JKPL turns 26

First lady Diann Torres cuts the cake during the celebration of Joeten Kiyu Public Library’s 26th anniversary last Friday. (Contributed Photo)

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library celebrated its 26th anniversary last Friday with a family fun day mini-carnival that highlighted the library’s many roles as a center of the Saipan community.

The main event was a magic show featuring the talents of the students under award-winning SandCastle Saipan illusionist Leon Etienne.

JKPL hosted a three-day magic camp for the first time and gained the participation of 100 children.

The camp was made possible through the help of the Friends of the JKPL and Etienne, who volunteered to teach the fundamentals of magic.

Etienne will also travel to Tinian and Rota for an extension of the magic camp as part of the celebration of JKPL’s 26th anniversary.

Also showcased during the mini-carnival were books of local writers. The public was able to meet the author of each book and ask questions about it.

The mini-carnival also featured art exhibits like the Sugar King era art exhibit that was donated by the Sugar King Foundation, the Pacifica Insurance art exhibit, and an arts and crafts station.

There were live performances by bands and the ukulele club led by ukulele instructor Larry Lee.

A demo was held for those interested in using the National Library Service’s Braille books and Digital Talking books that the library will soon offer. These books will be for the visually impaired. The library discontinued this service for awhile but is in the process of reviving it. According to JKPL’s library director Erlinda Naputi, she is determined to get this service back this year.

According to JKPL technical services librarian Beth Demapan, a little over 300 community members showed up for the anniversary event, the magic camp reached its maximum capacity and all the children gained the confidence to perform magic tricks, and the participants of the event were all lively and interactive.

She attributed the celebration’s success to Naputi, the Governor’s Office, the support of the Friends of the JKPL, and the help of various partners such as Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC, Northern Marianas College, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Marianas Pacific, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, AmeriCorps, the Public School System, library volunteers, and the public.