LOUD LIBRARIANS LEAD! - June Vlog with Amanda (Vermillion Public Library)

Consider bringing Virtual Reality (VR) to your library while viewing the latest vlog episode featuring Amanda Raiche, Youth Service Librarian at Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library. Discover ideas for programs that introduce the Oculus Go headset to your community.

Are you searching for a way to bring the virtual reality experience to your community? The South Dakota State Library is offering an opportunity for an Oculus Go Headset to be permanently located at your library! The receiving libraries will be announced at 2021 SDLA Conference this fall. To be considered for this opportunity, your library must have previously checked out the headset before September 15, 2021. Contact me to reserve the headset and help your patrons experience virtual reality!

Amanda has an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Field Biology and a Master of Library and Information Science with a specialization in Youth Engagement. Before joining the Vermillion Public Library in the fall of 2020, Amanda worked as the Youth Services Librarian at the Yankton Community Library since 2016. She loves building relationships and serving the families and children of her community and strives to offer something of interest for everyone. She enjoys the variety things that make up a day in the life of a Youth Services Librarian from leading Story Times to school-aged programs that excite children about coming to the library. Amanda is married with two children, Adeline (9th grade) and Victor (6th grade) and enjoys playing games with her family, reading, and walking.

Enjoy the video above, and for more links and information, visit Loud Librarians Lead at library.sd.gov.

Welcome New SDSL Staff Members

The SD State Library is pleased to introduce two new staff members that started with us on May 24th.

Kate Kosior is the new Braille & Talking Book Department Manager. Contact her at Kate.Kosior@state.sd.us

Kate recently moved to SD from her native NY. A fan of lifelong learning, she holds degrees in international studies, rehabilitation of the blind, and library and information science. For the past three years, she has served as the director of a small library in New York State, and prior to that worked in the fields of foreign exchange, foster care, and blindness. She is engaged to Greg, has a daughter, Leah, and four cats. Kate is a third generation librarian, following in the footsteps of her great aunt, and her aunt (her niece is destined to become a librarian!).

Cheyenne Chontos is the new Library Technology Coordinator. This is a brand new position at SDSL. Contact her at Cheyenne.Chontos@state.sd.us

Cheyenne will work with public libraries across the state to introduce and implement new and useful technologies to improve library services throughout the state, actively pursue solutions that can be applied to technology-related issues, and create library technology plans for long-term sustainability. She is receiving her MLS from Emporia State University and will be completing that program in August 2021. Before working at the State Library, Cheyenne worked with a consulting firm on grant writing, strategic planning, and evaluations. Cheyenne will work remotely from Sioux Falls.

Welcome Kate and Cheyenne!

State Library Recognizes 21st Century School Libraries

The South Dakota State Library, a division of the SD Department of Education, has awarded thirteen school libraries the 21st Century School Library Award for 2021. This annual award recognizes school libraries as Effective, Enhanced or Exemplary, based on performance in three areas: place, which refers to the learning environment (both physical and online), programming and the professional.

Applicants conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence of their ability to meet South Dakota's guidelines for school libraries. Award status is valid for a three-year period.

Exemplary Award recipients:

• Belle Fourche Middle School Library, Belle Fourche; Librarian Karen Schlekeway, Administrator Kevin Schmidt
• Brookings High School Library, Brookings; Librarian Jean Kirschenman, Administrator Dr. Paul vonFischer
• Flandreau Middle/High School Library, Flandreau; Librarian Lori Williams, Administrators Brian Relf, Nicole Herzog
• Lincoln High School Library, Sioux Falls; Librarian Mary Peters, Administrator Dr. Laura Raeder
• Patrick Henry Middle School Library, Sioux Falls; Librarian Wendy Nelson, Administrator Kim Sharping
• Roosevelt High School Library, Sioux Falls; Librarian Michelle Clayberg, Administrator Tim Hazlett
• Spearfish High School Library, Spearfish; Librarian Emily Benvenga, Administrator Steve Morford
• T.F. Riggs High School Library, Pierre; Librarian Pamela Kringel, Administrator Kevin Mutchelknaus
• Washington High School Library, Sioux Falls; Librarian Kerri Smith, Administrator Kari Papke
• Watertown High School Library, Watertown; Librarian Kris O'Brien, Administrator Brad Brandsrud

Enhanced Award recipients:

• Freedom Elementary School Library, Harrisburg; Librarian Tyler Muth, Administrator Tanja Peterson
• Explorer Elementary School Library, Harrisburg; Librarian Amy DeNomme, Administrator Doug Eppard
• Huron High School Library, Huron; Librarian Rachel Kary, Administrators Mike Radke, Linda Pietz

Find more information on the State Library's 21st Century School Library Award webpage.