Joeten kiyu public library, the state library of the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands, will address family literacy programming that helps parents support children's reading development at…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Joeten Kiyu Public Library $400,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to conduct a planning grant addressing family literacy programming that helps parents support children's reading development at home.

The project encompasses community literacy needs assessments, partnership development, curriculum adaptation, and pilot program design for after-school family reading clubs incorporating indigenous storytelling traditions in Chamorro and Carolinian languages. Joeten Kiyu Public Library will explore the development of locally produced children's books reflecting island culture and will develop a strategic roadmap for a full-scale family literacy program that strengthens family engagement with reading, expands community partnerships, and establishes a sustainable framework for culturally responsive family literacy programming across the Northern Mariana Islands.

Joeten Kiyu Public Library serves as the State Library Administrative Agency for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Performance occurs in Saipan, CNMI. The grant runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027.

Joeten kiyu public library, the state library of the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands, will address family literacy programming that helps parents support children's reading development at home. The focus of the planning grant will include community literacy needs assessments, partnership development, curriculum adaptation, and pilot program design for after-school family reading clubs that incorporate indigenous storytelling traditions in the chamorro and carolinian languages. The project will also explore the development of locally produced children's books reflecting island culture. The project will help joeten kiyu public library develop a strategic roadmap for a full-scale family literacy program that strengthens family engagement with reading, expands community partnerships, and develops a sustainable framework for culturally responsive family literacy programming across the northern mariana islands.