The St. Paul Public Library has launched a special edition library card to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian resettlement in the city. This initiative aims to honor the contributions of the vibrant Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, and Vietnamese communities that have established their roots in St. Paul.
Designed by Twin Cities artist Kao Lee Thao, the new library card features an eye-catching brushstroke illustration of a young Hmong woman in traditional attire reading a book. Surrounding her are villagers traversing a lush forest. According to a statement from the library system, the artwork draws inspiration from “traditional textiles, patterns, and landscapes woven together as a symbol of resilience and connection.”
The design incorporates flowing water, which symbolizes the journey from the Mekong River to the Mississippi River, reflecting themes of survival, transformation, and imagination. The free card is available to St. Paul residents at all public library locations while supplies last.
Commemorative Events and Community Engagement
The introduction of this special edition card coincides with the library’s upcoming storytelling event titled “Stories of Abundance.” Set for December 13, 2023, from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Sun Ray Library located at 2105 Wilson Avenue, the event aims to showcase the rich narratives of the Southeast Asian diaspora. The event is organized in collaboration with the SEAD Project, a Minneapolis-based community organization dedicated to raising awareness about Southeast Asian culture and history.
The library’s initiative not only celebrates the significant milestone of the resettlement but also fosters community engagement and connection among diverse cultural groups.
For more information about the special edition library card and related events, visit the St. Paul Public Library’s official website at sppl.org/special-edition.
