THE Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has undergone various improvements, and there are still more renovations to come.
Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi said JKPL now has newly retrofitted flooring with anti-skid ceramic tiles.
The decades-old bookshelves have been replaced, after enduring various natural disasters that the CNMI community has gone through in the past years.
Then there are the books. New books have been added through various donations and procurement from the government, the private sector, and community partners.
The renovations do not stop there though.
The library is looking to install new mirror double doors at its main entrance, which are anticipated to be more resilient during heavy rain or typhoons.
Its current doors have proven to be unable to completely keep out wind-driven rain.
The fire exits are also being replaced.
During Super Typhoon Yutu, the library’s iconic Bookmobile flipped over and sustained damage.
But Naputi said they have a newly retrofitted Bookmobile and a technology mobile express.
Last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded JKPL a total of $680,000 to repair the damage caused by Super Typhoon Yutu, such as the four-month project of replacing all floor tiles with non-slip tiles, replacing the library’s rusty metal bookshelves, repairing the Bookmobile, and replacing about 3,000 damaged books.
In addition, through funding from the USDA Rural Development, the CNMI libraries’ technology was upgraded.
Naputi said she and her team are so happy to see a lot of their patrons return, after more than two years of submitting to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Pre-pandemic, the library saw an average of about 250 patrons on a Saturday.
Recently, 130 patrons visited the library on a Saturday.
“They’re coming back to the library with everything that’s easing up now,” Naputi said.
In line with the guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the local public libraries are still encouraging patrons and staff to practice the 3Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
Naputi said they want to provide a comfortable space for patrons who are still hesitant to be in public with people who are not wearing masks.
“We want the families to know that we are still doing temperature checks, we’re still writing down names, [and] we’re still asking patrons to use their masks, as well as the staff. So, that’s something that we’re still doing in the meantime, and hopefully when we get our patrons comfortable enough to do without masks, then we’ll eventually slowly move away from that,” she said.
Naputi attributed the library’s success to its resilient staff.
“I can attest that we have a really strong team and I dedicate all of these accomplishments that we’ve [had] to my team,” she said.
Public libraries in the CNMI include the Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library on Rota and the Tinian Public Library.
Last week, the CNMI joined the nation in celebrating National Library Week, National Library Workers Day, and National Outreach Day.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library offers internet access for the general public.
Study cubicles are offered for individuals.
The Bookmobile is newly retrofitted.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is located in Susupe.
The old bookshelves have been replaced with brand new ones.
