Contact Name
Ms. Erlinda Naputi
Contact Title
State Librarian and Director
State Library Address

CNMI Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
P.O. Box 501092
Saipan, MP 96950-1092
United States

Contact Email Address
ecnaputi@gmail.com
Grants to State Programs

The Grants to States Program

The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.

    Allotments
    YearAllotment Value
    2020 $79,580.00
    2021 $79,539.00
    2022 $77,726.00
    2023 $119,589.00
    2024 $119,292.00
    5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    northernmarianas5yearplan.pdf 1.12 MB
    5 Year Evaluation Text

    At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.

    5 year evaluation
    Attachment Size
    northernmarianas5yearevaluation.pdf 1.82 MB
    Erlinda Naputi, Director, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

    “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
    The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool

    Public Libraries Survey
    The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.