July 29, 2020
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
PRESS RELEASE
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Hosts Successful Community Cultural Class: Talaya
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library hosted a free Community Cultural Class with 25 participants on Saturday, July 25, 2020. As part of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program, children had fun learning the basics on how to use the talaya with hands-on instruction sponsored by the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. To date, more than 65 participants have availed of this free cultural community class, which were taught by licensed talayeros Donovin Lizama and Peyten Lizama.
Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi together with Team JKPL welcomed all participants. Library Director Naputi expressed her appreciation to all the families who joined Saturday’s class, and she continued to stress the importance of learning about our local culture and utilizing this opportunity to learn new skills.
Furthermore, Computer Specialist/Pacific Librarian Ray Jr. Deleon Guerrero shared a brief history of the talaya from the Pacific Collection. Mr. Deleon Guerrrero mentioned sustainable fishing practices and conservation. He also spoke briefly about the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s community sea aquarium.
For talayero instructor Donovin Lizama, “Talaya has been an important part of my life since I was a kid, passed down from my grandfather to my father and to me. I invited my father to be with us today to share with you his 30 plus years of experience using the talaya. He has taught me to appreciate and love the ocean. He taught me how to use the talaya to find food for our family. During these pandemic times, I feel learning about the talaya and sharing this knowledge with our community is even more valuable.”
Participants were evaluated after the Community Cultural class and shared the following statements about their experience:
“Thank you for the services, the learning experience, and the fun! I had a great time!”
“Thank you for the awesome opportunity!”
“The session was nice to have. Please continue offering this and other cultural experience activities.”
“Thank you! Keep on promoting and teaching culture.”
“Excellent demonstration and learning opportunity for me and all participants, especially the youth!”
“Super awesome course!”
“Great program that teaches about culture and the environment!”
“It was fun and informative.”
“The instructors were insightful and the staff were very helpful and polite.”
“I love learning a lot about our ocean and how to cast net/throw net.”
Check out our upcoming programs and services available at the Joeten-Kiyu Public
Library– Early Literacy Story Hour, Children’s Story Hour, Library Leads with Digital Skills Class, Pillowcase Project, virtual learning resources, and so much more! Access free ebooks from Baker and Taylor Axis 360 or visit our website at www.cnmilib.org and check out our online card catalog. Registration to classes is required. Interested participants, please contact the JKPL by phone at 235-7315/7322/7323(READ) for more information or to register your family for these amazing learning opportunities! Our summer library hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 9:30am to 3:30pm and Friday to Saturday from 9:30am to 11:30 a.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. For the latest news and events, please visit the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s website at www.cnmilib.org and like and/or follow JKPL’s Facebook page, @joetenkiyupubliclibrary. Follow the library on Instagram @joetenkiyupubliclibrary, Pinterest @ Joeten Kiyu, and Snapchat @JoetenKiyu. Biba, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library!
Thank you to all the families and children for participating in our programs and visiting the Joeten-Kiyu Public library this summer! Shout out to our community partners/sponsors, ETC donors, Office of the Governor Ralph DLG. Torres, Office of the Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Office of the Mayor of Rota, Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguigan, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Lady Diann Torres Foundation (for the amazing Elmo and Cookie Monster costumes), MARPAC for the Children’s Library decor, AmeriCorps volunteers, Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, First Book Marketplace, CNMI Public School System, All Star Sporting Goods, Achugao Services, LLC, American Library Association, Anaks Holdings, LLC, AOK, LLC, Athlete’s Foot of Saipan, Bridge Capital, LLC, CNMI Books and Resource Center, CNMI Public School System, Excelsior Marianas, LLC, FT Condo, LLC, Google, Public Library Association, Joeten Development INC., M.S. Villagomez, Inc., Marianas Acquisition dba IP&E, Coconut Capital, LLC, NMI Museum of History and Culture, Proa, LLC, Seven Leaves, LLC, Westview Property, LLC, Northern Marianas Humanities Council’s Motheread/Fatheread CNMI, Commonwealth Library Council, and our hardworking Team Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services IMLS Grant # LSTA LS-00-19-0052-19, IMLS Grant # LSTA LS-01-19-0058-19, IMLS Grant# LSTA LS-246158-OLS-20, and IMLS Grant# LSTA LS-246573-OLS-20.
This project was made possible by support from the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, a non-profit private corporation with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the federal CARES Act. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this grant opportunity do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Community members, businesses and government agencies who would like to sponsor the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Summer Reading Program are encouraged to contact the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library at (670) 235-7315/7322/7323 (READ).
