[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:
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- Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
- Northern Marianas Library Association, Inc.
- Pacific Advisory Services
- Veteran Vending Solutions
Guiding Star Sponsors:
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- Office of Representative Edmund S. Villagomez, Speaker of the House
- Northern Marianas Technical Institute
Library of Learning Sponsors:
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- 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:
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- Jolene S. Demapan
- Tåsi Guinaiya Grow
Vendor Partners:
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- 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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