Pohnpei Public Library Staff Inspire Students at Salapwuk Elementary School

Library Week Out Reach: Day 1

On April 23rd at 11:00 AM, a dedicated team from the Pohnpei Public Library brought books, inspiration, and a special guest to Salapwuk Elementary School in a heartfelt outreach effort. The team included Assistant Librarian Emyleen P. Albert, Library Technician Erika Billen, and Andrew Trigg, an Australian volunteer currently working with the library. Together, they met with 52 enthusiastic students from grades 1 through 8, bringing the joy of reading and stories of success beyond the classroom.

Salapwuk Elementary School Principal Dosiwo Damian receiving books donated to their library by the Pohnpei Public Library for Library Week 2025

The visit was highlighted by the presence of Nixon Alten, a former student of Salapwuk Elementary who is now a practicing lawyer and public defender for Pohnpei State. His return to his alma mater as a guest speaker was both a proud moment and a powerful message for the students: that with determination and education, they too can achieve their dreams.

Alten shared his journey from the classrooms of Salapwuk to the courtrooms of Pohnpei, offering words of encouragement and emphasizing the importance of education, perseverance, and community support. His story resonated deeply with the students and faculty, sparking meaningful conversations and hopeful smiles.

The outreach visit is part of the Pohnpei Public Library’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth development. By connecting students with role models and reinforcing the value of learning, the library continues to be a vital resource not just in Kolonia, but across the island.

The Salapwuk Elementary School Principal Dosiwo Damian expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit, noting the excitement it brought to the students and the inspiration they received from both the library team and Mr. Alten. The Pohnpei Public Library looks forward to continuing its outreach efforts and building stronger ties with schools throughout the state. This serves as one of the strongest evidence of the importance of the kind of assistance we are able to provide to the children of Pohnpei with the help from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.