Pohnpei Public Library's 35th Anniversary & Library Week 2023

This year marks the Pohnpei Public Library's 35th Anniversary. Every year we try to coordinate Library Week at the same time, to not only commemorate the humble beginnings of the library, but also to celebrate the importance of having a library in our small community and reminding us, as our theme states, that "There is More to the Story".

After cancelling Library Week for the past two years years due to Covid-19, we are pleased to continue this tradition this year, through strong collaboration between PPL staff and Pohnpei State DOE to make this year's Library Week a success.

A total of 10 Elementary Schools and 4 High Schools had submissions for the Art and Essay Contests. We are honored to have our four Education Specialists from PDOE who assisted with review of all submissions- this was a monumental task and not as easy as it sounds, especially with so many great submissions. Ultimately, a total of 35 winners were selected,and all their entries have been posted on the art and essay contest wall at the Pohnpei Public Library.

Essay Winners & School Names                                                       

4th – 6th Grades

Shania Sakios - PSDA
Ewan Bhandari – PSDA
Eliora Eliou – Kolonia
Mika Pretrick – Kolonia
7th – 8th Grades
Edmard Clancy Joseph – Pehleng
Jazralanda S. Camacho - Saladak
Ron-Dee Amor, Kolonia
Lelkihda Benjamin – Kolonia
Jayden Sakai – Saladak
9th – 12th Grades
Wayne Giltamag – OLMCHS
Braden Phoenix Johnson - PICS
Saiesha Victor– CCA
Ysa Myrelda Ladore – OLMCHS
Carter Sohs - NMHS

Arts Winners and School Names

K-5 – 3rd Grades

Bless Antra Esiel – Awak
Allytra Aron – Awak
Amyleen Andon – Lukop
Danya Jewel Dewey – Kolonia
4 th – 6 th Grades
Welluna Hartman – Saladak
Tinter Einat – Kolonia
7th – 8th Grades
Lorian Nelper – Palikir
Meereina Inatio – CCA
Kononiel Santos – Enipein
Ahlai Ehmes – CCA
9th -12th Grades
Yuree Kim – CCA
Estele Alisha Edmund – PICS
Karen Semens – OLMCHS
Alisha Wichep – OLMCHS
AJ Apilado – PICS
Sharley Sakios – SDA
Sophia Bacalando – SDA
Destiny Reyn Leben – PICS
Naybolanda David – CCA
Kalini Johnson – CCA
Madlima Elirose Leben - 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.

1. Library Service Technology Act through FSM Archives & Preservations National Government for funding the ART/ESSAY Competition

2. FSM Telecommunication for kind donations

3. FSM Congress, Election District #3 for drinking water bottles

4. ACE Office Supplies for gift certificates

5. Joy Restaurant for gift certificates

6. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School Book Club for assisting during Library Week, including reading for Story Hour.

7. Pohnpei Department of Education for their dedication, collaboration, support and priceless partnership with the PPL team.

 And of course, many thanks to parents and especially all students who submitted entries into the contests.