Joeten kiyu public library, the state library of the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands will implement a program to provide professional development for library staff, with a focus on…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded Joeten Kiyu Public Library, the State Library of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a $100,000 Project Grant under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) effective October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for November 30, 2026. This grant supports a comprehensive professional development program designed to enhance library staff capabilities in serving the Northern Mariana Islands community. The program delivers a series of workshops, webinars, and on-the-job training opportunities covering asset mapping techniques, community engagement strategies, facilitation skills, and collaboration methodologies.

The grant-funded initiative empowers library staff to identify and leverage community assets, develop and implement effective community engagement strategies, enhance existing library services, develop new programs and initiatives, build sustainable partnerships with community organizations, and foster continuous learning within the library. By investing in professional development and training specific to asset mapping and facilitation skills, the project strengthens institutional capacity at the State Library Administrative Agency level and equips personnel with contemporary competencies aligned with the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program's core mission of recruiting, developing, and retaining library professionals capable of meeting evolving community information needs.

Joeten kiyu public library, the state library of the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands will implement a program to provide professional development for library staff, with a focus on enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve the evolving needs of the community. The program will consist of a series of workshops, webinars and on-the-job training opportunities that will cover topics such as asset mapping techniques, community engagement strategies, facilitation, and collaboration skills. By providing professional development funding and training in asset mapping and facilitation skills, this project will empower library staff to: identify and leverage community assets; develop and implement effective community engagement strategies; enhance existing library services and develop new programs and initiatives; build strong and sustainable partnerships with community organizations; and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the library.