(Fort Washakie, WY) – The Wind River Little Library, located at 3 North Fork Road, celebrated its grand opening on Friday July 23rd, with an official ribbon cutting, prayer, presentations, treats, and free books galore.
The library was a passion project for a group of Fort Washakie educators and Amanda LeClair-Diaz, who kicked off the event by thanking everyone in attendance, as well as those who made the library a possibility, including the Impact Library program, and the Little Free Library non-profit.
LeClair-Diaz then brought out elder Arlen Shoyo, who performed a prayer for those in attendance.
Eastern Shoshone Business Council Chairman John St. Clair then addressed the crowd, and stressed how great of an opportunity the library is to gets kids interested in books that represent their culture.
Also in attendance, was Northern Arapaho Business Councilman Boniface Ridgley, who stated, “Some people find their path through books. I want to to see more of this.”
Youth representative and Eastern Shoshone Days Princess Janae Todd was up next on the mic, who thanked the teachers responsible for the library in the traditional Shoshone language.
After the speakers went up, it was time for the official ribbon cutting, performed by John St. Clair and Boniface Ridgley.
After that, everyone checked out all the free books, the selection of which put a focus on works written by Indigenous authors, and even a couple locals.
Be sure to come check out the Wind River Little Library, located at 3 North Fork Road. Take a book, leave a book, and give a thanks to all of those involved who helped bring the first little library to the Wind River.
