APALA Scholarship Award JCLC NALCo LIS Student Scholarship All applications are due on Monday, March 23, 2026! Learn more and apply at: https://www.apalaweb.org/awards/apala-scholarship/ APALA - asian pacific american librarians association

We're excited to announce that applications are now open for two scholarships: The APALA Scholarship and the JCLC NALCo LIS Student Scholarship!

To apply and get more information, check out: www.apalaweb.org/awards/apala...

Applications are due on March 23rd, so don't delay!

Interested in seeing the rest of Liza Ly's book review for "Emergent Dharma"? It's now live on our website at: www.apalaweb.org/book-review-...

Enjoy, APALA Kapamilya!

Book cover for Sharon Suh's "Emergent Dharma"

"Emergent Dharma is a collection of essays from Asian American feminist writers, sharing their experiences as practitioners of Buddhism. These essays seek to identify what Asian American Buddhism is and how it relates to American Buddhism..."

A reminder... The deadline for Travel Grant applications is coming soon...on February 2nd.

It'll be here before you know it, so don't delay...apply today!

Book covers from the 2026 Asian Pacific American Awards for Literature winners and honorees by APALA, with visible medals on the covers.

At today's Youth Media Awards, our very own @jaenarae.bsky.social announced many of 2026's winners & honor recipients of the Asian Pacific American Awards for Literature

Want to know all of them? Check out our press release here:

www.apalaweb.org/2026-asian-p...

Congratulations to all!

A reminder... The deadline for Travel Grant applications is coming soon...on February 2nd.

It'll be here before you know it, so don't delay...apply today!

Chicago skyline at sunset or sunrise, Lake Michigan in the distant background.

Applications for the APALA Travel Grant are now open!

The APALA Travel Grant helps fund participation in ALA Annual in Chicago this June for APALA members. Apply by February 2, 2026. To apply or join APALA, visit apalaweb.org

www.apalaweb.org/now-acceptin...

Vintage illustration of a street in Chinatown with a central building, pedestrians, and a streetcar. Text overlay: "Postcards from Chinatown's Past"

"On a foggy Thursday afternoon at the Sunset Branch of the San Francisco Public Library, Herby shared intriguing stories behind the 50 Chinatown postcards that were on display. The postcards were donated from his private collection..."

www.apalaweb.org/postcards-fr...

Two women sitting indoors, each holding a dessert. The person on the left holds a plastic cup filled with a chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and sealed with a clear lid, with a white plastic spoon inserted. She is wearing a blue jacket and has long, dark hair. The person on the right holds a cup containing what appears to be soft-serve ice cream, with green and white swirls, topped with a white plastic spoon. She's wearing a dark sweater. Both are smiling at the camera. Behind them, a framed poster on the cream-colored wall depicts a white cup labeled "Premium Matcha Café Maiko" with tea leaves and powder.

Happy 2026, APALA!

Today, we're posting a #mentoring program reflection. Meet Maya Bergamasco (Mentor) & Joe Lee (Protégé).

"Having benefited from mentors in the past, I believe that mentorship is one of the strongest community building tools in our toolbox... "

www.apalaweb.org/2024-2025-ap...

A person (author and activist Alice Wong) in a colorful blouse sits in a motorized wheelchair with a ventilator attached, outdoors on a paved path.

APALA "mourns the profound loss of Alice Wong, a visionary disability justice activist, acclaimed author, and 2024 winner of the APALA Literature Award for Adult Non-Fiction. "

www.apalaweb.org/statement-fr...

Image credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (CC: BY-NC)

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.

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...

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.

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)

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

Recently, our members submitted pictures of themselves in costume for a Very APALAween retrospective... (1/2)

Oh, APALA kapamilya..

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

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

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.

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! 👻.

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.

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...

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)

" 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-...

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.

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

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.

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...

The full announcement can be found on the APALA website here:

www.apalaweb.org/2025-apala-s...

Please join us in congratulating Megan and Elaine on these well-deserved honors and in celebrating their bright futures in the field of librarianship!

Elaine Kong has been selected as the 2025 APALA Sage & JCLC NALCo LIS Student Scholarship recipient! Elaine... (she/her) is a second-year PhD student in Library and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information...

Megan Bauerle (she/her) is the 2024-2025 APALA Scholarship recipient. She is working towards her Master of Library and Information Science degree at Simmons University. She is currently working at Analysis Group in a corporate research library and at Ithaka S+R as a Strategy Intern...

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!

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. 👇🏼🧵

Please review the full statement below, which also includes several resources.
www.apalaweb.org/apala-statem...

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.

"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

Apply now! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...