Pauma AA’Alvikat Library

About the Library

Library Mission Statement:

The Pauma AA’Alvikat Library exists for the benefit of the Pauma/Yuima Band of Luiseno Indians and the surrounding tribal community, Non-tribal community, of all ages, for personal enrichment, enjoyment and educational needs. The library is dedicated to providing practical access to all forms of information and cultivating the desire to learn in people of all ages.

Take a look at our new online catalog at https://paumalibrary.soutronglobal.net/Portal/Default/en-US/Search/SimpleSearch. Visit the library with proof of identification and address to set up your own Pauma AA’Alvikat Library account. With an account you can make item requests for the library to purchase, place a hold on items you wish to check out, and manage your own online account!

Current Programs

Updates:

The AA’Alvikat Library has gone through a lot of changes since it first opened its doors in the 80s. Changes arrived particularly quickly during the health pandemic of 2020 and into 2021. The library had to close its doors in March of 2020 to protect both the library patrons and staff. During this time the library received a small makeover and reorganization. The goal was to create a COVID-19 safe space that was welcoming, cohesive, and confidential.

Here’s how we did it; the first step was re-arrange the layout of the library. The public computers were moved into pods and privacy screen were set up that work to create security for users and to encourage social distancing. We still have all nine public computers.

Study spaces were created by moving the four person table into the stacks or “Learning Space”. The couches and chairs were moved into the children’s space for seating and storytime. All furniture is three feet apart for wheel chair accessibility as well.

The bulk of the American Indian collection came out from behind the Reference Desk to make them more accessible, and plexiglass was hung around the reference desk for health measures. The whole library also got a fresh coat of paint!

Finally, the whole collection got a good dusting, new spine labels, and some items even got new space. The teen and Young Adult books have their own space next to the growing graphic novel collection, the early and beginning chapters books, and new DVDs are all together as well, with everything at your fingertips.

The AA’Alvikat Library staff is excited to welcome patrons back to the library this summer for the first Summer Reading Program in July of 2021! Stay tuned to www.paumatribe.com, and the AA’Alvikat IMLS social media pages for more information!

Currently, the library is open to limited capacity in order to maintain the COVID-19 protocols adopted by the Education Committee. The hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00 to 4:30 PM, until otherwise noted. The library is closed from 4:30 to 5:00 PM and all day Friday for cleaning and sanitation.

Services:

With more than 5000 items that include adult, children, and juvenile fiction and nonfiction books and videos, a full reference collection, a special collection that includes American Indian, California Indian, and Local and California History, the library is well suited to assist in the development, engagement, and support of current and future generations. AA’Alvikat Library catalog is available online. Visit http://bit.ly/paumalibrary to search all the available fiction, nonfiction and children’s book as well reference materials available for check out.

The Library also hosts and takes part in various community activities including:

• Literacy Classes for adults and children
• Native Tribal Garden
• Computer Classes
• Archives
• College level Native American Book Collection
• Tutoring
• Personal Finance Classes
• Cultural Classes
• Indigenous Language Support, and many others.

In all, the library is working to improve members’ lives in all facets. From the late 1980s to now the Pauma Library has grown with the tribe. Originally housed in one room that acted as a college classroom, library, afterschool program, and counselor’s office, the library now occupies a four room building with full time staff serving the tribe. Early volunteers and workers paved the way for the operation that exists now.

The library is grateful to the Tribal and General Council members who have supported the library throughout its history. Without the vital participation of Palomar Community College, California State University, San Marcos and San Diego County Libraries, surrounding tribal communities, and the Institute of Museums and Library Services none of the growth present could have taken place.