SUSUPE, Saipan — The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) proudly hosted the CNMI’s first-ever “Sensory Book-a-Treat @ My Library” event on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., welcoming 107 registered participants for family-friendly Halloween fun.
Designed especially for families with children with disabilities and special needs, the event transformed the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library into a mini-indoor carnival complete with seven themed library activity trick or treating stations, games, sensory-friendly giveaways, and a festive Halloween movie screening. Families participated in a variety of fun games and activities, including inflatables, cornhole, Knock ‘Em Down, Big Stack Tetris, Plinko, coloring stations, and arts & crafts. The program provided a joyful and safe alternative to traditional Halloween celebrations, offering children the opportunity to explore, play, and connect in a welcoming and sensory-sensitive environment.
“This event means so much to our family. It’s the first time my child could fully participate in a Halloween celebration without feeling overwhelmed. The library team made everything so festive and comfortable,” shared one parent of a participating child. Another attendee added, “It was amazing to see our kids smiling, laughing, and just being themselves. Thank you to the library for making this space possible.” Other kind words from our attendees are as follows:
- “Thank you for hosting this event for our special kids.”
- “Looking forward to doing read aloud on Saturdays and also holding more peer support sessions on sensory-nights. “
- “Thank you for having this. My child had so much fun.”
- “Thank you for giving this opportunity to our children they enjoyed and had fun.”
- “Thank you for allowing my kids to enjoy a sensory friendly trick or treating event.”
- “My family are very thankful and grateful.”
- “We LOVE it!”
- “Thank you!”
The event builds on the library’s growing portfolio of sensory-inclusive programs, including the Sensory Family Engagement Corner and Sensory Night, which were created to ensure that all families—especially those with children with disabilities—can enjoy meaningful library experiences.
“We are so grateful for the incredible turnout and the heartfelt feedback from our families,” said JKPL Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi. “Thanks to the support of our partners, donors, and the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant, we are able to create programs that reflect the real needs of our community. Sensory Book-a-Treat @ My Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is a celebration of accessibility, acceptance, and joy.”
Sensory Book-a-Treat@ My Library is made possible through the generous support and partnership of the following: the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), American Library Association (ALA)’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Northern Marianas Library Association (NMLA), Pacific Advisory Services, Cardinal Healthcare Management Corp, Chong’s Corporation, CNMI DLNR Division of Parks & Recreation, Commonwealth Library Council, Department of Public Safety, Dr. Elizabeth Rechebei, Friends of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, IT&E, J.E.T Holding Co., Joeten family, Kiyu family, M.S. Villagomez, Inc., Lollipops, Marianas Press, Marianas Variety, Marianas Visitors Authority, Office of the Governor, Office of the Lt. Governor, Pacific Advisory Services, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Representative BJ Attao, Representative Denita P. Kaipat Yangetmai, Representative Malcolm Omar, Representative Vincent Aldan, Saipan Mayor’s Office, PSS Co-Op Program, PSS Marianas High School JROTC, and PSS AmeriCorps volunteers.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library extends its warmest thanks to its dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners for their continued commitment to serving the CNMI community through innovative and inclusive programming.
For more information about the library’s upcoming events and inclusive programs, please visit the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Facebook page or contact the library at (670) 235-7315 or director.jkpl@gmail.com
HOW CAN YOU HELP ASSIST WITH OUR PROGRAMS?
We welcome and encourage businesses to please consider donating Educational Tax Credit. Pursuant to NMI Public Law 15-120, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is able to receive cash contributions under Educational Tax Credit (ETC). Please make checks payable to: CNMI Treasury. For MUNIS payments, to the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library MUNIS Vendor ID#100404.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services LS-256853-OLS-24.
The National Book Festival Roadmap to Reading is made possible by the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services with support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA).
This project was made possible in part by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
####
