Cultural traditions and archaeological evidence indicate that Shoshonean groups migrated to Southern California between 5000 and 8000 years ago due to severe altithermals. In the Luiseño oral tradition our
Aa’alvikat, in Luiseño, means storyteller and this was the name chosen by the Elders for our tribal library. In our oral creation story, Wiyot, the Creator God, uses his illness and ultimately his death to share his knowledge (ayelkwi) with his children. Through song, story and the literary word the library becomes a focal point for continuing the story of the Pauma People.

In 2005, the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to implement an automated library catalog, establish an archive of important tribal material and increase the number of library programs. An archive room was established to house original Luiseño/Pauma materials. This special collection of documents pertaining to land use, water rights, archeology, culture, and history were inventoried and digitized during the project. Current programs such as multimedia and Internet classes continue, and new collaborative programs, including health awareness, personal finance and special children’s programs are being developed.