Category: Community

Posted on

Public Notice: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Announces Temporary Reopening with Limited Services Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku

[Saipan, MP] —The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) announces that the library will officially reopen to the public on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, under the temporary operating hours of Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. due to damages sustained during Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

The temporary reopening has been made possible through the installation of a FEMA emergency generator, allowing the library to restore minimal public services while recovery efforts continue. However, because all three centralized air conditioning systems sustained significant damage during the typhoon, library operations and public access will remain limited until further notice.

“Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons, staff, and community while continuing to provide essential library services during this recovery period,” stated Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi.

LIMITED PUBLIC SERVICES

Beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the library will provide limited onsite services. The facility will remain closed on weekends and public holidays until further notice. Due to structural impacts and ventilation limitations caused by the typhoon, patron visits will be limited to one (1) hour per session to ensure equitable access and maintain safety standards.

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION PROTOCOLS

Standard procedures for entering and exiting the library building remain in effect. Due to damages sustained during the typhoon, physical access to library stacks is restricted to designated areas only. Patrons are strongly encouraged to verify material availability prior to arrival through the library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) available at 1 www.cnmilib.org. All circulation procedures for checking library materials in and out remain in effect and must be strictly observed.

WAIVING OF OVERDUE FEES

Recognizing the hardships experienced throughout the typhoon recovery period, JKPL will formally waive all overdue fines accumulated during the closure period and initial recovery phase. Patrons are encouraged to return borrowed materials when it is safe and convenient to do so.

DAMAGED LIBRARY MATERIALS

Patrons whose library materials were damaged due to flooding or storm-related leaks are requested not to attempt independent repairs. Damaged items should instead be brought to the circulation desk during temporary operating hours for formal assessment and record documentation.

TECHNOLOGY AND PRINTING SERVICES

The Information Technology Center (ITC) has temporarily been relocated into the Children’s Library area. Due to limited computer availability, computer usage is restricted to one (1) hour per patron for essential tasks on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid printing services remain available; however, patrons are asked for patience as technical issues resulting from the typhoon continue to be addressed. Free wireless internet service is also available onsite.

CURBSIDE PICK-UP SERVICES

To reduce indoor crowding and support safer service access, curbside and drive-by pickup remain the preferred methods for borrowing materials. Patrons wishing to utilize curbside services are encouraged to reserve materials through the library’s OPAC catalog at www.cnmilib.org or contact the Front Circulation Desk at (670) 235-7322 to schedule a pick-up time during temporary operating hours.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY SERVICES

Access to the Children of Our Homeland (a.k.a. Children’s Library) has been restored with modified guidelines due to limited capacity and structural impacts. Usage of the children’s area will be limited to one (1) hour per day per family to ensure fair access and maintain a safe environment for all families. Staff will continue providing reading recommendations and assistance locating juvenile materials.

Additional children’s programming includes:

    • Arts and Crafts Station available during operating hours.
    • Weekly Read Aloud Sessions every Friday at 10:30 a.m.
    • Sensory Corner Access available by appointment only for families with children with disabilities. Sensory Corner reservations are limited to one family for 45 minutes per session. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (670) 235-7315.

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library extends its sincere gratitude to the community for its continued patience, support, and understanding throughout the recovery process following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. For additional information, please contact us via email at cnmilib.info@gmail.com or call us at Front Circulation Desk: (670) 235-7322/7323 or Children’s Library: (670) 235-7315.

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 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-260857-OLS-26.

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.

####

Posted on

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.

####

Posted on

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

OTM_0206

[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.

####

Posted on

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.

####

Posted on

Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Hosts First-Ever “Sensory Book-A-Treat @ My Library” Successful Halloween Celebration for Families with Children with Disabilities

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.

####

Contact Information

Joeten-Kiyu Public Library

P.O. Box 501092
Saipan, MP 96950-1092

Telephone: (670) 235-7322/7323
Fax: (670) 235-7350
Email: cnmilib.info@gmail.com

Library Hours

Temporary Operational Hours

    • TUESDAY: 10:00 am to 01:00 pm
    • WEDNESDAY: 10:00 am to 01:00 pm
    • THURSDAY: 10:00 am to 01:00 pm
    • FRIDAY: 10:00 am to 01:00 pm

We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Public Holidays

Categories

Copyright © 2026 Joeten Kiyu Public Library