Watertown, Doland and Sisseton Librarians Earn South Dakota State Certification

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Empty library aisle lined with bookshelves under bright fluorescent lights, calm and orderly

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Department of Education and the South Dakota State Library have honored 10 public libraries and 35 librarians statewide for achieving accreditation and professional certification — including notable recognitions for Watertown, Doland, and Sisseton.

State officials announced the awards at the annual South Dakota Library Association Conference, highlighting library staff's commitment to strengthening community access, resources, and professional standards.

Libraries are accredited for excellence in governance, collections, staffing, technology, and public relations. Certification recognizes library professionals who complete ongoing training to enhance the services they provide.

State Librarian George Seamon praised this year’s recipients, noting their “devotion to serving their communities” and their efforts to exceed statewide standards.

Local & Regional Honorees

Watertown Regional Library • Maria Gruener earned statewide certification for her continued professional development and service to Codington County residents.
Doland Community Library • Natasha Noethlich earned professional certification, highlighting Doland’s ongoing investment in rural library services.
Sisseton Memorial Library • Janet Schmidt earned certification, representing one of Roberts County’s most active community libraries.

Statewide Recognitions

This cycle's accredited libraries include Canton, Custer County, Deadwood, Lemmon, North Sioux City, Piedmont Valley, Pierre’s R.E. Rawlins Municipal Library, Scotland, Tripp County, and Wall.

Certification honorees represent libraries across the state, including Alcester, Springfield, Spearfish, Huron, Rapid City, Redfield, Scotland, Sioux Falls, Sturgis, Vermillion, Wall, and the local/regional libraries in Watertown, Doland, and Sisseton.

Accredited Libraries (Statewide)

• Canton Public Library

• Custer County Library

• Deadwood Public Library

• Lemmon Public Library

• North Sioux City Community Library

• Piedmont Valley Library

• R.E. Rawlins Municipal Library (Pierre)

• Scotland Community Library

• Tripp County Library Grossenburg Memorial

• Wall Community Library

Certified Librarians (Statewide)

Paige German (Alcester)

Tiana McKinney (Canton),

Sarah Myers (Custer County),

Kathy McKillip (Deadwood),

Monica Nepper (Deadwood),

Kennedy Penk (Deadwood),

Shanai Schwindt (Deadwood),

Jessica Tolar (Deadwood),

Natasha Noethlich (Doland),

Kelly Namminga (Springfield),

LeeAnn Kostur (Spearfish),

Amber Wilde (Spearfish),

Shonda Kelly (Harrisburg),

Angela Bailey (Huron),

Jennifer Littlefield (Huron),

Mary Jo Parker (Lake Andes),

Kevin Kenkel (Mitchell),

Margaret Meiers (North Sioux City),

Hannah Mosterd (North Sioux City),

Kristin Britt (Piedmont Valley),

Emily Marshall (Piedmont Valley),

Megan Stietz (Piedmont Valley),

Abby Edwardson (Pierre),

Krista Licht (Rapid City),

Sarah Jones‑Lutter (Redfield),

Tanya Bult (Scotland),

Billie Jo Hays (Scotland),

Alysia Boysen (Sioux Falls),

Jayde Hart (Sioux Falls),

Hannah Voudry (Sioux Falls),

Janet Schmidt (Sisseton),

Sierra Frazier‑Riggs (Sturgis),

Daniel Burniston (Vermillion),

Ester Johannesen (Wall),

Maria Gruener (Watertown).

Accreditation is valid for three years, while certification applications are accepted year‑round. More information is available at library.sd.gov.