Madison Public Library highlights BookFlix database in programming

For the past two years, Madison Public Library has created Winter Break Kits: 12 activities between the start of winter (Dec. 21) and the new year to keep kids occupied and learning. Each day correlates with a BookFlix option. The BookFlix database, provided for free by the SD State Library, is highlighted over and over in the activities. In 2020, the kit ended with a Noon Year's Eve party: a car parade and games (weather permitting) at Library Park.

Kits were designed for children in Junior Kindergarten to 5th grade, and the library provided bags which included all of the activities. Caregivers picked up the bags and took them home. Inside the bags were the 12 kits with instructions, supplies, and labels to keep the days in order.

"Every day includes ways to learn more about your activity or craft by going to the Madison Public Library website and reading online books from BookFlix."-from flyer included in the bag.

This is a great programming idea for any time of year! Contact Lisa [Lisa.Martin@cityofmadison.com] at the Madison PL if you have questions.

Here is an example of one of the activities and the tie-in to BookFlix.

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