Showing posts with label Piedmont. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Piedmont. Show all posts

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Web tools: build your summer reading with READsquared

READsquared for South Dakota Libraries. Mom and young boy with open book

READsquared can help you build your summer reading participation and more!

The SD State Library has made the READsquared online reading program software available to all of South Dakota’s public libraries.

The software allows librarians to manage summer reading programs online. Library users can register for library programs and track reading goals through an app that can be used on mobile devices.

READsquared will be available year-round and can be used for hosting book clubs, winter reading programs and 1000 Books before Kindergarten. The app’s many functions include the ability to host games & contests, award prizes, and recommend book titles from the library’s collections. We hope you’ll add this to your library’s programming toolbox.

Read what SD librarians say about READsquared:

“Thanks to the READSquared app, our patrons - especially our usually non-participating adults and teens - have really thrown themselves into the summer reading program. Our 54 current participants - we allow registrations throughout the program and usually end the summer with around 200 patrons participating - have already read almost 12,000 minutes and completed a number of missions and projects within the app's framework. We are hopeful that access to this app with provide our patrons with new and interesting ways to interact with the library in the months and years to come.”

--Megan Eggers, Library Director, Piedmont Valley Library

“Thanks for making READsquared possible. It has made virtual Summer Reading a pretty fabulous event this year. We appreciate the idea and the support. Thank you."

--Cyndie Harlan, Director Hearst Library, Lead, SD

"I am loving the new ReadSquared!!!"

--Melissa Hutmacher, Library Director, Cozard Memorial Library, Chamberlain

Funding for READsquared is made possible by the federal CARES Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the South Dakota State Library.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

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.

21st Century School Library Awards The Place Program 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