(JKPL) — September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Bookmobile, Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library, and the Tinian Public Library join the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.
Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help and GED classes, helping transform lives and communities through education. During September, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will host Library Card Sign-up activities: Résumé Writing Workshops, Friday Family Fun Nights @ Your Library, Friday Toddler Storytime, Saturday Read Aloud, Teen Activities, Computer Classes, and so much more!
“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi. “We have innovative library programs and activities that serve students of all ages and backgrounds such as our Friday Toddler Storytime or our Saturday Read Aloud at the Children of Our Homeland Center (aka Children’s Library), 1,000 Books before Kindergarten Program, educational library tours for our public and private schools, sign up for Motheread/Fatheread CNMI Family Literacy Classes for Children and Adults; our Teen Volunteer Program wherein we provide service learning opportunities for teens to learn about our library programs and activities, computer classes, typing classes, resume writing workshops, virtual learning resources from the following: MANGO Languages for learning a new language; research databases from EBSCOhost or GALE Cengage for students and educators; educational virtual tutorials from Niche Academy; Baker & Taylor Axis 360 for bestseller e-books; READsquared for Reading Challenges.”
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Bookmobile, Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library, and the Tinian Public Library along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community.
How do we sign up for a library card? Visit your friendly Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Tinian Public Library, Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library, or Bookmobile and fill out a library card application. Be sure to provide the following: 1) Proof of mailing address, for example, utility bill or phone bill. 2) Picture identification such as your CNMI driver’s license or your passport. Library cards are free for first time applicants. Replacement cards are $5. You need to be 6 years old or over to apply for a free library card. To learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.cnmilib.org
This year, Marley Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author and executive producer, is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. In her new role, Dias will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
This year the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library celebrates 30 years of providing free library services to the CNMI.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, by creating spaces and opportunities to connect and engage, and by fostering a love of reading and commitment to literacy. The JKPL is the CNMI State Library information hub, preserving CNMI’s cultural heritage and connecting our communities, libraries and government to the resources and tools they need to succeed and to build a strong community.”
JKPL’s regular hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays.
Follow JKPL on Facebook and Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary for the latest news and updates. Call 235-7322/7323 (READ) should you have any questions.
