“The ongoing challenges faced by the Commonwealth are primarily due to continuing resource restraints, which underscore the compelling need for all service providers, including the state library system, to be innovative in bringing what they offer closer to residents in each of the principal municipalities.”

-- Erlinda Naputi, State Librarian and Director, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
 

Project Examples

21st Century Skills 
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands State Library (CNMISL) conducted several 21st century skills classes for patrons. These included professional development related to virtual learning resources, health and wellness classes as a form of mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer programs to bolster community involvement, and cultural programs, among others. CNMISL staff trained in the use of software to perform duties efficiently and in maintaining good computer/internet practices for secure use of their workstations. Classes for the community also covered basic computer skills internet safety, and virtual learning resources, such as research databases. 
IMLS Funds: $13,414.50 

Virtual Learning Resources 
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) used CARES Act stimulus funds to provide free public access to databases for the entire community of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. These covered research areas ranging from science, to history, to wellness, to entrepreneurship. JKPL also offered packages of e-resources for the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota that were targeted to elementary and middle school students as well as other databases related to consumer health, small businesses, and reading recommendations. Patrons could access these resources directly from the library website, and during the project period over 750 users logged sessions. It was the first time that JKPL was able to purchase these particular resources, and the library monitored usage to gauge their ongoing need.
IMLS Funds: $4,638 

Literate CNMI 
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands State Library (CNMISL) transformed library services in the areas of early literacy and children’s, teens, and adult programming. CNMISL adapted their free community cultural classes, in-person and virtual hybrid story times in English and Chamorro, and Motheread/Fatheread family literacy classes. The library transformed its Summer Reading Program by distributing hundreds of to-go packages featuring STEAM activities and reached over 1,000 participants at their three-day Book-a-Treat event. Their bookmobile adhered to new health and safety measures but continued to reach patrons at dozens of outreach engagements. CNMISL also continued many other literacy efforts, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and ukulele classes.
IMLS Funds: $17,242.77 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Promote Literate NMI (Northern Mariana Islands) 

• Projects include:
  • Literacies for 21st century skills 
  • Early and emergent literacy 
  • Adult literacy 
  • Community engagement, including bookmobile and summer reading 

Goal 2: Strengthen Institutional Capacity 

• Projects include:
  • Library workforce development
  • Community partner development and volunteer engagement 

Goal 3: Enhance and Maintain NMISL (Northern Mariana Islands State Library) Technology

• Projects include:
  • Libraries as hubs for broadband connectivity 
  • Technology infrastructure and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) support 
  • E-content 

Goal 4: Provide Welcoming Library Environments 

• Projects include:
  • Facilities planning and assessment 
  • Disaster planning 

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
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Public Libraries Survey
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