Public libraries are a vital resource for all South Dakotans, serving residents in both small towns and larger cities like Sioux Falls. Access to books, digital materials, and other resources fosters a well-informed citizenry, enriching the lives of individuals and strengthening communities.
However, this access is at risk. Proposed cuts to the South Dakota State Library in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget call for the elimination of the South Dakota State Library as we know it by reducing staff and eliminating key resources that benefit local librariesincluding the Huron Libraryas well as school libraries, community libraries and higher education institutions across the state.
This proposal threatens the availability of essential library services, negatively affecting all those who rely on them (all citizens of this great state). As members of the Huron Library Foundation, we urge you to become informed about the impact of these proposed budget cuts and their far-reaching consequences. Libraries are invaluable to South Dakota citizens, and we need your support to preserve the State Library for the benefit of all.
Here is how these cuts would directly affect local library patrons:
- Interlibrary loan courier service
The State Library pays for the courier service that makes it possible to borrow materials from other libraries in the state. Many of the local book clubs use interlibrary loan courier service to have access to books for all the members who participate in book clubs. Without this service, book club members will have to pay for books or other local library programs may be cut to provide the books to book clubs. In addition, patrons will lose access to materials that are not available in their area. - Summer reading and other library programs.
The State Library provides support and assistance to schools and libraries, especially small libraries with limited staff and resources. Without this service, these programs, which have a direct impact on improving literacy, will be eliminated or reduced. - Event calendar
The online calendar that is used to register patrons for events and keep them informed about library activities is funded by the State Library. This calendar lists all activities available at your local library. If you have not accessed the calendar, check it out to see all the services available through your local library. If funds are cut, these services will also need to be eliminated. - Librarian education
The State Library provides essential training and professional development for librarians across the state, ensuring high-quality library services. Many of our small towns share libraries with their local school district and there are limited staff. This training assists small libraries to provide the resources and services to the community. The library is often the heart of a town. - Online Databases
Many patrons rely on the free online databases funded by the State Library for schoolwork, genealogy research, and more. These databases are used by school students for research but also provide access to up-to-date information on a variety of topics that are of interest to community members.
In addition to the elimination or reduction of the above services, 13 State Library staff positions will be eliminated, leaving just two positions and the Accessible Library Services/Braille and Talking Book Library staff intactat least for now. This impacts the financial solvency of those individuals and affects the communities in which they reside. We need your help to stop this.
How you can help
Let your district legislators know how important the State Library is to you and your community. Email is the quickest way to reach them:
Representative Lana J. Greenfield:[email protected]
Representative Kevin Van Diepen:[email protected]
Senator David Wheeler:[email protected]
If you prefer to send a handwritten message, there are also postcards available at the Huron library and other libraries in the state!
Libraries are available to everyone and your voice matters. Please take a moment to contact your legislators and advocate for the preservation of the South Dakota State Library. Together, we can ensure that these vital services remain available to all.
Michele Bennett
President
Huron Library Foundation
The Huron Library Foundation Board members also support the statements in this letter. They are:
Ron Volesky
Jesse Hanson
Sarah May
Veronica Chajchal
Ryan Maxted
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