The May Book Project is an initiative led by the Very Asian Foundation in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, aiming to enhance access to Asian American youth literature across the United States. This program was inspired by student-led advocacy in St. Louis, Missouri, where students’ calls for more inclusive literature during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month went unanswered. As a response, the project seeks to address gaps in representation in public and school libraries by supplying high-quality, curated book collections that reflect the diversity of the Asian American experience.
The primary objective of the May Book Project is to foster inclusion and representation in literary resources accessible to youth. It raises national awareness about the importance of diverse narratives and provides financial support to donate vetted books to libraries with limited budgets. The project curates comprehensive reading lists covering various age levels, including picture books, early readers, middle school, young adult, and adult literature. These lists are developed by a panel of AAPI literary scholars, librarians, and authors to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.
In addition to the curated lists, the May Book Project provides various tools and resources to support library development. These include evaluation rubrics for AAPI literature, toolkits for building diverse libraries, and a book donation request form for libraries in need. A downloadable sponsorship package and branded media assets are available for partners and sponsors interested in supporting the project through financial contributions or in-kind donations.
Eligible applicants include libraries and schools that serve communities lacking diverse literary resources and have limited budgets for acquiring new materials. While the program emphasizes support for institutions, it also invites students to get involved through volunteering, fundraising, advocacy, and community organizing. This dual approach of institutional support and grassroots engagement is central to the project's model.
Submissions are accepted through a book donation request form available on the project website. While specific application deadlines are not provided, the initiative appears to operate on a rolling basis, with recurring updates and ongoing opportunities to engage. Resources are continually updated, and the project's operational model suggests sustained activity throughout the year.
For sponsorship or program-related inquiries, interested parties are directed to use the contact form on the Very Asian Foundation website. No direct email or phone number is provided. The program is managed under the umbrella of the Very Asian Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration.
