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Muckleshoot Library Construction Project

New Muckleshoot Library Opens to the Community!

Muckleshoot Library Opening Celebration If attendance is any indication, the Muckleshoot community was eagerly awaiting their new library. More than 150 people gathered on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 25, to celebrate the opening of the new 6,000 square foot building.

KCLS Director Bill Ptacek welcomed everyone to the ribbon cutting ceremony, after which a short blessing was led by Tribal member Laurie Starr-Williams. Several local dignitaries addressed the crowd, including Charlotte Williams, chair of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, who said the community has seen the library progress the past two years.

Joseph Martin, assistant tribal operations manager of education, expressed his excitement about the new library, which was built on a small parcel of land donated by the Tribe.

“This is a wonderful day that we have all been looking forward to in the Muckleshoot Community,” Martin said. “I am proud of KCLS and the Muckleshoot Tribe for planning this library.”

KCLS Board of Trustee member Richard Eadie also addressed the crowd: “It is interesting to be here and see how much enthusiasm there is about the new library,” he said.

A representative from the architecture firm, Ruth Coates, said the library was designed with “elements of distinction,” including two art pieces created by Tribal members: a carved paddle by Al Charles and a metal canoe scene by James Madisen.

Two gifts were presented during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Roberto Maestas, with El Centro De La Raza, donated several books to the library and Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis presented the library with a DVD entitled “As Long as the River Runs,” which is a documentary about Native American fishing rights.

After all the dignitaries had an opportunity to say afew words about the project, Bill Ptacek invited the children to help cut the ribbon. Once the doors opened, community members were greeted by Dewey and Sketch and enjoyed refreshments and giveaways, including book bags, coloring books, bookmarks and buttons with a rendering of the new library.