AT the Literacy Block Party held on Saturday at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe, JKPL staff, CNMI officials, and members of the public came together to celebrate the library’s achievements and highlight its ongoing and upcoming projects. Amid the festivities, however, the library also acknowledged a looming concern: the potential loss of critical federal funding.
The event transformed the library’s parking lot into a lively community space, complete with food vendors, partner organizations, and bouncy houses for families to enjoy.
The block party also served as the backdrop for the signing of the National Library Outreach Day and National Library Workers’ Day proclamations.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang likewise declared April 6-12 National Library Week. Throughout this week, the library will host read-aloud sessions, craft activities, computer classes, and more.
According to a news release from JKPL, National Library Week “highlights the significant role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities by providing access to knowledge and fostering lifelong learning.”
JKPL Director Erlinda Naputi, in her remarks, announced that the 174-kilowatt solar photovoltaic carport project funded by the office of former U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan will begin in 2026.
“Your public library will undergo a significant construction project focused on sustainable, renewable energy. We extend our deepest gratitude to our longest-serving U.S. congressman, the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, whose efforts have made this possible,” Naputi said. “This project is expected to save Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and the CNMI government approximately $100,000 plus per year on utilities.”
Moreover, she said funds appropriated by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation will soon be used to support a “seed lending library.”
“This initiative, in partnership with the Kagman Association of Farmers Producers Association, and the Division of Agriculture, will allow us to partner with local farmers to teach families basic planting skills, enhance their farming knowledge, and inspire students to understand and appreciate the significance of sustainable farming,” Naputi said. “I am delighted to share that in my 33 years at JKPL, this year has seen the highest number of local farmers visiting the library.”
Naputi also highlighted other areas where JKPL has made an impact. She said in 2024, they served 106,688 patrons (including repeat visitors) through a variety of programs including cultural literacy and computer classes, teen book club, story time, arts and crafts activities, ukulele classes, and more.
Naputi said JKPL’s Sensory Center, an interactive space for children with disabilities, was featured in American Libraries Magazine. As a result, JKPL was able to gain funds to “expand the sensory corner to our bookmobile outreach program,” Naputi said.
JKPL staff, for their part, participated in the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums 2024 Conference in Palm Springs, California.
In June last year, Naputi delivered special remarks in Chamorro during the Chamorro Latte Stone Ceremony at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Naputi likewise honored the founders of JKPL. “The late Jose Camacho Tenorio, affectionately known as ‘Joeten,’ and Manuel Seman Villagomez ‘Kiyu’ firmly believed in the transformative power of education. During the opening ceremony of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library 33 years ago, Joeten eloquently expressed this sentiment, stating, ‘I have always believed strongly that education holds the key to our future.’ He, along with Tun Manet Kiyu, envisioned the library as more than just a repository of books; it was to be a vibrant ‘knowledge center’ for future leaders. Joeten and Kiyu underscored their unwavering commitment to education and their profound understanding of the library’s essential role in fostering a brighter future. To date, JKPL continues to offer free educational resources to everyone, provides a safe refuge for the homeless and underserved populations, helps boost local economies, helps connect communities, and most importantly, preserves our history and culture.”
However, Naputi said JKPL faces the threat of possible termination of funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services or IMLS, a federal agency.
“The potential elimination of IMLS grants due to President Trump’s executive order poses a significant challenge for Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. This termination would negatively impact operational funding, as these grants are crucial for the library’s operations,” she said. “JKPL is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with Congresswoman [Kimberlyn] King-Hinds [of the CNMI] and Congresswoman Amata Radewagen [of American Samoa].”
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Director Erlinda Naputi, at the podium, delivers her remarks during the Literacy Block Party on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Literacy Block Party on Saturday celebrated Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, its outreach efforts and staff.
