The awards were presented to Mayor Vicente S. Taitague of Talo’fo’fo, first place; Mayor Kevin J.T. Susuico and Vice Mayor Christopher J. Fejeran of Hågat, second place and People’s Choice; and Mayor Frankie A. Salas of Asan-Ma'ina, third place. The awards were recently given at their respective community centers.

UOG Press announced the competition in October 2022 and delivered free copies of 45 local books to all 19 villages. Each mayor’s office was encouraged to create a bookshelf that tells the unique story of each village.

The final judging took place this year at the end of Mes Chamoru in March. The bookshelves were judged by Lieutenant Gov. Josh Tenorio; Senator Chris Barnett, Chairperson on Education; Director of Publishing Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, UOG Press; Executive Director Samantha Taitano of Mañe’lu; and Vice Speaker Wuju Rachel Cho of the Guam Youth Congress.

The bookshelves are accessible to the public and provide opportunities for personal enrichment, community connection, and empowerment for youths through cultural literacy.

“I think it’s especially important to recognize how much more valuable the reading experience for young people is when they pick up a book that’s been written by someone who shares the same home and the same history as them,” said UOG Press Project Manager Kiana Brown. “Storytelling has always been such a beautiful practice across cultures here in Guam and across Micronesia. I hope it inspires our youths to tell their own.”

The five judges determined the winners based on community accessibility and how well each office represented its village’s pride and identity. Winning villages received certificates, $500, $300, and $150 cash prizes, and a free craft workshop coordinated by UOG Press.

The Village Bookshelf Project was made possible through a grant from the Office of the Governor.

For more information about the competition, contact:
Pedro Blas, UOG Press Distributions Manager
(671) 735-2153
blasp9049@triton.uog.edu