This was the first public library of any sort created in the southern half of the island.
Teachers and community members would donate books and leave them in the outdoor library, where interested students could borrow and (hopefully) return them when they were finished. As seen in this image, when in active use the outdoor library was sheltered by a thatch and later tin roof structure, so students could also peruse books at the structure itself.
The library was erected by the people of Humåtak in Oct. 1933 under the leadership of Francisco Q. Sanchez, who was a noted educator and politician from the village.
More recently the Guam Preservation Trust has undertaken efforts to restore and rehabilitate the structure.
If you enjoy the work the Guam Museum is doing, consider making a donation to the Guam Museum.
Chewing on Static https://www.guammuseumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Chewing-on-Static-INSTAGRAM_4K_H265.mov The next exhibit opening October 24, 2026 at the Guam Museum Cafe Gallery. In her first solo show, Julia Birn presents
Celebrate 100 Years. Bid for the Next 100. Guam Museum Centennial Silent Auction Celebrate a century of history, culture, and community while helping preserve it
Celebrate 100 Years of the Guam Museum: An Evening to Celebrate and Preserve Our Stories https://www.guammuseumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Guam-Museum-Doc-Teaser_WITH-AD_YOUTUBE_4K_H265.mov Our stories connect us to our ancestors, our island,
