Joeten-Kiyu Public Library renovations underway

AFTER sustaining significant damage from Super Typhoon Yutu, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library children’s center is getting a much needed facelift, said JKPL Director Erlinda Naputi in an interview on Monday.

Last week, the four-phase construction project began with the replacement of all vinyl tiles with anti-skid ceramic tiles.

The vinyl tiles weathered water damage, with rainwater levels reaching about three to four inches during the super typhoon.

The restoration of the library comes as part of the library’s mitigation project to prevent future damages such as those encountered during the super typhoon, thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Director Naputi.

Once the renovations in the children’s center are completed, the construction will then move out to the main area of the library where the tiles will also be replaced.

Moreover, the library’s rusting 30-year-old bookshelves as well as countless books that were destroyed by the super typhoon are also going to be replaced using funding from FEMA.

Furthermore, the book mobile has also been parked as it is being retrofitted for repairs.

Naputi shared that the construction is timely, as the library will soon be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The director, who has been with the library for nearly three decades, shared her experience, witnessing the evolution of the library, including transitioning from card catalogues to an online catalog.

Public libraries, she said, are special because they are places where people from all walks of life can visit, whether you are a student working on an assignment or an adult looking for employment.

Apart from a free library card and books to borrow, JKPL offers various resources for community members, including free internet connection, free printing services, a free and safe work space, and even professional enhancement classes.

This week, JKPL joined libraries across the nation in celebrating National Library Week, kicking it off with a proclamation signing ceremony on Monday, roadside waving for National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, National Library Outreach Day on Wednesday, Amnesty Day on Thursday, and Free Library Card Replacement Day today, Friday.

On Saturday, April 10, JKPL will host an edible book contest.

The theme for this year’s festivities is, “Welcome to Your Library.”

Naputi shared her gratitude to local and federal partners for supporting the library through the years.

“It’s touching to be here. We overcame a lot of obstacles, but I am glad that we have the support of elected officials and community members who believe in us and have given us the opportunity to serve them,” she said.

The director hopes that libraries across the CNMI continue to provide services to the community.

She said when she was a child, she did not have the luxury of having a library that was open, free, and accessible to the entire community, so she encourages community members to make the most of the opportunity that they have today to utilize the library and avail of its services.

Moreover, she hopes that the love of literacy will be fostered throughout the community, whether it’s through physical books or e-books.

JKPL offers an array of New York Times best-selling books on its online platform, free and accessible to all who have library cards.

Applications for library cards are free and are accessible in person at the public library.

In the midst of the pandemic, curbside pickup of books is also available.

For those visiting their local library in person, they are required to have their temperature checked, sanitize their hands, wear plastic gloves provided by the library, and maintain a minimum six-foot distance from other patrons.

Naputi applauded the JKPL team for their commitment to serving the community, even in the midst of disasters.

“I feel blessed to lead such a wonderful team,” she said, noting that the team feels more like a family.

To the younger generations who may not be so inclined to opening a book, Director Naputi added that there are e-books, magazines, and genres of books available, whether you are interested in sports, technology, or manga.

“There’s a book for everybody, no matter what you are interested in,” she said.

The satisfying thing about working in the library, she said, is seeing patrons leave with a smile.

“I tell my colleagues that our main priority is to serve our community,” she said.

JKPL is open for limited public services by appointment only to ensure the health and safety of patrons, and in compliance with Amended Directive 7 of the CNMI Covid-19 Emergency Directives of 2020.

Effective Oct. 5, 2020, the library’s temporary hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sunday, Monday, and holidays.

In order to alleviate traffic concerns and continue safe distancing best practices, patrons are asked to call 235-7322/7323 (READ) to schedule their visit by appointment only.

The library provides general circulation in-person services, such as book checkout, library card sign-up, payments, and computer access limited to 45 minutes per visit.

The library asks that all materials continue to be returned through the book drop located off the main entrance, as the resources will be placed in quarantine for a week prior to returning to regular shelves for circulation.