Spirit Lake Nation

The Spirit Lake tribe's Valerie Merrick Library will expand existing library services for young children and their families to encourage library usage and recreational reading with an emphasis on the local Dakota culture. Since 2003, Spirit Lake Tribe has lost 15% of its fluent Dakota speakers along with immeasurable cultural resources. Partnerships with the local Early Head Start for ages 0-3, Head Start for ages 3-5, and Wakanheza Oti (Sacred children's Place) will be established and recruitment from the respective programs will be a priority.Project activities include story times for children, family and culture nights, monthly health education programs, and extended library hours in the evening and on weekends.