Commemoration of Library Week 2017

This year Pohnpei Public Library celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a “Library Week,” from Monday, April 24 to Friday, April 28. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Libraries Transform”. Two Organizations took part during the week to share some of their promotional program.  On April 25, Island Food Community
of Pohnpei (IFCP) did a presentation on the importance of our local food. On April 27, International Organization of Migration (IOM) shared how to prepare for emergency kit for disaster. In addition, snacks and prizes were provided to participants on these events.

On Friday evening, the library held a special celebration to commemorate the anniversary and to recognize essay and art contest winners. This event began with a prayer by Wahnporon Bruce Robert. Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library (FPPL) President, Rufino Mauricio, PhD, who is also the Director of FSM National Archives gave a welcoming remarks. This year, library was fortunate to have Emelihter Kihleng, PhD, Cultural Anthropologist for the Pohnpei State Historic Preservation Program, to be the Keynote Speaker of the evening. On her speech, she shared her story throughout her childhood and how books had transformed her. She shared some books that she read and suggested everyone to read. She also shared a poem she recently wrote.

The program ended with the presentations of awards to the students who were selected as winners for the art and essay contest. Art winners were Ariel Alosima, K-5 SDA School;  Mickvay Adalfred, ECE, Saladak School; Mark Ekiek, 1st grade, Nett School; Hanika Robert, 2nd grade, Lukop School; Angie Selestine, 2nd grade, Awak School; Maythan Epina, 3rd grade, Nett School; Krysha Mallari, 3rd grade, CCA School; Marlo Pelep Joseph, 4th grade, Nett School; and Josephine Helgenberger, 4th grade, Nett School;

Essay winners were Lana Lucios, 5th grade, Nett School;  Keisha Marie Daynard, 5th grade, Nett School; Remanuel  Narruhn, 6th grade, Sapwalap School; Chloe Antera Donre, 6th grade, Saladak School; Francine Joseph, 7th grade, Nett School; Quincy Letisha Mae Gomez, 7th grade, Nett School; Meranda Susaia, 8th grade, Ohmine School; Al-Wis Falcam, 9th grade, OLMCHS; Anntashia Rettin, 10th grade, OLMCHS; Alliyah Roma Tecson, 11th grade, SDA; and Tyler Nanpei, 12th grade, OLMCHS.

Pohnpei Public Library wants to express its gratitude to the following businesses, individuals and agencies for their contributions and support that made this Library Week successful one. Sponsors include Ms. Lou Ann Garvey, Mr. Jack Steiner, Governor’s Office, Etscheit’s Enterprises, Ace Hardware, Ace Office Supplies, Kaselehlie Diner, China Star, Movie Land, Scooby’s, FSM Telecom, Bank of FSM, Joy Hotel, Pohnpei Hardware, Black Store, 4-TY Enterprises, International Organization of Migration and Island Food Community of Pohnpei.