PIERRE, (KCCR) — A handful of central South Dakota libraries have been recognized by the South Dakota State Library with certifications to libraries and librarians. A total of 38 librarians representing 27 libraries were recognized in late September as a part of the voluntary certification program tipping a hat to library directors and staff who have met certain certification standards. Central South Dakota representation includes Misti Burns from the Tripp County Library Grossenberg Memorial; Holly Demery at the Faulk County Library; Arlene Hicks from the Jackson County Library; Melissa Hutmacher, Cozard Memorial Library and Barbara Vander Vorst at the Potter County Library in Gettysburg. Two area libraries also were awarded accreditation. They include the Potter County Free Library with Enhanced and the Cozad Memorial Library in Chamberlain with Essential. The goal of the program is to encourage library workers to develop and sustain skills through continuing education to provide better services to the community. The certifications were handed out during the annual South Dakota Library Association conference in Aberdeen.
