Originally published in South Dakota Library Association’s “Bookmarks”
The Wessington Springs Carnegie Library opened its doors in 1918. It was the last Carnegie Library built in South Dakota. Last month, Librarian Rhonda Behrens invited me to visit her library for a tour. The building itself is Prairie style, which is defined by its horizontal lines. This type of Carnegie Library is very rare since most of the Carnegie Libraries are styled in Beaux Arts, generally defined by their prominent doorways with stairs and pillars.
Throughout its 106-year history, the Wessington Springs Carnegie Library has only employed six librarians, including the current librarian, Rhonda, who has worked since 2017.
The first librarian, Clara Dunham, worked there from 1918 until 1942, nearly 24 years. In 2022, Rhonda became a Certified Library Director by participating in Library Training Institute through the South Dakota State Library. Today, the library also has an assistant librarian, Gretchen Burnison, who works 19 hours per week.
In 1999, the Wessington Springs Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its historical importance to the community. Like the rest of the Carnegie Libraries, the Wessington Springs Library has needed a plethora of repairs and remodels throughout the years. This includes remodeling the basement in the 1990s and upgrading the fire alarms.
Currently, the library is not handicap-accessible and has experienced water damage. However, there is a generous memorial from the Bernice and Kenneth Lillehaug Estate that can be used for future repairs.
Behrens has worked hard to update the Wessington Springs Carnegie Library. Since she started, she has purchased new mobile and children’s book storage, changed the library’s hours, rearranged the furniture, replaced old lights/fixtures and held book sales. The library also serves as an Accelerated Reading testing site for students during the summer. Being a librarian in a Carnegie Library is a demanding job, but Rhonda is working hard to make a positive impact in Wessington Springs and meet the needs of her community.