Staff
Dessa Gunning
Librarian
Hours of Operation
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
In 1994 the Trinidad Rancheria established an onsite library in order to promote the well being and preserve the history of the tribe. The library has remained and integral part of the community and is a source of support for the education of tribal youth, a place for social gathering and a center for lifelong learning.
The Rancheria library is a small public library located across the parking lot from the Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Offices. The library has 3 computers with Internet Access available for public use as well as a copier and printer. The library also has a small resource library with career, legal, and periodical information available. Additionally, the library has a children’s reading room and a small collection of books on tape and DVD’s.
The library is operated with funds provided by the Tribal Council with additional funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library is continuing to expand its funding base through donations, grant funds and foundation funding.
Future development of the library will focus on continuing expansion of collections including the Native American Authors and local authors sections, as well as building a local culture and history section and native language dictionary resource. Additionally, the library will not only continue to expand its services but will also work toward expanding its space and scope to include a Cultural Center and Museum.
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Saa-a-goch (speak Yurok): Cultural Literacy Project
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant program in 2013 in partnership with the Yurok Elders Wisdom Preservation Project (YEWPP) and Dr. Kishan Lara-Cooper, the Trinidad Rancheria Library created a series of books in the Yurok language. The project intended to (a) increase language literacy levels through expanded library materials and outreach programs and services for children ages birth through eight and (b) to increase parent participation as partners in their children’s early literacy education and native language acquisition.
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| Illustrated by Sabra Comet | Illustrated by the 2014 McKinleyville High School Yurok Language Class |
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| Illustrated by Jennifer Ben | Illustrated by Tristin Severns |
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| Photographs by Jennifer Ben and Rachel Sundberg | Illustrated by Sabra Comet |
The original project completed 6 books in 2017. In 2018 we received a second round of funding to edit the existing books and add new books to the series. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed work on that project, but we have completed all illustrations for the planned books. We look forward to completing this project in the very near future.
All pictures are the property of the Trinidad Rancheria and may not be reproduced without permission.