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.

Congratulations 21st Century School Libraries!

The South Dakota State Library, a division of the SD Department of Education, is happy to announce the newest awardees of the 21st Century School Library Award. 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 the South Dakota School Library Guidelines. Award status is valid for a three-year period.

Exemplary Award recipients:

• Douglas Middle School Library, Box Elder; Librarian Melissa Hubbell, Administrator Greg Seefeldt
• Harrisburg Middle School Library, Harrisburg; Librarian Kristi Jones, Administrator Darren Ellwein
• Horizon Elementary School Library, Harrisburg; Librarian Leslee Reiland, Administrator Lisa Garrett
• Madison Central School Libraries, Madison; Librarian Joanne Kallhoff, Administrators Adam Shaw, Cotton Koch, Janel Guse
• Robert Frost Elementary School Library, Sioux Falls; Librarian Korey Erickson, Administrator Lynn Gillette
• West Central Middle/High School Library, West Central; Librarian DaNann Kistler, Administrator Melinda Jensen
• West Middle School Library, Rapid City; Librarian Shelley Rath, Administrator Dan Conrad

Enhanced Award recipients:

• Elk Point-Jeffereson School Libraries, Elk Point; Librarian Deedra Holdhusen, Administrators Janet Ries, Skyler Eriksen

Effective Award recipients:

• Piedmont Valley Elementary Library, Sturgis Elementary Library, and Whitewood Elementary Library; Meade 46-1; Librarian Heidi Kruse, Administrators Ethan Dschaak, Chantal Ligtenberg; Brittan Porterfield
• Rapid Valley Elementary School Library, Rapid City; Librarian Jennifer Backhaus, Administrator Cher Daniel