Your Library is hosting a free Lunar New Year celebration for all ages on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 5-7 p.m.
Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated in China and throughout Asia that marks the first day of the new lunar calendar. In 2025, the holiday begins on January 29 and ushers in the Year of the Snake.
At the Library’s Lunar New Year celebration, people will experience cultural activities facilitated by representatives from the Tri-Cities Chinese Association (TCCA) and the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI), and by members of Johnson City’s Korean community.
JCPL Young Adult Librarian Kip Polmanteer said,
“The international cultures present in Johnson City are diverse and rich. Working with community partners to offer cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year is a way that we actively participate in our community.”
The event will offer something for every age. TCCA members will lead Chinese calligraphy sessions and showcase traditional Chinese clothing. Miku Kubota, a representative from JOI, will teach people how to make origami art. Attendees can also learn to play Gonggi, a traditional Korean game, and do other Korean-inspired activities led by community member Jinseok Hong.
At 5:15 p.m. in the Storytime Room, Seung Jung Woo will offer a family storytime about Seollal, the Korean celebration of Lunar New Year, and the origin of the Korean written language.
JCPL staff will share books about Lunar New Year and the countries that celebrate it and provide materials for attendees to contribute to a community snake paper chain. People can also create red envelopes, which symbolize good luck and are traditionally given to loved ones on holidays and special occasions.
Polmanteer explained that the Library’s event is meant both for people who celebrate the holiday as part of their culture and for those who want to learn more about it.
“The Library’s Lunar New Year celebration is an ideal opportunity for those who already celebrate the holiday to share the experience with friends and family,” Polmanteer said. “But it’s also a chance for those who want to learn more to enjoy the richness of Lunar New Year through activities and stories.”
Polmanteer continued, “At last year’s celebration, we were elated to see the number of people who came both to share their own rituals and to learn about a holiday observed by so many people around the world.”
Call User Services at (423) 434-4454 for more information about the Library’s Lunar New Year celebration.
Visit our events calendar to find more upcoming opportunities for learning and fun for all ages. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to get updates about Library programs, collections, and services.
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