by AMANDA WINTERS
Sequim Gazette

The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe library has a new home.

Recently remodeled Heron Hall, on the east end of the tribal campus in Blyn, now houses more than 5,000 items by or about Native Americans. The library is available to the public as well as tribal members.

The new library officially opened March 12 at 1070 Old Blyn Highway and will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in addition to the weekday schedule of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The remodel and additional staffing were funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services and tribal funds.

Since the tribal library opened in 1988, an extensive collection has been assembled specializing in materials on Northwest Coast Native Americans and books written by and about Native Americans. Now, the library will begin the more profound undertaking of becoming a center for lifelong learning, focusing on developing 21st-century literacy themes and skills within the tribal cultural context.

Siri Hiltz, tribal librarian, said she hopes the new location and focus will meet the needs of the community and help library users become self-sufficient information creators and consumers.

Along with books, there also are videos, DVDs, CDs, audio books and four public access computers available in the library, she said.

Hiltz started her job as tribal librarian in December 2011 and met with staff and committees to discuss how the library can provide resources for education, culture, history, health and the arts, as well as technology.

The concept for the library was developed by tribal Planning Director Leanne Jenkins. Jamestown Construction and local sub-contractors executed the project and Jerry Monson constructed the shelving and built-in furniture.

For more information on the library’s new location and focus, call Hiltz at 582-5783.

Reach Amanda Winters at awinters@sequimgazette.com.