Westerly Sun Column | Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Library

For those of us who follow the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s was just over a month ago (though it feels like it’s been a whole year, if you ask me). According to the Pew Research Center, only 59% of those who make resolutions stick with them through the month of January, so, if you’re still on track, you should be proud! If, on the other hand, you are in need of a new beginning, or if you simply would like something to celebrate, we hope you will join us at our Lunar New Year celebration this coming Saturday, Feb. 8, at the library.

The Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the year (in 2025, this was on Jan. 29), and lasts until the full moon (which will be Feb. 12). Sometimes referred to as “Chinese New Year,” it is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, but it is celebrated in numerous other countries, as well. While traditions vary, the Lunar New Year is generally an important occasion to spend time with family, pay respects to ancestors and elders, practice cultural customs, and feast! At the library’s Lunar New Year celebration, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about these traditions, and about Chinese culture. And, just as the Lunar New Year is celebrated by all ages, this is a fantastic event for kids and adults alike.

Our event begins at 1 p.m., when we will have a variety of activities in the third-floor Terrace Room. Our Kids staff will have a drop-in craft, where children can decorate a wooden snake to take home. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, according to the lunar calendar, and we have plenty of books on hand for kids (and adults!) to learn more about the 12 zodiac animal symbols.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back Regina Linke, author and illustrator of “The Oxherd Boy” (2024); Linke is an amazing artist who specializes in contemporary Chinese gongbi painting, which she shared with us last July in a breathtaking exhibit in our Hoxie Gallery. At this event, Linke will guide attendees through the process of creating beautiful cherry blossom branches. We are also excited to have Terese Kung, owner of Morsel Dumplings in Westerly, who will demonstrate and teach participants how to hand-fold dumplings. Since food is such an integral part of Lunar New Year’s celebrations, we will also have free spring rolls available!

One of the most recognizable aspects of a Lunar New Year’s celebration is the lion dance, which symbolizes the warding away of negative energy. This year, we have invited the Rhode Island Kung Fu and Lion Dance Club to perform a traditional lion dance for us, backed by drums and other percussion instruments. The performance, taking place in our auditorium, will run from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m., after which participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the costumes. This is sure to be an exciting and culturally rich afternoon, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian