By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE House of Representatives on Friday presented Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Director Erlina Naputi with a framed copy of House Resolution 24-13, recognizing her exceptional work, unwavering commitment, and 33 years of service in enriching the lives of the people of the CNMI.
H.R. 24-13 is authored by Rep. Raymond U. Palacios and co-sponsored by Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Vice Speaker Diego Vincent F. Camacho, House Floor Leader Marissa Flores, Rep. Vincent R. Aldan, Rep. Daniel I. Aquino Jr., Rep. Blas Jonathan “BJ” T. Attao, Rep. Roman C. Benavente, Rep. Angelo A. Camacho, Rep. Joel C. Camacho, Rep. Thomas J. DLC Manglona, Rep. Malcolm J. Omar, Rep. Elias J.M. Rangamar, Rep. John Paul P. Sablan, Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas, Rep. Denita Kaipat Yangetmai, and Rep. Ralph N. Yumul.
Naputi’s career and dedication to JKPL began on July 1, 1992. She became children’s librarian and acting library director from 2003 to 2015, when she started serving as library director and state librarian.
Palacios read the framed copy of the resolution before awarding it to Naputi on behalf of the 24th House, in the presence of her family.
The resolution recognized, among Naputi’s many accomplishments, that between 2017 and 2024, she coordinated donations through the Library of Congress’ Surplus Books Program and led emergency response operations following Super Typhoon Yutu. She secured property for the Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library in San Antonio, acquired U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to modernize library technology, added a bookmobile, and launched projects including a community aquarium and community garden.
As president of the Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums from 2015 to 2025, she coordinated five 40-foot containers of books and supplies to Micronesia in partnership with Hawaii state Sen. Glenn Wakai’s Reach Out Pacific. She was instrumental in the passage of Public Law 20-14 in 2017, which officially recognized the position of public library director. She was also named the 2017 Karen Peacock Memorial Scholar and became the first Chamorro female PIALA president.
With teary eyes, Naputi expressed her sincere gratitude to the lawmakers for recognizing her 33 years of dedicated service at JKPL, where she remains the library director today.
“It is truly humbling to know that the hard work and commitment I have invested in the library is being recognized,” she said. “My passion to serve the community was deeply influenced by my grandparents, Juan and Joaquina Cabrera, who instilled in me the importance of faith, respect, hard work, perseverance, dignity, integrity, humility, and the value of never forgetting our roots.”
She also extended heartfelt thanks to her late father-in-law, Jose Hocog Naputi, a significant supporter of her life and career, and to her late aunt, Maggie Cabrera, who assisted her with her job application in 1992 and introduced her to the JKPL staff.
Naputi said her achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering love and support of her husband, Martin Sablan Naputi. She is also grateful to her siblings, in-laws, extended family, friends, community partners, and Rep. Palacios.
She dedicated the resolution to her grandparents, the JKPL family, and the library’s patrons.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
