Honoring Cutright

A Special Story Hour at Pohnpei Public Library

On March 27, 2025, the Pohnpei Public Library had the pleasure of welcoming Patricia Cutright as a special guest for our Story Hour. Mrs. Cutright shared an oral history story about the strength of women in spirit of the up and coming Mother's Day and Women's Day within the month. Mrs. Cutright, an accomplished author and librarian, read from her book Native Women and generously donated a copy to our library, further enriching our collection.

Mr. and Mrs. Cutright visiting the little rascals for story hour

This visit was especially meaningful as Mrs. Cutright has a long and cherished history with PPL. In 1998, during the library's early years, she played a crucial role in training our staff in Follett’s system for book organization. Alongside her husband, she contributed significantly to the foundation of our library’s structure and operational efficiency, leaving an impact that is still felt today.

Emy, Story Hour kiddos and Mrs. Cutright

We are deeply grateful for her continued support and dedication to literacy and learning. Thank you, Mrs. Cutright, for your generosity and for sharing your time and knowledge with us. We hope to see more of you in the future!

From left: Emyleen, Jordan Trueleen, Patricia, and Erika

The Lifeline of Library Services in the Federated States of Micronesia

Empowering Communities

In the heart of the Pacific, our libraries serve as more than just repositories of books; they are lifelines of knowledge, connection, and opportunity. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), libraries across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have been able to bridge gaps, provide critical resources, and transform lives.

One of the most impactful programs made possible by IMLS is the early literacy development and grade-level reading initiatives. These programs ensure that our youngest learners are given a strong foundation in reading, equipping them with the skills needed for future academic success. By fostering a love for books and storytelling from an early age, these initiatives set our children on the path to lifelong learning.

Complementing these efforts, summer reading programs for kids offer engaging and educational opportunities to keep young minds active during school breaks. These programs prevent learning loss, encourage curiosity, and create a culture where reading is both fun and enriching. Through partnerships with educators and parents, museums and libraries are making literacy a community-wide commitment.

Beyond books, libraries have become digital hubs, thanks to IMLS’s support in providing high-speed internet access. In a nation where connectivity can be challenging, these services open doors to knowledge, communication, and global opportunities. Students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs alike rely on library internet access for research, career advancement, and business growth.

For job seekers, the assistance provided by libraries has been nothing short of life-changing. Resume workshops, online job application support, and career counseling have helped many individuals secure employment and achieve financial stability. Libraries have become essential in fostering economic mobility by providing resources tailored to professional growth.

Students and faculty have also greatly benefited from the wealth of homework and research resources available through our libraries. With access to academic databases, research materials, and knowledgeable library staff, learners at all levels are given the tools they need to succeed.

In addition, veterans in FSM now have access to telehealth spaces equipped with technology and staff support. These dedicated areas provide a bridge between our nation’s heroes and the healthcare services they need, reducing the burden of travel and increasing access to essential care. This initiative underscores the library’s role as a place of healing and support for those who have served our country.

STEM programs, simulation equipment, and workforce training opportunities have also been game-changers for FSM’s youth and job seekers. By providing hands-on learning experiences and skills development, these resources prepare individuals for in-demand careers and contribute to the country’s growing economy.

Budding entrepreneurs have found invaluable support through small business resources offered by our libraries. From business planning workshops to market research tools, these services empower individuals to turn their ideas into thriving ventures, strengthening local economies and fostering innovation.

The support provided by IMLS has turned our libraries into beacons of learning, opportunity, and progress. They are not merely buildings filled with books; they are dynamic community spaces that uplift, empower, and connect. The impact of these services cannot be overstated—each program, each resource, and each opportunity provided is shaping a brighter, more informed, and more equitable future for the Federated States of Micronesia.

As we look ahead, continued investment in our libraries will ensure that these vital services remain accessible to all. With the steadfast support of IMLS, our libraries will continue to be pillars of education, economic growth, and community well-being for generations to come.

- by Staffs for the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library

 

The following links provide more information, join the fight and be aware. Knowledge is power: https://www.ala.org/news/2025/03/ala-statement-white-house-assault-institute-museum-and-library-services

Gift of Memories: PICS High School Year Books 1960-1976 Donated to PPL

A Piece of History Repatriated

Jenny Rider, daughter of Mr. Roy Rider, who taught shop at Ponape Island Central School from 1960 to 1976, has generously donated a collection of yearbooks to the Pohnpei Public Library. Jenny came with her brother who took this wonderful photo and prefers to remain anonymous even as he charmed away our hearts along with Jenny. 

These books, carefully preserved by her father, are more than just pages bound together—they are a time capsule of Pohnpei’s past, filled with the faces, dreams, and stories of generations that came before.

For Jenny and her family, Pohnpei is not just a place on the map—it’s a home of the heart. She and her sisters have visited the island, always carrying with them a deep appreciation for its culture, its people, and its history. By donating these yearbooks, they honor their father’s legacy and ensure that future generations can look back and connect with the past.

The Pohnpei Public Library now holds these treasures for students, researchers, and community members to explore. Whether it's a former student reminiscing about old classmates or a young reader discovering the island’s rich heritage, these yearbooks serve as a bridge between yesterday and today.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Jenny Rider and her family for their generosity, their love for Pohnpei, and their dedication to preserving its history. If you find yourself at the Pohnpei Public Library, take a moment to flip through these yearbooks—you might just find a familiar face smiling back at you from the past.