South Dakota State Library: Library Development e-Newsletter

School Libraries

Retiring school librarians represent over 200 years of combined expertise

With feelings of both celebration and regret we arrive at the time of year when we bid farewell to the friends and colleagues among us who are entering the well-deserved world of retirement. We salute these school librarians for their many years of dedication to students and libraries in South Dakota schools. With a combined total of over 200 years of experience, they are leaving well developed programs in place for those who will follow them. We will miss them, but do wish them well with their plans for the future, plans that may include, in the words of Dale Johnson from Flandreau, “. . . an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” or of Judy Abbas of Sioux Falls, “Travel, ‘big people’ books, and volunteering here I come.”

Congratulations to these retirees and welcome to the new librarians that we know of at this time:

• Judy Abbas – Sioux Falls Cleveland Elementary Library
• Barb Allum – Rapid City Southwest MS Library (Karin Wold)
• Sue Evenson – Harrisburg HS Library (Emily Olson)
• Fay Jackman – Mobridge-Pollock School Library (Kristen Moser)
• Dale Johnson – Flandreau MS/HS Library
• Louise Johnson – Sioux Falls Whittier MS Library
• Marla Johnson – Clear Lake Deuel School Library
• Carol Lehman – McLaughlin School Library
• Joan Petersen – Rapid City Stevens HS Library (Shari O’Keefe)
• Carmen Wilcox – Elk Point-Jefferson School Library (Deedre Holdhusen)

Deubrook spreads the word about School Library Month

Deubrook school librarian Marilyn Mendenhall says, “I like to promote libraries and very few people even realize that April is special to us. So I tell them!” To help spread the word, library assistant Jodi Moberg made a great School Library Month bulletin board and added a book or library quote to the wrapper of Lifesavers that were handed out all month.

Deubrook students were also featured in the local newspaper during the month. Seniors could be found doing research as they enjoyed the new floor pillows. The pillows were made by a classroom assistant who volunteered her time. All it took was two cheap bed pillows for each one and two dollar a yard fabric which just happened to be in the school colors of burgundy and gold. The students love them. Seventh graders begged for reading time and enjoyed either hot chocolate or lemonade depending on the weather.

Winners of the Newbery Challenge were also announced. Students in middle school who read five Newbery Award (or Honor) winning books received a card for Domino’s Pizza. At the elementary school students are asked to read nine books and winners were invited to a board game and ice cream party.

Deubrook, librarian, school libraries

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