San Francisco Public Library celebrates Lunar New Year with free programs at branches citywide

(SAN FRANCISCO) The San Francisco Public Library announced free programs for all ages at all branches citywide in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year. The free programs include lion dance and Chinese instrumental music performances, and various lunar new year craft creations.

"We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and cultural exchange, and Lunar New Year always provides a wonderful opportunity for our diverse community to come together and learn from one another," said City Librarian Michael Lambert. "San Francisco Public Library encourages everyone to take part in the Lunar New Year celebrations and experience the cultural richness that this auspicious occasion brings."

2024 marks the year of the Wood Dragon, which symbolizes intelligence and success, attributes the Library can help patrons cultivate in the new year, the Public Library said.

The celebration events at branches of the City's Public Library commenced in mid January and last until the end of February for over a month.

The highlights of a series of celebrations includes Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One,

which will be held on February 15, 6pm, at the Main Library, 100 Larkin Street. It is the second annual event hosted by the Public Library in partnership with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission in celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year.

This year’s Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One event will feature a variety of music and spoken word performances, including special appearances by violinist Kippy Marks and a performance by the internationally acclaimed rapper SETI X, according to the Public Library.

The Chinese New Year Extravaganza is also a highlight of this year's celebration taking place on February 24, 1 – 4pm, at Koret Auditorium of the Main Library, Lower Floor, featuring musical, theatrical and dance performances by students from San Francisco High School of the Arts and hands-on activities for all ages.

"An unforgettable afternoon awaits as the students of San Francisco High School of the Arts take center stage to usher in the Chinese New Year with a dazzling showcase of their immense talent and creativity," wrote SF Public Library.

Jing Mo Athletic Association performs lion dance at 18 branches of the City's Public Library starting January 13 until January 28, including Main Library, Portola Branch, and Excelsior Branch on January 27, West Portal Branch and Ingleside Branch on January 28. Detailed information about the time and locations of all Lunar New Year events are available at www.sfpl.org.

The followings are additional free programs at branches of SF Public Library:

–Dragon Craft

Use wire ribbon and colorful paper to craft a simple yet elegant dragon to welcome in the Lunar New Year. January 25, 5 – 6 p.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue.

–Red Envelope Craft

Create a decorative lantern with red envelopes in celebration with Chinese New Year. Space is limited. Reservation required: 415-355-5660. January 27, 2 – 3:30pm, Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street.

–Chinese New Year Red Envelope Lantern Craft

Instructor Maria Fong shows you how to make a beautiful red lantern decoration for Chinese New Year. For ages 10 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5700 (starting January 2). January 28, 2:30 – 4 p.m., Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval Street.

–Lion Dance Led by the West Coast Lion Dance Troupe

Ring in the Year of the Dragon with a traditional lion dance, February 3, Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega Street, 11 – 11:30am, and Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue, 3 – 3:30pm.

–The Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company

Enjoy a colorful and energetic Chinese dance performance, ushering in the new Year of the Dragon. Traditional and contemporary choreography will inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. February 3, 2 – 3pm, Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento Street.

–Red Envelope Creations

Welcome in the Lunar New Year with Maria Fong, who will teach participants how to make an artistic craft with “lucky” Chinese red envelopes. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2848. February 4, 2 – 3:30pm, Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Avenue –Lunar New Year Craft.

–Lunar New Year Craft

Craft a paper dragon decoration to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For children and their families. February 8, 2 – 3pm, Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street.

–Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, drinks and crafts with us. February 11, 2 – 4pm, Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch, 451 Jersey Street.

–Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One

The Library is thrilled to host the second annual Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One, a celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year, in partnership with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. This year’s event will feature a variety of music and spoken word performances, including special appearances by violinist Kippy Marks and a performance by the internationally acclaimed rapper SETI X. February 15, 6pm, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street.

–Chinese New Year Riddle Contest

In celebration of Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, please come join the Chinese and English Riddle Contest with prizes! February 23, 3 – 5pm, Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street

–Chinese New Year Extravaganza

The students of San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts) take center stage to usher in the Chinese New Year with a dazzling showcase of their immense talent and creativity on February 24, 1 - 4pm, Koret Auditorium, Lower Floor, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street.

–Traditional Chinese dessert Fa Gao

Learn how to make a traditional Chinese dessert Fa Gao in celebration of Lunar New Year

of Dragon. Participants will leave with instructions on how to make Fa Gao at home.

Space is limited. Reservations required: (415)355-5600. February 1, 2 - 3pm, Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Avenue.

–Red Envelope Crafts with Maria Fong

Maria Fong will demonstrate how to make beautiful lanterns from red paper envelopes.

Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2808 (starting January 19). February 2, 2 – 3:30pm, Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Avenue.

–Chinese New Year Karaoke

Enjoy our Chinese New Year Karaoke Party with your family and friends. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2888. February 9, 1:30 – 3:30pm, Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street.