SAIPAN, CNMI — The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL), the State Library of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, celebrated another successful Community Trunk-O-Treat, welcoming 5,103 participants for an exciting Halloween celebration filled with family fun, creativity, and community togetherness.
Featuring 13 creatively decorated trunks, the event brought together families, community leaders, businesses, and organizations to provide children with a safe, welcoming, and memorable trick-or-treating experience.
This year’s celebration also emphasized inclusivity and accessibility for children with special needs. On October 29, 2026, JKPL hosted its special Book-A-Treat event to accommodate families with children with special needs. Additionally, JKPL introduced its Gold Ticket initiative, providing these families with a special pass allowing them to enjoy the Trunk-O-Treat festivities without waiting in regular lines.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of Halloween. Through our Book-A-Treat event and Gold Ticket Initiative, we wanted to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for children with special needs and their families,” said JKPL Director and State Librarian Erlinda C. Naputi. “Our public library belongs to everyone, and sometimes the smallest accommodations can make the greatest difference.”
A highlight of the celebration was the Best Trunk Competition, recognizing four outstanding participants:
- 1st Place: Alpha Club 126 votes
- 2nd Place (Two-Way Tie): Martin Naputi’s Indigenous Trunk and U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds Super Hero decoration 123 Votes
- 3rd Place: The Family of Jack DLG Torres and Irene T. Torres – Haunted House decoration 118 Votes
JKPL extends special appreciation to Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc. (MarPac) for generously donating the prizes for the Best Trunk Competition winners.
The library also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to our donors/sponsors: the Office of the Governor; U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds; Saipan Mayor’s Office; the family of Jack DLG Torres and Irene T. Torres; Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library President Martin Naputi; the Maratita Familia; MarPac; Coca-Cola Beverage Micronesia; Lions Club; Leila Staffler; Representative Blas Jonathan “BJ” T. Attao; Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez; Representative Joe A. Flores; Marianas High School’s JROTC; Library of Congress’ Center for the Book Affiliate: Northern Mariana Islands Center for the Book; Chong’s Corporation; Veteran’s Vending Solutions; American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities; Department of Public Safety; IT&E; Office of Grants Management; Marianas Visitors Authority; Homeland Security and Emergency Management; CNMI DLNR Division of Parks & Recreation; Navy Seabees; and the dedicated Team Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL).
Thank you to all of our trunkers: U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds; the family of Jack DLG Torres and Irene T. Torres; Herman’s Modern Bakery; Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library; Saipan Centennial Lions; Saipan Dynamic and Cubs Alpha Leo Club; Marianas Key Club; JKPL’s Bookmobile Outreach Services; Technology Mobile Express; Bridget Deleon Guerrero (Familia); and the dedicated JKPL team (Core Memories; Nightmare Before Christmas; Alien Invasion Cemetery).
Most especially, JKPL thanks the thousands of children, parents, grandparents, and families whose participation made the celebration a tremendous success.
“Welcoming 5,103 participants reflects the incredible spirit of inafamaolek—our Chamorro value of working together for the common good,” Library Director Naputi stated. “Our library is more than a place to borrow books. It is a place where families connect, children create lasting memories, and our community comes together. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and generosity to make this event possible.”
Through programs such as Trunk-O-Treat, Book-A-Treat, and the Gold Ticket program, JKPL continues its commitment to providing inclusive, family-centered activities that promote community engagement, accessibility, literacy, and lifelong learning.
“When we come together as a community, we create more than an event—we create a sense of belonging for every child and every family,” Library Director Naputi concluded.
Un dangkulu na si Yu’us ma’åsi, Olomwaay, and thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible!
About the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library serves as the State Library of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, providing literacy, educational, technological, and cultural programs that promote lifelong learning, inclusivity, and community engagement.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library continues to develop innovative and enriching programs for the community. Explore our free resources and upcoming events on our website at www.cnmilib.org and social media platforms: like/follow JKPL’s Facebook page @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, X @jkpl670, Twitter @JoetenKiyu, and Youtube: joeten kiyu public library.
How Can You 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 RE-259015-OLS-25, LS-260857-OLS-26, and RE-259979-OLS-26.
This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA).
This project was made possible in part by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant.
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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