[SAIPAN, MP] — The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) proudly celebrated the successful completion of over 60 children in the first phase (Sessions 1A and 1B) of its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story™,” held from June 15–26, 2026. As part of the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), this year’s initiative brought together literacy, culture, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to inspire young learners across the Commonwealth while also celebrating the historic milestones of America250 and CNMI50.
The 2026 Summer Reading Program was especially meaningful as the nation commemorates America250, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, while the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands celebrates CNMI50, honoring fifty years of constitutional self-government. Through engaging educational activities, local history exploration, and hands-on innovation, JKPL provided opportunities for children and families to reflect on the stories, cultures, and achievements that connect the CNMI to the broader American story while celebrating the unique heritage of the Marianas.
Designed for participants ages 6–12, the program focused on paleontology, archaeology, local history, literacy, and STEAM discovery. For children ages 0–5, families participated through the library’s “Summer Learning Package-To-Go,” which encouraged parents and guardians to engage in educational bonding activities with their toddlers and preschoolers at home.
Library Director and NMI State Librarian Erlinda C. Naputi emphasized the program’s impact on student learning and community resilience, “Unearth a Story™ reminds us that every person, every family, and every community has a story worth discovering and preserving. By combining literacy, culture, STEAM education, and digital learning, we are helping our children return to school with confidence, curiosity, and a stronger connection to both their local heritage and the larger American story during this historic America250 and CNMI50 celebration.”
The library’s commitment to cultural education was further strengthened through partnerships with the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ). Outreach Coordinator Linda Torres and the HPO team showcased local artifacts and educational resources that helped children connect with the CNMI’s rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, BECQ’s Department of Coastal Resources Management’s CZ Communications Coordinator, Jovahna T. Flores, and her team delivered interactive presentations highlighting environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting the islands’ natural resources for future generations.
The program also featured an innovative digital citizenship component led by Computer Programmer Joey Songsong, who conducted an interactive Internet Safety course designed specifically for young learners. Using individual tablets and the educational gaming platform Blooket, participants learned essential internet safety tips, including protecting personal information, recognizing online scams, practicing responsible digital behavior, and becoming safe digital citizens. The gamified format created an engaging learning environment that allowed students to apply what they learned through real-time participation and teamwork actively.
A major literacy highlight of the program was an interactive read-aloud conducted by Beth B. Demapan, Program Manager and Technical Services Librarian of the Library of Congress’ Northern Mariana Islands Center for the Book Affiliate at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. Demapan engaged participants with a dynamic reading of the CNMI Books of the Year, encouraging children to actively participate through discussion, storytelling, and cultural reflection. The read-aloud emphasized the importance of local authors, island stories, and reading as a lifelong pathway to learning and civic engagement.
STEAM education was a major focus throughout the summer program. Participants explored science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through a variety of hands-on activities designed to promote creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. Activities included sculpting dinosaurs with play-dough, constructing catapults, creating large-scale chalk art, participating in engineering challenges, and engaging in interactive educational games that encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.
In collaboration with the Space Science Institute and the STAR Library Network (STAR Net), a national hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the United States, JKPL expanded its educational outreach through the Science Across America initiative. Through this partnership, young innovators participated in engaging STEM experiences that introduced concepts in science, technology, engineering, and innovation. The activities were designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors, and lifelong learners in the CNMI.
Throughout the program, participants tracked their reading progress through reading logs and participated in cultural read-aloud sessions that reinforced literacy development while celebrating local stories and traditions. By integrating literacy, cultural heritage, environmental education, digital citizenship, and STEAM learning, the 2026 Collaborative Summer Reading Program provided a well-rounded educational experience that encouraged children to discover the worlds of culture, science, technology, and the arts.
The summer program concluded with a celebratory finale event on June 25, 2026, where participants received official completion certificates and prizes in recognition of their achievements and dedication throughout the program. Special thank you to the CNMI Public School System’s Food and Nutrition Service for providing breakfast and lunch for our summer reading program participants.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library remains committed to creating innovative educational opportunities that honor local culture, strengthen literacy, expand STEAM learning, and prepare the next generation of CNMI students to become informed, creative, and engaged members of their community and nation.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
Platinum: Joeten family, MS Villagomez/Kiyu family, Office of the Governor: David M. Apatang, United States Dept. of Agriculture, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Northern Marianas Library Association, Pacific Advisory Services, Veteran’s Vending Solutions, Friends of the JKPL, Bridge Capital LLC. And Group of Companies: Anaks Holding, Seven Leave, FT Condo, Square and Compass, LLC, MP Investments, Coconut Capital, Westview Property, Mountain View Holdings, LLC, Proa, Latte Investments, Achugao Services, Excelsior Marianas. Mariana Holdings, Fox Financial
Gold: House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Representative John Paul Sablan, Representative Vincent S. Aldan, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, First Hawaiian Bank, Marianas Geotech Services, LLC., Lollipops Inc., Saipan Mayor’s Office, Chong’s Corporation, Leslie Bradley and Family, Oriental Corporation dba. DY Rental
Silver: IT&E, Pacific Insurance Underwriters
Bronze: Blossom’s Floral Depot/Novelties Shop, Lei Tenorio, Commonwealth Library Council, J’s Restaurant, McDonald’s of Saipan
Community Partners: Saipan Mayor’s Office, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, CNMI Historic Preservation Office, CNMI Public School System, Child Nutrition Program, Marianas Variety, Marianas Press, KSPN2 News, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Dept. of Coastal Resource Management
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.
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