A story in the East Bay Express says Harvey and Bea Dong bought the store in 1996 when it was in danger of being closed. (It was founded in 1982)

“Bea and I were upset at it being closed,” Harvey recalls. Undaunted by the competition in book-loving Berkeley, where Eastwind’s trademark books on all things Asian were often stocked by general-interest bookshops, the intrepid couple spiced up their offerings with in-store readings, concerts, and other events. “We saw it as community involvement,” Harvey says. Commenting on the much-covered closure of Cody’s Telegraph Avenue branch, he sees similar struggles: “Asian studies have become more mainstream, and it has cut into our operations. The Internet has probably hurt us, too.”

There will be lion dancers, music, a Chinese children's folk-dance troupe, and readings by Felicia Hoshino and Anthony Robles, who have written some cool children's books. And someone from Hyphen giving away some free back issues. The event is free.

The Asian American bookstore, like the Asian American magazine, is a rare rare thing. So come out and show your support!