Author: JKPL ITC

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Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Celebrates a Successful Launch of the 1st Annual Light Up My Library: An Island Community Celebration, A Holiday Event Honoring the Library’s 34th Anniversary

[Saipan, MP] — The Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL), and dedicated Community Partners proudly announce the successful launch of the 1st Annual Light Up My Library: An Island Community Celebration—a festive holiday series presented in honor of the Library’s 34th Anniversary.

The celebration officially kicked off on Saturday, November 29, 2025, transforming the JKPL parking lot into a vibrant literary winter wonderland filled with holiday lights, themed displays, illuminated story corners, vendors, and interactive family activities. This holiday event is designed to bring families, children, and residents of all ages together in the spirit of reading, unity, and holiday cheer.

Visitors on opening night enjoyed a lively evening of local food, shopping, and community support as families purchased gifts, experienced festive exhibits, and engaged with local small businesses. Crowds were especially delighted by the event’s diverse lineup of outdoor activities, including the Sensory Corner, festive photobooths, the beloved Benki Train ride, and the thrilling mechanical bull, all of which added fun and excitement for children and adults alike.

The community celebration continues on Saturdays: November 29; December 6, 13, and 20, 2025; and January 3 and 10, 2026 (excluding December 27, 2025). Each event night will feature rotating activities, hands-on learning stations, and opportunities for families to experience holiday magic while fostering literacy, creativity, and strong community connections.

The Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, JKPL, and event partners extend their deepest gratitude to all volunteers, vendors, donors, and supporters who helped bring this vision to life. Their generosity and dedication ensure that the library continues to shine—not only as a center for learning, but as a hub for celebration and togetherness within the Northern Mariana Islands.

“We are thrilled to launch this inaugural celebration in honor of JKPL’s 34 years of service to our community,” said Friends of JKPL President Martin Naputi. “Light Up My Library is not just a holiday event—it’s a chance to celebrate literacy, creativity, and the joy of coming together as a community.”

The event is free and open to all families and community members.

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library joyfully acknowledges our wonderful sponsors for our 34th Annual Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Light Up My Library: A Community Celebration. Your kindness lights up our library and warms our community. Thank you for making the season brighter!

Beacon of Knowledge Sponsors:

    • Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
    • Northern Marianas Library Association, Inc.
    • Pacific Advisory Services
    • Veteran Vending Solutions

Guiding Star Sponsors:

    • Office of Representative Edmund S. Villagomez, Speaker of the House
    • Northern Marianas Technical Institute

Library of Learning Sponsors:

    • Bridge Capital, LLC
    • Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Lands and Natural Resources
    • REM International Corporation
    • Saipan Mayor’s Office
    • Triple J. Admin & Consulting

Storytime Sparkle Sponsors:

    • Jolene S. Demapan
    • Tåsi Guinaiya Grow

Vendor Partners:

    • Benki
    • Bishu Marianas
    • Divine’s Essentials
    • Dube’s Smokehouse Tacos
    • Island Grindz
    • The Kuxsins

Interested in sponsoring “Light Up My Library?” Please contact friendsofjkpl2016@gmail.com or call us (670) 235-7315 for more information.

Happy Holidays from the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library! For more information about upcoming event dates and activities, please contact JKPL or visit our social media channels.

About Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library

The Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is a private, non-profit corporation that was founded in 1991. The Mission of the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is to promote the continued existence and effectiveness of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library to the community; to promote the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library as a vital informational, cultural, educational, and recreational asset to the CNMI; and to raise funds when possible to supplement special items that are not provided by the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s budget. Because the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library programming and offerings continue to expand to reflect the changing needs of the communities they serve, our actions to date, have fostered our vision to promote the understanding and appreciation of the JKPL and its affiliated libraries, where everyone enjoys, uses, and supports our NMI State Library.

Please enjoy your public library’s free resources by visiting our website at
www.cnmilib.org like/follow JKPL’s Facebook page @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Instagram@joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Tik Tok @jkpl670, Twitter @JoetenKiyu, and Youtube: joetenkiyu public library or visit our website www.cnmilib.org to see the progress and programs JKPL has worked so hard to offer for our community. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s hours of operation are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.

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.

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.

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Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Announces Winners of the 2025 Annual Community Trunk or Treat Event

[Saipan, CNMI] The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2025 Annual Community Trunk or Treat event, a fun-filled evening that brought together families, organizations, and community members for a safe and creative Halloween celebration.

This year’s Best Trunk (People’s Choice) award was presented to Coca-Cola Beverage Micronesia, Inc., whose creative and interactive display captured the hearts of attendees and earned an impressive 259 community votes. Their “stand-in” photo frame proved to be a crowd favorite, as families lined up to snap fun and spooky pictures together throughout the evening.

The Best Family Costume Contest winner was awarded to the Winkfield Family, who wowed the crowd with their beautifully themed costumes inspired by the movie Moana 2. Their creativity truly embodied the spirit of the event.

“This event continues to bring our community together each year in a celebration of creativity, family fun, and local spirit,” said Erlinda C. Naputi, JKPL Library Director. “We are grateful for everyone who joined us and made this year’s Annual Community Trunk or Treat another memorable experience.”

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, Tik Tok @jkpl670, Twitter @JoetenKiyu, and Youtube: joeten kiyu public library. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s hours of operation are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.

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.

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.

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Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Celebrates Record-Breaking Success at the Annual Community Trunk-or-Treat Event

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[Saipan, CNMI] The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is proud to announce the success of the Annual Community Trunk-or-Treat event, held on Friday, October 31, 2025. This cherished community tradition brings families together each Halloween, offering a fun and safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.

This year marked the highest participation in this event’s history, with an incredible 5,357 attendees joining in the festivities! Since 2012, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and our valued community partners have had the privilege of hosting this event to strengthen community bonds and provide a welcoming environment for families to enjoy.

Our Partners in Community Fun

Community Trunk-or-Treat is made possible through the generous support of: 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, IT&E, J.E.T. Holding Co., Joeten family, Kiyu family, M.S. Villagomez, Inc., Lollipops, Marianas Press, Marianas Variety, Marianas Visitors Authority, Blossoms Floral Depot/Novelties Shop, Jane Mack, Office of the Governor, Office of the Lt. Governor, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Representative BJ Attao, Representative Denita P. Kaipat Yangetmai, Representative Malcolm Omar, Representative Vincent Aldan, Representative Elias Rangamar, Saipan Mayor’s Office, PSS Co-Op Program, PSS Marianas High School JROTC, and PSS AmeriCorps volunteers.

Special Thanks to Our Trunkers

A heartfelt thank you to all our “trunkers,” whose creativity and dedication make this event a true community highlight:

Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, IT&E, Marianas Pacific Dist. Inc. (MARPAC), U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn Kinds-Hinds, Senzoku Car Club, Saipan Centennial Lions (SCLC), 670 Babes Familian Association, Dial Rent-to-Own, Bookmobile, Technology Mobile Express, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Saipan Dynamic Lions Club & Saipan Cubs Alpha Leo Club, Office of Representative Denita P. Kaipat Yangetmai, Division of Youth Services – Juvenile Probation Office, Coca-Cola Beverage Micronesia, Marianas Key Club, and Joeten Motors.

Your continued support makes this event possible — thank you for helping us bring smiles to so many little ghouls and goblins!

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, Tik Tok @jkpl670, Twitter @JoetenKiyu, and Youtube: joeten kiyu public library. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s hours of operation are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.

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.

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.

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Community Trunk or Treat at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library

News

Attention, Trick-or-Treaters! It is with great excitement that the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the library itself, and our esteemed community partners cordially invite you to our annual Community Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event.

This family-friendly gathering is dedicated to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for children to celebrate Halloween, while also fostering community engagement and offering a selection of delightful treats. It is an annual tradition that serves to unite us, strengthen our communal bonds, and present an alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Please join us this Friday, October 31, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library parking lot, located in Susupe, Saipan.

In preparation for this event, the library will observe temporary operating hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Regular operating hours will resume on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Community Trunk or Treat 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.

Special thank you to our trunkers: Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, IT&E, MARIANAS PACIFIC DIST. INC. (MARPAC), U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn Kinds-Hinds, Senzoku Car Club, the Saipan Centennial Lions (SCLC), 670 Babes Familian Association , Dial Rent-to-Own, Bookmobile, Technology Mobile Express,  Herman’s Modern Bakery, Saipan Dynamic Lions Club & Saipan Cubs Alpha Leo Club, Office of Representative Denita P. Kaipat Yangetmai, Division of Youth Services – Juvenile Probation Office, Coca-Cola Beverage Micronesia, Marianas Key Club, and Joeten Motors.

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library works hard at developing innovative and enriching programs for our community.   Please enjoy your public library’s free resources by visiting our website at www.cnmilib.org and social media platforms: like/follow JKPL’s Facebook page @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Tik Tok @jkpl670, Twitter @JoetenKiyu, and Youtube: joeten kiyu public library. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s hours of operation are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.

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.

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.

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