(JKPL) — Joeten-Kiyu Public Library proudly announces the successful completion of its 2025 Summer Reading Program. With enthusiasm, creativity, and strong community involvement, this summer has been one to remember — for staff, partners, and most importantly, the young participants.
“To all the parents and guardians who entrusted us with your children — we thank you,” said Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi. “Your support allowed us to provide a safe, engaging, and meaningful summer experience that we hope left a lasting impact on their lives.”
Internet Camp: Learning Through Technology
JKPL’s Internet Camp wrapped up with an impressive 34 students enrolled across both Session A and Session B. Participants engaged in computer safety lessons and explored introductory coding games, creating a fun and educational environment that encouraged digital literacy.
Creativity in the Community
The Garapan Mihaville Estate Outreach Program served 35 young learners, who attended with enthusiasm — even during challenging weather conditions. With the support of the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, the program was hosted in a village space where children enjoyed painting, chalk art, sand art, and created their own power cord bracelets. Their joy and creativity truly “Colored Our World.”
Teen Service Program: Building Skills & Celebrating Growth
The Teen Service Program concluded on July 31, 2025, with 28 enthusiastic participants engaging in a dynamic series of hands-on activities aimed at building life skills and fostering personal growth. Highlights included a “Barista for a Day” experience at Latte Café, where our teens had the opportunity to view a fun work environment. Creative sessions featuring clay art, tie-dye bandanas, and custom button-making, as well as a variety of workshops and community service projects. The program culminated in a high-energy obstacle course hosted by Northern Marianas Athletics. Teens also had the pleasure of visiting the Office of U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds. Special thanks to Senior Policy Advisor Matthew Deleon Guerrero, District Director Paula Bermudes, Constituent Services Director Oliver Manglona and their team for coordinating the visit, warmly welcoming our group, and sharing insights into their work serving the community.
Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. One teen remarked, “The staff are kind, and I like how homey the library can feel.” Others highlighted their favorite experiences: “My favorite part was my yummy free drink from Latte Café,” and “I enjoyed all the activities we did, even the games we played.” Another participant reflected, “I enjoyed meeting with old friends and making some new ones too.”
San Antonio Outreach: Learning, Creating, and Connecting
At the Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library, also known as JKPL’s San Antonio Branch Library, 30 children participated in a three-week Summer Outreach Program filled with hands-on learning and creativity. Activities included chalk art, wood painting, tie-dye socks, bead making, bracelet crafting, and STEM-based experiments such as DIY slime and play-doh. An interactive presentation was also held by our special guest presenters, the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
To cap off the final day of our summer outreach reading program, we ended on a high note with a joyful completion ceremony, indulged in a fun game and ended with a cozy indoor movie celebration. The children basked in the pride of their accomplishments, enjoying well-earned prizes, sweet treats, and the magic of their chosen film. After a summer filled with stories, creativity, and connection, what better way to celebrate than gathering with friends for a good movie?
Even more exciting, this summer’s programs collectively made an incredible impact — between the Teen Service Program, Children’s Program, Early Literacy Program, Internet Camp, and Outreach Summer Program, JKPL served a remarkable total of 1,475 children throughout the season including our spectacular student volunteers. The joy, engagement, and curiosity sparked over these past weeks have been nothing short of inspiring. As the credits rolled and the final treat was shared, one thing was clear: young participants can’t wait to find new ways to color our world at the library.
These summer programs reflect JKPL’s ongoing mission to provide accessible, enriching, and educational experiences to the youth of our community. We extend our sincere thanks to all the community partners, volunteers, and families who helped make this summer one filled with learning, joy, and inspiration.
Programs like these are essential in helping to prevent the “summer slide” — a seasonal loss of academic progress that can occur when students are out of school.
“Thanks to your support, we’ve helped keep young minds active, curious, and confident.”
With Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners
This program was made possible thanks to the generous support of our community.
Platinum Donors
Joeten Family, MS Villagomez/Kiyu Family, Office of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, USDA, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Northern Marianas Library Association, Pacific Advisory Services, Veterans Vending Solutions, Friends of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Lollipops, Bridge Capital LLC, and associated organizations including Anaks Holding, Seven Leaves, FT Condo, Square and Compass, MP Investments, Coconut Capital, Westview Property, Mountain View Holdings, PROA, Latte Investments, Achugao Services, Excelsior Marianas, Mariana Holdings, and Fox Financial.
Gold Donors
First Lady Wella Palacios, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Rep. Vincent Diego F. Camacho, Rep. Vincent S. Aldan, D&Q International, Coca-Cola Beverage Micronesia, Leslie Bradley & Family, Bank Pacific Ltd., and Chong’s Corporation.
Silver Donor
Dr. Elizabeth D. Rechebei
Bronze Donors
Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc., J’s Restaurant, Blossoms Floral Depot, Patricia Aguon-Cruz, Commonwealth Library Council, McDonald’s of Saipan.
Community Partners
Saipan Mayor’s Office, CNMI Public School System Child Nutrition Program, Department of Land and Natural Resources – Parks and Recreation, Sea Turtle Conservation Program, Brown Tree Snake Program, Northern Marianas Athletics, Run Saipan, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, Department of Public Safety and its Canine Unit, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, 500 Sails, CNMI Historic Preservation Office, Friends of the Mariana Trench, and many more.
A Collective Achievement
“This program’s success is a direct result of your commitment to literacy, youth development, and community engagement,” said Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi. “We extend our deepest and sincerest thanks to all families, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partners whose contributions helped create a fun, educational, and memorable summer for our young readers.”
JKPL can’t wait to welcome more families and children to future programs. Until then — keep reading!
For more information, please contact either Mrs. Celina C. Foreman or Ms. Sina Palacios at (670) 235-7315.
Enjoy your public library’s free resources by visiting www.cnmilib.org and social media platforms: like/follow JKPL’s Facebook page @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, TikTok @jkpl670, X (Twitter) @JoetenKiyu, and YouTube: joeten kiyu public library.
Effective Tuesday, June 17, 2025, JKPL’s temporary summer hours of operations are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.
How can you help assist
JKPL welcomes and encourages businesses to please consider making Educational Tax Credit donations.
Please make checks payable to: CNMI Treasury.
For MUNIS payments, to the Friends of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library MUNIS Vendor ID#100404.
