Chaudhry has been with the bookstore since it first opened in May 2005.
The senior associate happens to be a multilingual, being able to speak Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and basic Korean as well as other languages.
He and two others run the bookstore.
“For whatever sales we make, all the proceeds go toward educational purposes in Saipan,” he says.
He explains that the proceeds go more specifically, but not exclusively, to the fields of science and history as well as towards research projects.
The bookstore currently has over 200 books in its possession.
Along with books related to the wars, their collection includes Japanese books as well as the Chamorro dictionary and books on the Chamorro language, Chamorro alphabet, and the Carolinian alphabet in hopes of encouraging the local languages and customs.
One popular piece they have is a book called “Pacific Legacy.”
It contains brilliant photographs of historical events related to the Pacific.
The bookstore also holds a collection of WWII DVDs in English and Japanese.
In addition, they carry the DVD “Liberation Guam,” which has versions in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English.
Bestsellers at the moment are: “D-Day in the Pacific: The Battle of Saipan” and “Battling for Saipan” for Americans, “Saipan in Flames” and “10,000 Days of Japanese in Saipan” for Japanese, and for the Chinese, Zippo lighters because they are made in the U.S. and the DVD Liberating Guam due to its availability in their native language.
The bookstore also offers a membership program. Members receive such benefits as 15 percent discount on purchases and 1-year of Remembrance Magazine.
Customer service
“Although businesses on the island have been getting slower, we have been very fortunate,” says Chaudhry.
He attributes their success to their excellent customer service.
“We provide the best service to our customers,” he explains.
He emphasizes the value of creating relationships with and really getting to know the customers. He has created such great bonds with some customers that even to this day they send letters of appreciation, photos of their travels, and hospitable invitations to the park staff if they are ever to visit their country.
“If the customer feels appreciated it can make the biggest difference,” he says.
“If you provide them with the best service, they will come back.”
He also notes the customers’ appreciation of having the salesperson know their language.
Additional programs
“I want the public to know that the bookstore is a non-profit organization and we need public support. I want them to take advantage of our services as well.”
He speaks of the film shown multiple times daily, “An Island called Saipan.” It is 20 minutes long and has no admission fee.
The Visitor Center also includes exhibits related to WWII.
“People can come and learn about what happened in Saipan.”
In addition, the park, in collaboration with the Division of Environmental Equality, hosts First Friday Films.
This is a free movie showing every first Friday of the month. The next one will be on August 5 at 6:30 p.m. They will be showing an educational film entitled, “Home.” Having been shot in over 50 countries, the film takes a look at our planet and what humans have made of it.
Chaudhry encourages the local people to “come forward and educate themselves and their children.”
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Entrance to the center, exhibits, and films are all free of charge.
