The South Dakota State Library, a division of the SD Department of Education, has awarded 18 school libraries the 21st Century School Library Award for 2024. This annual award recognizes school libraries as Effective, Enhanced, or Exemplary based on performance in three areas: place, programming, and the professional.
Applicants conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence of their ability to meet South Dakota's guidelines for school libraries. Award status is valid for a three-year period.
Awarded libraries will be honored in Fall 2024.
Exemplary Award recipients:
Brookings High School Library; Librarian Jean Kirschenman; Administrator Heather Miller-Cink
Flandreau Middle/High School Library; Librarian Lori Williams; Administrators Kristi Fischer and Brian Relf
Harrisburg East Middle School Library; Librarian Kailee Morgan; Administrator Micah Fesler
Harrisburg Liberty Elementary School Library; Librarian Erin Oster; Administrator Aaron Weaver
Harrisburg South Middle School Library; Librarian Maria Pettinger; Administrator Darren Ellwein
Huron High School Library; Librarian Rachel Kary; Administrators Mike Radke and Linda Pietz
Sioux Falls Laura Wilder Elementary School Library; Librarian Jennifer Breidenbach; Administrators Matt Semmler and Emily Tomkins
Sioux Falls Lincoln High School Library; Librarian Mary Peters; Administrator Laura Raeder
Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School Library; Librarian Michelle Clayberg; Administrator Tim Hazlett
Sioux Falls Terry Redlin Elementary School Library; Librarian Lindsey Rohde; Administrator Ryan DeGraff
Sioux Falls Washington High School Library; Librarian Kerri Smith; Administrator Kari Papke
Spearfish High School Library; Librarian Emily Benvenga; Administrator Joe Williams
Watertown High School Library; Librarian Kris O'Brien; Administrator Patty McClemans
Enhanced Award recipients:
Harrisburg Freshman Academy Library; Librarian Kristi Jones; Administrators Ryan Rollinger and Brad Seamer
Harrisburg Horizon Elementary School Library; Librarian Leslee Reiland; Administrator Lisa Garrett
Harrisburg North Middle School Library; Librarian Suzanne Tecklenburg; Administrator Brian Hartwig
Rapid City Stevens High School Library; Librarian Melissa Hubbell; Administrator Jocelyn Hafner
Watertown Middle School Library; Librarian Jalynn Feininger; Administrator Todd Brist
Find more information on the State Library’s 21st Century School Library Award webpage.