JKPL 5K Literacy Run/Walk postponed to spring ’22

Shuji Kuroda flexes as he runs with, from left, Kensuke Sato, Marshall Hoskins, and Michiteru Mita during a recent Run Saipan event. (MARK RABAGO)

Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk originally set for this coming Saturday, Dec. 18, has been postponed to a later date due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the community.

“Because of the closure of non-essential government offices for the next 14 days which would take place from Dec. 6 to 19, 2021, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library facility will be closed during such time in order to safeguard the health and safety for our patrons during this pandemic. JKPL’s 5K Literacy Run/Walk, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, will be postponed until spring of 2022,” said JKPL director Erlinda Naputi.

Sponsored by JKPL as well as Run Saipan and the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk was supposed to be part of JKPL’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said it was unfortunate that JKPL had to cancel the 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk. He, however, assured Naputi and JKPL that his organization will be ready to help them again when they do hold the event.

“I think it’s great the library made the choice to take precautions against the rise of cases. Whenever they decided to hold it we will be ready to assist them,” he said.

The JKPL 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk was intended to start from the library in Susupe with the turnaround at the Quartermaster Road before returning to the finish at the library.

This event was free and open to the community and free T-shirts were set to be distributed on the day of the event for the first 75 registered participants (Sizes limited on a first-come, first-registered basis).

Photo/video release and liability forms must be completed during event-day registration. Bottled water will be provided for participants. Temperature checks and hand sanitizer stations will be available. Upon completing the run/walk, participants will receive a library eco-bag, free books new and used, and bragging rights in completing the event.

Community sponsors and donors were encouraged to donate to the JKPL to help fund our public libraries’ programs and services. The JKPL is accepting educational tax credit donations, in-kind support, and sponsorship for the 30th anniversary programs and services. JKPL also welcomes and encourages businesses and private donors to consider donating cash contributions. Pursuant to NMI Public Law 15-120, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is able to receive cash contributions under ETC; make checks payable to: CNMI Treasury.

Visit the JKPL website www.cnmilib.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary for the latest news and updates. Please call JKPL at (670) 235- 7322/7323 (READ) should you have any questions. The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s regular hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 6am, Friday from 1:30pm to 7pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays.