SAIPAN — The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will reopen to the public on Tuesday, June 2, under temporary hours after sustaining damage during Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The library will operate Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and remain closed on weekends and public holidays until further notice. The reopening was made possible by the installation of a FEMA emergency generator, which allows the library to restore minimal public services while recovery continues. Because all three of the building’s centralized air conditioning systems were significantly damaged in the storm, operations and public access will stay limited.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons, staff, and community while continuing to provide essential library services during this recovery period,” JKPL Director Erlinda C. Naputi said.
Due to structural and ventilation limitations, patron visits will be capped at one hour per session. Physical access to the library stacks is restricted to designated areas, and patrons are urged to check material availability ahead of time through the library’s online catalog at cnmilib.org.
The library will waive all overdue fines that accumulated during the closure and initial recovery phase. Patrons are encouraged to return borrowed materials when it is safe and convenient. Those whose materials were damaged by flooding or storm-related leaks are asked not to attempt repairs and to bring the items to the circulation desk for assessment.
Curbside and drive-by pickup remain the preferred ways to borrow materials. Patrons can reserve items through the online catalog or call the front circulation desk at (670) 235-7322 to schedule a pickup during operating hours.
The Information Technology Center has been relocated to the Children’s Library area, with computer use limited to one hour per patron on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid printing and free wireless internet remain available. Access to the Children’s Library has been restored with modified guidelines, limited to one hour per day per family, and weekly Read Aloud sessions continue every Friday at 10:30 a.m.
