May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Celebrations to honor this heritage month were held for the first time in Livingston this past month in the wake of the recent surging racial violence against the AAPI community members nationwide.

Feeling compelled to increase cultural and historical awareness to dispel stereotypes and prejudices held towards AAPI community, LMPA believes that one way to begin is to share AAPIs’ stories and voices. Supported by Livingston Social Justice Committee and Livingston AAPI Youth Alliance, LMPA reached out to the Livingston Public Library in mid-April and proposed to donate AAPI-themed books. Despite the short notice and tight schedule, Mrs. Babcock and the staff at the library went out of their way to support LMPA’s effort. 

A GoFundMe page was quickly established and a total of $3600 plus had been raised within a very short period of time thanks to the generosity of the community members. As stated on the GoFundMe page, the funds raised would be used towards purchasing AAPI-themed books and donate them to Livingston Public Library. Any surplus will be donated to the Friends of the Livingston Library in the name of AAPI community of Livingston. From fund raising in late April to the donated books displayed in the lobby of Livingston Public Library on May 9, our community members and Livingston Public Library showed astonishing support to this AAPI Heritage Month program. 

Over the last month, the LMPA has done more than arranging book donations to the Livingston Public Library; it has also donated AAPI-themed children’s books to all six Livingston elementary schools. Working with Mrs. Babcock, LMPA recruited 10 Livingston Schools students/Livingston High School alumni and made some book reviews videos to promote the donated books.

Special thanks to Livingston Justice Events and Livingston Chinese Association for their support in the book donation process.