May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and DC Public Library is celebrating with a vibrant lineup of programs honoring the cultures and communities of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Across the system, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect and explore through dance, conversation, games and more.

 

This year features two special performances at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library: 

Experience an afternoon of rhythm, storytelling and movement highlighting classic and contemporary South Asian dance.

 

Cultural Choreography: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration of Dance | Sunday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. 

Dust off your bike and celebrate National Bike Month with us at the seventeenth annual Tour de DCPL on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. (check‑in begins at 10 a.m.). Since its first ride in 2010, Tour de DCPL has brought together library lovers and cyclists for a free, scenic ride through the city—and this year’s route is packed with great stops and gorgeous views.

 

We’ll kick things off at Parklands-Turner Library before pedaling to Francis A. Gregory Library, Anacostia Library, and the Southwest Library, with a visit to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and a stretch along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This is a no‑drop ride led by library staff and ride marshals, so no one gets left behind. The route is about 7 miles with a couple of hills—beginners are welcome, though cyclists with some experience may enjoy the ride most. Ages 13 & up.

 

Along the way, enjoy refreshments, pick up some DC Public Library swag, and take in the sights of four beloved neighborhood libraries. 

Looking for something we don’t carry? The DC Public Library’s Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service helps you borrow books, microfilm, articles, and more from libraries across the country. ILL is available to customers with accounts in good standing, and any postage, handling, or lender‑imposed fees are added to your library account. (Please note that we’re unable to borrow from the Library of Congress.)

 

Some items can’t be requested through ILL, including TV series and feature films; items published within the past 6–12 months; eBooks, audiobooks, and Playaways; materials held outside the U.S.; and items that libraries typically restrict, such as textbooks or genealogy and reference materials. If you'd like us to consider buying a newer title, you can use our Suggest a Title form.

 

Your DC Public Library card also unlocks reciprocal borrowing at several nearby library systems—including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Prince William County. You’re welcome to visit these systems, get a library card, and check out items directly.

 

ILL and reciprocal borrowing offer access to millions of additional materials—helping you go beyond our shelves and straight to the resources you need. 

 

The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum invites educators of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and read to usher in Jewish American Heritage Month 2026 on Thursday, April 30 from 5 – 7 pm for their event Books As Bridges! You’ll hear from a panel of local Jewish authors, teachers, and librarians about how to use literature as a bridge to understanding Jewish life and culture. Walk away with a Jewish American Heritage book list, new connections to local authors, and lesson inspiration for May. Plus, the Museum will be open late just for teachers and other school staff to explore DC’s Jewish history, educator resources, school group visits, and other offerings for educators.

 

Panelists include author and DCPS teacher Anna E. Jordan, librarian and author Susan Kusel, and author and educator Abby White. Free for educators and school-based professionals.