‘I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story’ Here Through Feb. 28
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 4, 2016 – The Main Library is hosting the Smithsonian’s “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story,” which celebrates Asian Pacific American history across a multitude of diverse cultures, and explores how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of our nation’s history. The exhibition is on display on the fourth floor atrium through Feb. 28. “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” was created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition is supported by a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.
The 30-panel display is rich with compelling stories and images and takes a sweeping look at the very first Asian immigrants centuries ago and moves to the complex challenges facing Asian Pacific American communities today. A free mobile tour app complements the exhibit with interviews from several of the well-known people featured on the panels. The app is available on the iTunes App Store under “Wide Earth.”
The Library, with guidance from the Mayor’s Asian-American Advisory Board, is hosting several programs highlighting Asian Pacific American life in Northeast Florida. The programs are as follows:
1. Opening Celebration with cultural music and dancing
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 9, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library Multipurpose Room, Conference Center Level 303 Laura St. N. – 32202
2. Two-Part Panel Discussions: The Asian Pacific American Experience in Northeast Florida
WHEN: Part 1: Education and the Arts Sunday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m. Part 2: Business and Civic Engagement Sunday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library, Hicks Auditorium -more-
3. Learn Conversational Chinese (Mandarin)
WHEN: Part 1: Saturday, Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. – noon Part 2: Saturday, Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. – noon
WHERE: Main Library, E-Classroom, Room 124
4. Learn Conversational Nihongo (Japanese)
WHEN: Part 1: Saturday, Feb. 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Part 2: Saturday, Feb. 27, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Pablo Creek Regional Library, E-Classroom 13295 Beach Blvd. – 32246
5. Finale Celebration with martial arts demonstrations and more
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library, Multipurpose Room, Conference Center Level
The rotation of “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” at the Jacksonville Public Library is made possible with support from Jacksonville Public Library Foundation/Cecilia Eckles Learning for a Lifetime Endowment and The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.
The Jacksonville Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to all persons. If you need special accommodations, please call 630-4655 (TTY 630-1999) at least 72 hours prior to the event.
About the Jacksonville Public Library
The mission of the Jacksonville Public Library is to enrich lives, build community and foster success by bringing people, information and ideas together. Last year, more than 3.4 million visits were made to Jacksonville Public Libraries, items were checked out more than 5.9 million times, and nearly 11,000 programs and services were offered to Duval County residents at the Main Library and 20 branch locations. For more information about the Jacksonville Public Library, call 630-BOOK (2665) or visit jaxpubliclibrary.org.