SAIPAN — The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library is inviting children and families to join its 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” running June 15 through July 25 with reading challenges, crafts, cultural activities and special guest presenters.
Registration began Tuesday and will remain open until all sessions are filled. Families may register in person at the library Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Children ages 0 to 5 can participate through an Early Literacy Packet To-Go filled with activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage early learning at home. Children ages 6 to 12 may register for one of four in-person sessions at the library, with enrollment limited to 30 participants per session and one session per child.
Sessions 1A and 1B, both Dig Site Adventures, run June 15 to 18 and June 22 to 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. respectively. Session 1C, a Health and Wellness Expedition, runs July 7 to 9 from 2 to 5 p.m., and Session 1D, another Dig Site Adventure, runs July 13 to 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.
From July 20 to 25, young readers may return to the library to complete their Summer Reading Challenge by turning in reading logs filled with the stories they discovered over the summer.
“We are thrilled to invite families to join us as we ‘Unearth a Story’ this summer,” said Erlinda C. Naputi, director of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. “Every story is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Whether children are digging into a new book, uncovering fascinating pieces of history, creating something with their hands, or learning healthy habits that will last a lifetime, we hope this program inspires wonder, curiosity, and a love of learning. We can’t wait to see our young explorers discover where their next adventure will take them.”
The program is free and designed to help children continue learning through the summer while building literacy skills, confidence, creativity and connections with their community.
Businesses can support library programs through Educational Tax Credit contributions under NMI Public Law 15-120, with checks payable to CNMI Treasury. The program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant. For more information, visit www.cnmilib.org or call (670) 235-7322.
