Happy Holidays to my beloved patrons and my wonderful community. Can you believe it has been one year and it is Christmas once again? Time sure does fly by.
In case you missed it, here is my 2023 recap.
In March, I said goodbye to Connie McLaughlin and in June, I said hello to Gretchen Burnison as my library assistant. I also welcomed two new members to the library board, Eileen (Kraft) Thomas and Pastor Mike Easter. They replaced Ryan Jensen and Jessica Kingery who resigned.
The SD State Library and the SD Game, Fish and Parks joined forces in providing the “Check Out South Dakota State Parks” program. This program provides library patrons an opportunity to visit any SD state park or recreation area. Through a generous donation, I received five entrance licenses (passes) for my patrons to utilize. This program expires in May of 2024, there is still time for you to use these passes.
In April, the older Overdrive App version, from the SD Titles To Go digital library collection, was no longer supported/ maintained, instead, patrons were asked to download the current Libby app to check out eBooks and audiobooks. To use this service, you need your library card number and the current Libby app on your device.
Do you know what it means to be kind and show it to others, to be a good friend, the definition of diversity, or to be a part of a community? The participants of my fourweek 2023 summer reading program, “All Together Now”, do. This program, held in July, promoted a different theme and activity each week and provided take home activity packets containing crafts and worksheets. There was also a surprise visit by two local SD Highway Patrolmen, Troopers Feistner and Herr. They stopped by to share details about being a trooper and brought their squad cars. The kids enjoyed sitting in the cars and turning on the lights and sirens. The 2024 program theme will be: “ADVENTURE begins at Your Library”. Look for more details in the spring.
Do you notice anything brighter and different in the library? This summer, with some assistance from a Heartland Energy grant, we replaced the older lights and fixtures with new LED light bulbs and screens which now provide much better lighting throughout the library. In October, my front entryway was updated with new insulated windows and a front door. Also in October, the newspapers were transferred to the museum as they can provide a much better environment for them.
In November, I held a three-week book sale. My staff and I would like to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to our wonderful community for their charitable generosity and support. These funds will go towards new material purchases for my patrons to enjoy.
Over this past year, Rhonda Behrens, my library director, participated in monthly state library zoom meetings, attended two SD State Library strategic training sessions, and the SD Library Association conference held in Rapid City. She had a nice time visiting and sharing with fellow librarians, as well attending, and learning from the various classes. Some of the classes discussed generifying and program planning ideas, and time and project management.
Usingtheclassinformation from SDLA, staff has been revamping my children’s book area into genres and categories. A mobile book cart was recently purchased to allow for more shelf space and plastic signage holders added to assist when looking for materials. Staff also added magazine and material holders and have rearranged the furniture to provide a reading nook for my patrons.
Have you checked out my website. It is: https:// wessingtonsprings. yoursdlibrary.org or look up Wessington Springs Carnegie Library and the website should come up in your search. This site provides you with information and services that I offer, pictures from my events, staff and board members, and links to access the SD State Library program “Libby” or SD Titles to Go, the SD State Databases, and a link to the Carnegie Library Follett Destiny catalog where it will show you our in-house collection. You can also find links to the City of Wessington Springs website, the Jerauld County Dunham Historical Museum e-mail, and my Facebook page. I hope you will take a moment and visit my site.
I have computers available; I am an AR testing site for the summer, I offer scanning, faxing, and photocopying services, and a variety of good books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, or DVDs. With donations and purchases this past year, we have added more items to our shelves. There is no charge or late fees to check these items out. If you are unable to come to us, let my staff come to you with our drop-off and pickup service. Cannot find it, another option available is the Share-It Inter-Library Loan program. My director has access to other collections around the state and country through Interlibrary Loans and will be glad to order items for you from another library if possible.
I would also like to give a shout out to the city workers as they always assist my director with any interior and exterior concerns. THANKS GUYS!
To see park pass guidelines and/or to check a pass out, to get a library card, or if you have any other questions, please stop by the library, or call 605-539-1803 and my staff will be glad to assist you.
On behalf of my Library Board, staff, volunteers, and myself, we thank you, our community, for your support. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. —“YOUR” Wessington Springs Carnegie Library