Pohnpei Public Library representing Pohnpei in the first ever Pacific Delegation at the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) conference in California!

The ATALM is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting those who work to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures. From November 12-16 we had the honor of joining the first ever Pacific Delegation consisting of 23 individuals from Palau, Guam, Marshall Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei & Chuuk) to participate in their annual conference. 

Setting off from the garden island Emyleen P. Albert (FPPL's Assistant Librarian) ventured into the sunny side of Palm Springs California hand carrying a glossy and newly hand crafted wooden turtle (FPPL mascot) made specially for ATALM. 

Turtles are symbols of patience, resilience, and steady progress—traits that are also reflected in the power of a library. Just as turtles carry their homes on their backs, libraries carry the vast knowledge of the world within their walls, offering a safe space for growth and exploration. Like turtles, who move at their own pace but always forward, a library provides a steady, unwavering resource for learning, allowing individuals to navigate life’s challenges and discover new possibilities, one book at a time.

She was also carrying the heart of the Garden Island, short stories and explanations about the handful of special assorted cultural items--enticing the crowd with a spec of beauty from our region of the Pacific. Mrs. Emyleen also took part in an array of conferences that all geared towards the theme of the gathering which was “Sovereign Futures: Weaving Tradition and Innovation."

We would like to thank the sponsor, one of our greatest contributors, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for making it possible for Pohnpei to take part in this amazing movement towards showcasing and preserving our cultural identity. This momentous achievement will be echoed to our sister states to help encourage their participation in future events. A special thank you is also extended to the crafters of the materials we brought and the support of our fellow islanders. We could not have been able to accomplish this without the support and encouragement of our Head Librarian to do more, be more and to step forward with pride representing our beautiful Pohnpei. Kalahngan lap!  

A Big Thank You to Our Story Hour Volunteers!

The month of October and November 2024 was a truly special time for the children at the Pohnpei Public Library, thanks to the generosity and hard work of some amazing individuals. We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful volunteers who made story hour and educational activities an unforgettable experience for our young readers.

First and foremost, we want to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Andrew Trigg, our incredible volunteer from Australia, who has read  for us during the month of October. Mr. Trigg brought stories to life with his engaging readings, captivating the children’s imaginations with every word. His enthusiasm and connection with the kids were evident, making story hour a fun and memorable event for all involved. We can’t thank him enough for sharing his time and energy with us!

We also want to recognize our Library Aide, Mr. Jordan Ligorio, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of our educational activities. From helping set up coloring stations to organizing cut-out crafts, Mr. Ligorio made sure that every child had the opportunity to participate and enjoy the activities. His friendly demeanor and support helped create an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone.

A big thank you also goes to Ms. Resel Augustine, our amazing custodian, whose behind-the-scenes efforts played a vital role in making sure our library was clean and ready for each session. Her attention to detail and care for the space helped ensure that both the children and volunteers could enjoy a comfortable and safe environment for learning and fun. She has also supported the reading hour activities at the library in many ways which recently included reading to the children for out oral history story hour here teaching our young ones about karma through a short Pohnpeian story called "Kout Pwurehng ah Mwur."

Together, these wonderful individuals helped make October and November a memorable month of growth, creativity, and learning for our young patrons. The children loved the reading sessions, and the coloring and cut-out activities allowed them to express themselves in new and exciting ways.

The Pohnpei Public Library team are strong believers in their work and continue to dedicate their time and efforts, which have had a lasting impact on our community, and we thank you once again for all that you do!

Formally introducing our new member!!

Ms. Resel Augustine

Have you seen? We are hopping onto the wagon of new staff energy again. You may have noticed a head-strong and responsible young lady that is manning the outside and inside of the Library. We would like to stop gatekeeping this individual and introduce Ms. Resel Augustine from Nett! She has joined the team officially as of last month and is a valuable member of with a talent of crowd control and swaying the little ones to work quietly. Welcome to the family Resel!

Welcome, Mr. Jordan Ligorio!

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jordan Ligorio as the newest addition to the Pohnpei Public Library team! As our new Library Aide, Jordan brings enthusiasm and a passion for service, and we’re excited to have him on board.

 

With his dedication and fresh perspective, we know Jordan will be a valuable asset in enhancing our library services and supporting the vibrant community we serve. We’re confident that his contributions will help make the library a welcoming and enriching place for all.

Please join us in giving Jordan a warm welcome to the team!

From G'day to Kaselehlie!

Welcome Andrew Trigg, the New Australian Volunteer at Pohnpei Public Library!

We are excited to introduce Andrew Trigg, who will be joining us as a volunteer at the Pohnpei Public Library for the next year. Andrew comes to us from Australia with a passion for community service, education, and supporting public libraries. During his time here, he will be contributing to various projects and activities aimed at improving library services and fostering a love of reading and learning throughout the community.

Please join us in welcoming Andrew to Pohnpei! We look forward to the great work he will do and the positive impact he will have on both the library and the local community. We encourage everyone to stop by the library, introduce yourselves, and learn more about the exciting programs that Andrew will be helping to develop over the coming year!

A Friendly Message from your Friendly Neighbourhood Library:

🌟 Hey kids! Did you know libraries enhance student achievement?🌟 

The research into school library impact shows higher student performance: improved reading test scores,higher academic achievement, and positive attitudes towards learning. As you enter the final quarter of the school year, remember that your school library is a "sea of information" and knowledge waiting for you! 📚 Dive into books that spark your imagination, help with homework, or just let you explore new worlds. 

Don’t forget to visit the Pohnpei Public Library, too! It’s a fantastic place to discover even more stories and resources. Let’s finish strong together—happy reading! 💪✨