(JKPL) — Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is excited to announce the successful completion of its 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk, held this past Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the scenic Garapan Fishing Base. The event brought together over 100 participants, volunteers and spectators from across the community, all rallying behind a shared love for reading and literacy.
The Fun Run/Walk served as a vibrant closure to National Library Week and a fundraising initiative for the library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program. With the support and enthusiasm of the community, the event raised valuable funds that will directly enhance literacy efforts and programming for children and families this summer.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive energy that filled the Garapan Fishing Base,” said Library Director, Erlinda Naputi. “It’s inspiring to see our community come together in support of literacy and lifelong learning.”
Congratulations to all the finishers and all the medalists! Biba, National Library Week!
Adult division
Women:
An Bang (23:49)-Gold
Yuxi Zhang (24:36)-Silver
Kristine Racine (28:00)-Bronze
Men:
Philip Joseph Santos (21:20)-Gold
Shigeki Tenorio (21:31)-Silver
Matthew Furan (23:15)-Bronze
Children Division
Girls:
Avalyn Mae N. Lizama-Gold
Teonnie Helena Ranili-Silver
Alexandra D. Birnbrich-Bronze
Boys:
Noah Balisalisa-Gold
Zeki Lizama-Silver
Tristan Jaden Ranili-Bronze
A very special thank you goes out to the Literacy Fun Run/Walk sponsors, donors, and community partners, whose generous support made this event possible:
Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, in partnership with Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Run Saipan, Northern Marianas Athletics, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Inc. the CNMI Public School System, Northern Marianas Library Association, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Office of the Governor, Office of the Lt. Governor, Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Joeten family, the Kiyu family, Commonwealth Library Council, CNMI Department of Public Safety, CNMI Department of Emergency Medical Services, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia) Inc., Department of Land & Natural Resources; DLNR-Division of Parks & Recreation, and many other community supporters.
Your continued support is essential to the ongoing success of the library and its mission to promote literacy, learning, and community engagement throughout the CNMI.
The library also extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, or helped spread the word. Together, we are building a stronger, more literate CNMI — one step, one book, and one reader at a time.
For more information, call (670) 235-7322/7323 (READ), go to www.cnmilib.org/, like/follow JKPL’s Facebook page @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, TikTok @jkpl670, X (Twitter) @JoetenKiyu, and You Tube channel at joeten kiyu public library.
