A regional conference for librarians, archivists, and museum curators comes to a close on Saipan, where leaders discussed the future of public libraries, community access to information, and the impact of technology.

Ulu Afaese of Digital Pasifik in New Zealand was a visiting participant.

"I hope they take away that the door is open for them to and for us to collaborate," he said. "I think Micronesia is one area we would like to engage with more."

New Zealand is the newest member of the Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums. And they joined long-time PIALA members in the 31st annual conference on Saipan this week, which also marked their first visit to Micronesia.

"I think to continue to enhance the connections that we made here and to also continue that work of making digital content visible and accessible," he said.

The conference focused on strengthening those connections as public libraries reopen after COVID lockdowns.

Abel Noah, PIALA of Palau is the vice president of the organization.

"As small island nations spread across this vast Pacific Ocean, we can not do this alone and with PIALA being hosted every year that gives us the chance of getting together, learning from each other," he said.

Palau will be hosting next year's conference.

"This is the first time after the pandemic that we have met and I hope that we won't stop the momentum and continue on to Palau and these coming years,"Noah said.