Construction of a new Little Boston library facility began with a groundbreaking ceremony June 20 at the S’Klallam tribes House of Knowledge complex. The S’Klallam Singers and Tribal Chairman Ron Charles, Robin Cameron, Deputy Director of Public Services for the Kitsap Regional Library, and others spoke about the potential for the new library. Tribal member Floyd Jones gave a blessing and the shovel digging got underway.

The eagerly awaited new Little Boston Library marks a milestone for the tribe’s House of Knowledge – it’s the final building slated for construction under the project, which includes a Longhouse, Career and Education Center and Elders Center. The new library is scheduled to open in spring 2007.

The new building will boast a larger office for librarians and more community meeting space though the size of the book collection will stay close to what it is now. The Little Boston library is known for its large collection of Native American literature. The new building will also display Native American art work, adding more educational opportunities about the Port Gamble S’Klallam to North End residents.

The Little Boston library has been in ever-increasing demand since it first opened its doors in 1974 From 1988 to 2001, circulation grew 680 percent with a steady increase of 3 percent in the years since. Currently the library serves over 22,000 patrons each year.

Plans for a new home for the Little Boston Library began in 1999 when tribal leaders initiated a capital campaign to build the House of Knowledge. The HOK project was awarded grants by private foundations and governmental agencies. The tribe itself committed over 38 percent of the funds necessary for the project. For more information on the S’Klallam tribe’s House of Knowledge project, go to www.pgst.nsn.us