WELCOME TO APALA
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.
2026 APALA Literature Awards Banquet Registration Now Open!
We are thrilled to invite you to the 2026 APALA Literature Awards Banquet. This annual banquet celebrates the authors, illustrators, creators, and storytellers whose works have been honored by the Asian Pacific American Awards for Literature. These storytellers help share the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika communities, and shape our collective narrative through their creativity and craft.
Please join us for an evening of community care and joy, as we honor and celebrate the creators who are telling our stories and shaping our futures. Whether you’re an APALA member, a library practitioner, or a supporter of AANHPI literature, you are warmly invited to be part of this celebration!
*Note: Book signing will take place at the 2026 Literature Awards banquet as in 2024 and years prior.
DATE: Saturday, June 27, 2026
TIME: 6:00-9:00 pm Central
LOCATION: New Furama, 2828 S. Wentworth Ave. (1.4 miles, south of Chinatown Square)
Featured Posts
APA Author Interview: Jenny Liao
Book Review: Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty
Member Highlight: Warren Chin
2026 Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture Grant Winners
Talk Story in Action: 2025 Talk Story Grant Recipients’ Reports
Book Review: With You in Spirit
APALA 2026-2027 Election Results
Chapter News- Winter 2026
APALA President’s Message – Winter 2026
It’s been 60 years since the last New Year of the Fire Horse – and what a powerful symbol to carry into this moment. In Asian communities, the horse represents strength, freedom, loyalty, grace, determination, and endurance. According to my Chinese elders, this year’s alignment between the horse and the element of fire may bring burden, instability, and transformation – yet it also offers us a time to endure challenges, embrace change, and find balance and growth. As I reflect on everything our community has been through, this feels especially resonant.
Eileen K. Bosch – APALA President, 2025-2026
GET INVOLVED
APALA has many standing committees that cater to various interests. Our organization is a welcoming place for attaining valuable experience in committee participation and leadership.
Volunteer for a Committee
APALA members can be active in the Association by serving on the Executive Board, on committees or task forces, or by being appointed as representatives or liaisons to other ALA committees or assemblies.
Become a Mentor/Mentee
The APALA Mentoring Program provides professional and personal development, inspiration, and encouragement to new and future librarians through a supportive mentoring relationship.
Join or Renew Your Membership
Membership is open to all librarians and information specialists of Asian/Pacific descent and others who support the goals and purpose of APALA.
SUPPORT APALA AUTHORS
Make purchases through Bookshop.org to help support APALA as well as these authors.
