Recipients of the 21st Century School Library Award for 2016 were honored at the Systems Change Conference in October. Twelve school libraries received the award, which recognizes school libraries as Effective, Enhanced or Exemplary, based on performance in three areas: place, which refers to the learning environment (both physical and online), programming and the professional.
Applicants conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence of their ability to meet South Dakota's guidelines for school libraries. Award status is valid for a three-year period.
Congratulations to these schools and librarians!
| School library | Award status | Librarian | Administrator |
| Central High School (Aberdeen) | Exemplary | Lucy Wang | Jason Uttermark |
| Flandreau Middle/High School | Exemplary | Lori Williams | Ross Rollinger |
| Gettysburg K-12 | Exemplary | Mary Quiett | Wendy Smith |
| Harrisburg High School | Exemplary | Sheleen Bauer | Kevin Lein |
| Lennox Jr. High/High School | Enhanced | Michael Larson | Chad Allison |
| Sturgis Brown High School (Meade) | Enhanced | Scottie Bruch | Pete Wilson |
| Sturgis Williams Middle School (Meade) | Enhanced | Scottie Bruch | Ann Nonnast |
| Georgia Morse Middle School (Pierre) | Enhanced | Renae Lehman | Kyley Cumbow |
| St. Thomas More Middle School (Rapid City Catholic School System) | Exemplary | Jenelle Kirchoff | Keiz Shultz |
| Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls) | Exemplary | Kjerstin Smith | Steve Griffith |
| Creekside Elementary School (Spearfish) | Enhanced | Dianne Hemminger | Daniel Olson |
| Watertown High School | Exemplary | Jean Moulton | Michael Butts |
© 2016 S.D. Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 - (605) 773-3134