Loud Librarians Lead - Vlog episode 2!

Check out the latest Loud Librarians Lead vlog interview with Sarah Overvaag, Children’s Programming librarian at the Watertown Regional Library. We discussed in detail a READsquared program called Explore America that was created exclusively by Sarah. Learn how to create your very own READsquared program and how to implement Explore America in your librarian programming.

Sarah has worked in libraries since 2008. She started as a part-time desk aid at Watertown Regional Library, then moved to Lincoln Elementary School in 2013 to be the school librarian. She returned to Watertown Regional Library to take her dream job as the Children’s Library Specialist in 2019. Sarah is married with two daughters, Samara (16) and Willow (14), and has three cats. She enjoys crocheting, playing video games with her kids and reading in her free time. Sarah’s newest passion is sharing her education animal, Charlie the Bearded Dragon (pictured with Sarah) with Watertown children and adults.

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

Web tools: build your summer reading with READsquared

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.