JKPL offers free summer reading program

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Bookmobile is inviting the Saipan community to an “All Together Now” Summer Reading Adventure starting June 28, 2023. Team JKPL’s Bookmobile encourages everyone—infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, to children, teens and adults—to accomplish reading goals and continue learning throughout the summer. The Bookmobile will be conducting JKPL’s free Summer Reading Program from 9:30am to 11:30am at the following sites:

• Tanapag Youth Center from June 28 to June 30, 2023

• Kagman Community Center from July 5 to July 7, 2023

• Carolinian Utt/ Pavilion (Garapan) from July 12 to July 14, 2023

• Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library (San Antonio) from July 19 to July 21, 2023

The public is invited to register for the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Bookmobile Summer Reading Program for the Early Literacy, Children, Teens, and Adult and the JKPL Teen and Adult program during library hours of operation from May 24, 2023 to June 23, 2023. You will need to bring your library card and fill out a registration at one of our designated computer workstations in the Children’s Library and the Information Technology Center.

The Bookmobile will also be providing free meals for registered participants in the Early Literacy, Children, and Teen Program in partnership with the CNMI Public School System. Space is limited and will be offered to those on a first registered, first served basis. Although our program is open to everyone, we are prioritizing underserved children in our community. Valid library card is required.

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has provided a free summer reading program to the CNMI community for more than 20 years. Our theme this year, “All Together Now”, invites you to explore together in our community with activities, programs, and all kinds of books. By joining the fun, you’ll earn prizes, and connect with others through the power of stories.

JKPL is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program and partners with various community donors, sponsors, and agencies (private/public) to promote literacy during summer.

Studies have shown that during the summer, children and teens who aren’t reading or participating in other learning activities can lose up to two months of academic skills achieved during the school year. Participating in the Summer Reading program can help students avoid the “summer slide.” Additionally, children who see their parents and other adults in their lives reading tend to read more and build healthy reading habits. (PR)