By Nathaniel Allen Pila and Jessica Dai, with editing assistance from Jason Tsai
APALA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter includes members from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Chapter has been meeting virtually regularly since Fall 2025 to discuss topics such as leadership and management, job searching, navigating additional degree programs, and more. Attendance includes members in all stages, ranging from library school students and early career library workers to library leaders, who have gathered to learn from and network with each other.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, a small group of members gathered in Washington, D.C. for a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The field trip kicked off with a guided tour of the exhibition How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories. Walking through the exhibit, members learned about what life was like in “Little Manila” in south Stockton, California, from the 1910s to the 1970s for these Filipino migrants through the artifacts on display. The tools and equipment gave members a good sense of the grueling farmwork that these men did during the workday. On the other hand, the high-quality clothing worn during leisure and used to take movie-like photoshoots to send to relatives back in the Philippines were indicative of a belief that still remains in many immigrant communities to this day: “Despite the challenges that brought me here, I have made it.”
After the tour, the group walked over to the National Museum of Asian Art and had lunch at The Moongate Cafe, which just opened a few months prior. A couple of members found a table outside in the garden where everyone enjoyed their lunch. Under beautiful weather that was neither too hot nor too humid, members shared stories of what led them to librarianship, reflections on the exhibit and Asian American history – and, of course, book recommendations. The food was delicious, especially the yuzu cheesecake that was shared amongst the whole group. As the day concluded, members left with an enormous sense of gratitude and even greater sense of community. For some attendees, this was their first time meeting other APALA members and it sparked excitement for future in-person meet-ups.
Thanks to Miriam Tuliao for suggesting the exhibition. Thanks to Hannah Park, Jason Tsai, and Jessica Dai for planning the day’s activities. To learn more about regional chapters, check out the APALA’s Chapters page.