BIG NEWS! This summer Gal’s Guide Library will be relocating to Minnesota to expand to a library + museum. Gal’s Guide will stay open in Noblesville, Indiana, through June 28, 2025. Between closing our Indiana location and opening in Minnesota, Gal’s Guide will stay on mission with continued online programming.
The longer story from the founder, Dr. Leah “Riwo” Leach:
Some of you may know that my youngest child is a trans man. You might also know that he was accepted to Minnesota State University. It’s been rough for him living in Indiana. There has been trans hate at his school, in his public library, and across the street from our house. The current Indiana political landscape has made it particularly problematic and detrimental to my son’s mental and physical health. This is one of the many reasons why he is attending Minnesota State University, where he is being welcomed with open arms.
Many of my career highlights have been because I was motivated by my children. I started making films, writing books, and opening a women’s history library to show my children that with hard work you can make your dreams a reality if they serve the community. I carved out a space they needed, knowing others needed it too. The good things I’ve done are because of my kids. They are really frickin’ good people.
I just can’t send them to Minnesota where I hope they will be safe from a federal government that is actively trying to destroy their freedoms. I’m also just not ready to let them go…and they are not ready to let go of us.
This July, My family and I will be moving to Minnesota. I’m taking Gal’s Guide with me and expanding it to be a museum + library.
I want Gal’s Guide to be a tourist destination as well as a community hub—everything Gal’s Guide has now but adding a museum showcasing women of history and adding artifacts. I’m putting together a proposal to ask mayors of central Minnesota to see whether they would welcome Gal’s Guide to their city. Gal’s Guide could be something greater in Minnesota, and I’m willing to do the work to keep it going with the mission.
Closing the Gal’s Guide location in Noblesville at the end of June and reopening in Central Minnesota with an expansive footprint with a museum is what I know is best for Gal’s Guide. It’s bold and it’s possible.
I’m working on determining which programs will stay open during the transition. At this point, it’s most likely Book Club, Gal’s Guide Podcast, and Buddha Friends. We might even add more online programs like a Gal’s Guide Support Group to bridge our Indiana peeps to our new Minnesota peeps and connect with global peeps as well. Gal’s Guide will also have our social media and stay on mission to share women’s history to the world.
Here are more reasons why Minnesota is a great fit for Gal’s Guide. I was born in Minnesota. There are roads and towns named after my family. I’m related to Gratia Countryman, whose work with the Hennepin Public Library is legendary. The land and lakes of Minnesota are calling me back to continue and expand the work of my ancestors.
My moving to Minnesota is an opportunity for Gal’s Guide to expand and for me to stay aligned with my values of caring for my children and my own well-being. It’s following the lamp light, a feeling that comes from following the appropriate path that reflects a personal purpose that can also bring satisfaction to others. I can do more and help more people if I go. I can also create a tourist destination where I hope we’ll meet again and again.
I’ve been on this Gal’s Guide journey since 2013. I’m appreciative to each and every one of you who have been on this journey with me. Gal’s Guide will always have roots in Noblesville, Indiana. You all will always be in my heart.
Gal’s Guide’s last day open to the public at our current location will be Saturday, June 28, 2025. We will have a goodbye party to be announced later.
If you’ve checked out books, you’ve most likely heard me say, “We have no late fees, we just want the books back eventually”…well eventually is now before June 28. Luckily it’s a few months away from when I post this.
Books & Love,
Leah “Riwo” Leach
March 19, 2025
UPDATE: 5/2/25
The goodbye party will be an open house event with light refreshments for those who would like to say goodbye to Riwo and the library. The event will be Saturday, June 28 from 2pm-5pm. Thanks to Julie for organizing this event for our patrons.
Gal's Guide 