Library Week Closing Ceremony Bring Together the Community

Drawn to the Library – Celebrating Community, Learning, and Legacy during FPPL Library Week 2025

Attendees of the Library Week Closing Ceremony and FPPL 37th Anniversary Celebration 2025

On April 29th, the warm halls of the Pohnpei Public Library (PPL) were filled with laughter, pride, and deep gratitude as we celebrated Library Week 2025 under the theme “Drawn to the Library.” More than just a program, the event felt like a family reunion—a vibrant tapestry of generations connected by a shared love for knowledge and community.

The ceremony opened with a heartfelt moment of acknowledgement led by our MC, Erika E. Billen, and was followed by a wonderful prayer by our every-gracious and dedicated Head Librarian Mrs. Trueleen J. Albert; who then offered a warm welcome to our distinguished guests and attendees, setting the tone for an afternoon of meaningful reflection and joyful celebration. 

One of the highlights of the event was the presentations on the Library Week School Visits. Staff who participated in the week’s outreach efforts brought forward stories and moments that reminded us why our libraries matter so deeply. Contributions from Andrew, Emy, Erika, Resel, and Jordan captured the spirit of curiosity that the library continues to inspire in young minds.

To briefly recap, the library team had an outreach visit to Salapwuk Elementary S first on April 23rd then headed in the other direction on the map the next day to Temwen, and ended the week by taking a boat out to the island of Parem on April 25th. During these visits the staff talked about the important work they do at the Pohnpei Public Library, had the guest speakers who hailed from those very areas deliver inspirational stories and had fun games with the grade schoolers where they got to go home with gift bags.

Salapwuk Elementary School celebrating Library Week 2025

Temwen Elementary School celebrating Library Week 2025

Parem Elementary School celebrating Library Week 2025

Special honors were extended in the certificate bestowments segment, where Suzanne L. Gallen, Chairwoman of the PPL Board, and Trueleen J. Albert recognized the Principals of Salapwuk Elementary School (Mr. Dosiwo Damian), Temwen Elementary School (Mr. Elcit Joseph) was not able to be present but was represented by Mr. Higgins from DOE, and Parem Elementary School (Mr. Marquin Victor) for their support of our outreach programs. 

Mr. Higgins accepting the Certificate of Appreciatopm from PPL Chairwoman Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen on behalf of Principal Elcit Joseph of Temwen Elementary School 

Principal of Salapwuk Elementary School Mr. Dosiwo Damian and PPL Chairwoman Suzanne L. Gallen

Principal of Parem Elementary School Mr. Marquin Victor and PPL Chairwoman 

Our hearts swelled with pride as we also honored guest speakers and alumni of these very schools:

• Nixon Alten, Lawyer with the Public Defender's Office for Pohnpei State

• Jerome Silbanuz, Physical Education Specialist with the Department of Education (unfortunately couldn't make it but who's presence was prepresented by Mr. Rickson Higgins of DOE)

• Jordan Ligorio, PPL’s own Library Aide

PPL Chairwoman handing Nixon Alten, Esq. Public Defender PNI State, a certificate of appreciation for their participation in Library Week 2025 as a Guest Speaker

Mr. Jordan Ligorio Library Aide PPL accepting his certificate of appreciatopm from PPL Chairwoman 

Mr. Higgins accepting the certificate of appreciation on behalf of Mr. Jerome Silbanuz P.E Specialist DOE from the Chairwoman of the PPL for his participation in Library Week 2025 as a guest speaker

Our remarkable role-models/guest speakers reminded us that the seeds planted in local schools and nurtured by our library’s resources can grow into lives of impactful service. 

We were equally honored by the presence of PPL Board Members including Mr. Rickson Higgins from the Department of Education, Mr. Vantslot Etse, IMLS Coordinator at the FSM National Archives, Culture, and Historic Preservation, and our Chairwoman  Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen from the World Bank. Their unwavering support and vision continue to guide the library's mission forward.

Along that same mountain of gratitude we also thank, LAMP (Library, Archives, and Museums of Pohnpei), for joining us at the closing ceremony of Library Week 2025. Your presence helped make the event truly special.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Higgins, a cherished photo session with the PPL team, and refreshments shared among friends old and new.

Behind every successful event is a team of passionate people. This week would not have been possible without our incredible Australian Volunteer Mr. Andrew Trigg especially!

Australian Volunteer Mr. Andrew Trigg & Chairwoman of PPL Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen

Alongside them stood our tireless volunteers: Asenaca Tamanitoakula, a student from the University of the South Pacific, and Lorelei Aldis from PICS High School. Your commitment embodies the true spirit of service and learning.

The Pohnpei Public Library extends its deepest gratitude to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), whose unwavering support through grants—channeled via the National Archives, Culture, and Historic Preservation (NACH)—has made our National Library Week celebrations not only possible but profoundly meaningful. Their commitment to uplifting libraries like ours through resources, vision, and encouragement has strengthened our ability to serve our community with heart, history, and hope. We are truly honored to stand alongside such steadfast partners in preserving knowledge and culture for generations to come.

Mr. Vantslot Etse, IMLS Coordinator at National Archives, Culture and Historic Preservation at FSM National accepting a Certificate of Appreciation from the PPL Chairwoman Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen

As we closed this year’s Library Week, one message resonated clearly: Libraries are not just places, they are people. People who care, who give, and who grow—together.

We also brought to everyones attention another important reason for the day's celebration. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Pohnpei Public Library, a beacon of learning and community since its opening in February 1988. Born from the vision of educators Christine Lebehn and Penny Weilbacher in 1985, the library has grown into a cherished institution, fostering literacy and connection across generations. As highlighted on the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library blog, the library continues to serve as a "Sea of Information" for the island, celebrating milestones like Library Week and engaging the community through various programs. This anniversary not only honors the library's rich history but also its ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of Pohnpei's residents.

Certificate of Appreciation Recipients with PPL Board Members and Staff

Thank you for being part of our story.