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Public library and its programs highlighted in weeklong event
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Posted on Apr 09 2019
Acting governor Arnold I. Palacios signs the National Library Week proclamation, National Library Workers Day, and National Bookmobile Day proclamations last Saturday at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. (Erwin Encinares)
Acting governor Arnold I. Palacios signed three proclamations last Saturday at the Joeten- Kiyu Public Library to recognize the library, its workers, and its bookmobile program.
Palacios designated the week of April 7-13, 2019, as National Library Week; April 9, 2019, as National Library Workers Day; and April 10, 2019, as National Bookmobile Day.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse communities by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, dedicating spaces and opportunities to engage, and fostering and making a commitment to literacy,” said JKPL director Erlinda C. Naputi in a speech. “We provide amazing library programs and services which encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together in technologies, and live alongside one another.”
She also expressed gratitude to the JKPL staff, saying, “Libraries connect communities in a way that benefits everyone. These library services are not possible if not for my JKPL family team.”
Last year, the JKPL, along with the Tinian Public Library and the Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library on Rota, was able to serve over 127 patrons with over 91,000 materials in their collections, 28 workstations, and over 585 free library programs.
“We circulate a total of 40,000 library materials and provide technology access to over 10,000 patrons,” she said, adding that libraries continue to struggle with keeping up with the constantly increasing number of materials as well as the growing demand for information.
Commonwealth Library Council vice chair Asapmar Ogumoro reiterated in his speech how libraries affect communities in a positive way.
“We’ve gathered here to celebrate everything libraries have done, are doing, and will continue to do for the CNMI, including the world,” he said. “Let’s remember that our library is a central place that continues to serve, teach, and provide valuable services to the public.”
