We have long observed that principled decisions often have resonance well beyond the confines of the arena where they were made.

Such was the case last week, when a group gathered to dedicate a project aimed at promoting diversity and literacy about Native Americans in local libraries.

The project, sponsored by the Literacy Council of Jefferson County, was a direct outgrowth of the decision to retire Port Townsend's "Redskins" mascot in favor of the Redhawks name. Although highly controversial at the time, that decision is helping build stronger bridges to local Native American communities.

Four school district libraries in Port Townsend, Chimacum, Quilcene, and Brinnon, as well as the Port Townsend Public Library, the Jefferson County Library and the Jamestown S'Klallam Library were involved. Librarians Bonnie Roos at the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Library and Tomi Whalen at the Little Boston Library in Kitsap County were mentors and helped recommend materials.

About $3,500 was spent to acquire fiction and non-fiction books about Native Americans. Care was taken to ensure materials were age-appropriate and relevant to Pacific Northwest studies. The acquisitions include recent materials recommended by the OSPI Office of Native Education to support teaching the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty curriculum.

The Evergreen State College Master in Teaching Program, the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Office of Native Education, and community members including Dave Given all made additional contributions and donations. Barbara Smith Paulsen of the Literacy Council of Jefferson County is the project director.

Participating libraries reviewed their current collections and made plans to promote the new resources. This fall, the Jefferson County Library and the Port Townsend Public Library will partner in providing a storytelling event with Jamestown S'Klallam tribal elder Elaine Grinnell and a program about totem poles with master carver Dale Faulstich.

Roos, director of the Jamestown Tribal library, said of the project: "We think it is essential that school and public libraries have Native American books that are free from stereotypes and misinformation to promote better cultural awareness and understanding of American Indians and Alaskan Natives."

We couldn't agree more. Congratulations to the Literacy Council of Jefferson County, the participating libraries and everyone involved for a job well done.