SDSL's Cornerstone Newsletter

From the Yankton Community Library

The Yankton Community Library (YCL) was incredibly fortunate to be announced as the recipient of three grants this year.

YCL was chosen as one of many libraries across the country to receive a $20,000 grant from the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative to improve accessibility at the library. The grant committee composed of Library Director Dana Schmidt, and Library Assistants Lizz Nedved, Kelly O’Dea, and Tahlia Reynolds chose to focus on accessibility issues for folks who have physical disabilities and mobility challenges. The proposed project will automate a set of doors on the library’s east entrance and reconfigure part of the inclusive bathroom to be more accessible. In August, YCL held community conversations to gain insight and perspective from community members about the project.

From left to right: Library Director Dana Schmidt, Tahlia Reynolds, Lizz Neved, and Kelly O'Dea

YCL wants to also provide more access to technology for library users to take home. The ALA and Capital One Bank launched Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access, which is an initiative that provides rural public libraries with resources and support to assist patrons in establishing and sustaining affordable and high-speed home internet connections. YCL is one of 14 newly selected public libraries to receive 5 laptops and 5 hotspots to circulate to library card holders. As part of this initiative, YCL will also offer classes on digital literacy, financial literacy, and how to utilize the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Library users have expressed to YCL staff that they would like to see more digital literacy courses, which the library will provide as part of a national initiative from the Public Library Association (PLA) and AT&T. YCL was one of more than 215 public libraries selected to conduct digital literacy workshops using new DigitalLearn.org resources. This collaborative initiative provides resource materials in English and Spanish, which YCL will help library users utilize in upcoming workshops to promote skill building and confidence with digital content.

We are excited to announce the release of the 2023 South Dakota Public Libraries Data Digest, now rebranded as "Facts & Stats." This publication provides a statistical snapshot of the vital role public libraries play in our communities. How did we do in 2022?

South Dakotans checked out 5.3 million items underscoring the essential role libraries play in fostering a culture of learning and literacy in our state.

41% of South Dakota residents have a library card which shows there is still room for growth. Reaching out to all community residents and expanding the diversity of services grows new library users.

Libraries were visited 2.5 million times highlighting the importance of libraries as destinations for learning and enrichment.

330,000 people attended library programs and activities that bring communities together for educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Visitors used library WiFi and public computers 1.5 million times emphasizing the vital role libraries play in ensuring online access and opportunities for all South Dakotans.

Librarians answered 260,000 informational and technical questions demonstrating that we still count on librarians to provide reliable information on all kinds of topics.

Read the full 2023 South Dakota Public Libraries Facts & Stats publication at library.sd.gov.

Contact Shawn Behrends, SDSL Data Coordinator, if you have questions.

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.