SDSL's Cornerstone Newsletter

The South Dakota Library Association held its annual conference in September in Rapid City. Librarians who were able to attend were treated to three days of amazing sessions presented by talented school, public, and academic librarians from across the state. They were also able to attend the Awards and Recognition Banquet at which there are six awards that are traditionally presented: Librarian of the Year, New Librarian of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Trustee of the Year, and Friend of the Library Award.

While these aren’t typically awarded to school librarians, this year’s Librarian of the Year Award recipient is the Brookings High School Librarian. Jean Kirschenman. (photo courtesy of South Dakota Library Association)

The Librarian of the Year Award was instituted in 1972 to recognize librarians who have made significant contributions to effective and improved library services in a South Dakota Community. Jean is a very deserving recipient!

The 2023-26 21st Century School Library Award recipients were also formally recognized at the SDLA Awards and Recognition Banquet. In attendance were Karen Schlekeway (Belle Fourche High School), Kristyn LaBine (Douglas Badger Clark Elementary School), Shelley Rath (Rapid City West Middle School), Jennifer Backhaus (Rapid Valley Elementary School), and Nicole Ulvestad (Sioux Falls R.F. Pettigrew Elementary School). State Librarian, George Seamon, and School Library Coordinator, Scottie Bruch, recognized these attendees with formal certificates and also acknowledged those librarians not in attendance: Nola Conner (Alcester-Hudson Elementary and Junior High/High School), Angela Klopstad and Jennifer Breidenbach (Sioux Falls Discovery Elementary), and DaNann Tirrel (West Central Middle School/High School).

Applications for the 21st Century School Library Award are accepted March 1 through May 1 every year. A committee of librarians and other education professionals review all applications and award libraries that meet the characteristics of a 21st century school library through its place, professional, and program. More information can be found on the SDSL website: https://library.sd.gov/LIB/SLC/21stCentAward.aspx.

The South Dakota State Library provides leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries and services to state government.

Email: library@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 6057733131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibrarySD
Twitter: @LibrarySD

The SDSL does not endorse any service or product listed in this newsletter.