SAIPAN — The Northern Mariana Islands Center for the Book at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) announced its 2025 official selections for the Library of Congress National Book Festival’s “Roadmap to Reading,” highlighting local literary heritage for youth and adults. Thousands attended the Sept. 6, 2025 festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., which marked the event’s 25th year with the theme “Uniting Book Lovers for 25 Years.”
The CNMI’s 2025 titles are “Håfa Un A’atan?” by Dolores Ichihara Marciano, illustrated by Rodante Guardas (Young Readers Official Selection), and “In Retrospect” by Juan Nekai Babauta (Adult Readers Official Selection). Both works were featured at the Roadmap to Reading area, where representatives from the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas shared books reflecting their communities.
JKPL’s team, Director Erlinda C. Naputi, Program Manager/Technical Services Librarian Beth B. Demapan, and Administrative Manager Vincent P. Sablan, hosted the CNMI booth, which showcased island culture with a backdrop of the CNMI flag, beach scenery, and an ancient latte house. Naputi said it was an honor to represent the islands and thanked supporters and visitors who praised the booth and engaged with CNMI stories and language. Distinguished visitors included Acting IMLS Director Keith Sonderling, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and national library and humanities leaders.
Roadmap to Reading has been part of the National Book Festival since 2002, connecting readers with book talks, panels, signings, and activities led by best-selling authors, poets, and illustrators. JKPL noted that all CNMI selections for the Center for the Book are available for checkout at the public library.
Recent CNMI selections (availability and purchase contacts as listed by JKPL):
–Hafa Sinentete-mu? by Adora Jay San Nicolas (2024 Children/Young Adult).
-The Rope of Tradition: Reflections of a Saipan Carolinian by Lino Olopai with Dr. Juliana Flinn (2024 Adult).
-Bweletáál Wischiirá, eew kkol Refaluwasch The Stick Dance, A Carolinian Tradition by Jude Litulumar (2023 Children/Young Adult).
-Saipan: A Brief History by Don Farrell (2023 Adult).
–I Duendis: The Duendis by Cielo Long (2022 Children).
–Marmalade’s Exciting Tail by Katrina Manning (2022 Young Adult).
–The Fundamental Issues Affecting the Northern Mariana Islands by Jose S. Dela Cruz (2022 Adult).
