Watertown Regional Library to Host Storytime SD Read-Aloud Event Nov. 17

2 minutes ago

3 min read

Open book on a table with Storytime and Northeast Radio SD logos over a warm blurred library background.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Regional Library will join libraries across South Dakota this month for Storytime SD, a statewide read-aloud initiative organized by the South Dakota State Library (SDSL) in celebration of November’s National Picture Book Month.

Watertown Regional Library is scheduled to host its local Storytime SD event on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CT. A special guest reader for the Watertown Session is still to be determined.

Participating libraries across the state are hosting customized storytime events throughout November featuring a reading of “The Wrong Book” by Drew Daywalt, the 2025-26 Prairie Bud book award winner.

According to the South Dakota State Library, the program aims to highlight the benefits of reading aloud, introduce new community members to local library services, promote voting in the Prairie Book Awards, and connect residents with local government officials and legislators serving as guest readers.

Smiling man beside Quick Care banner with text: NO SCHEDULE? NO PROBLEM, WWW.QUICKCARESD.COM, Get treated when it works for you.

Participating South Dakota Libraries and Schedule

In addition to the Nov. 17 Session in Watertown, 16 other Storytime SD events are scheduled across the state throughout November (dates and times are subject to change):

· Wed., Nov. 4 (11 a.m. MT): Sturgis Public Library — Guest reader: Sturgis Ward 3 Councilman Jim Thompson

· Fri., Nov. 6 (10 a.m. CT): Lennox Community Library — Guest reader: Drake Mikkelsen, high school senior and football player

· Sat., Nov. 7 (10 a.m. CT): Alcester Community Library — Guest reader: To be determined

· Sat., Nov. 7 (10 a.m. CT): Vermillion Public Library — Guest reader: Mayor Kevin O’Kelley

· Tues., Nov. 10 (10:15 a.m. CT): Harrisburg Community Library — Guest reader: Mayor Derick Wenck

· Tues., Nov. 10 (3 p.m. CT): Marcus P. Beebe Memorial Library (Ipswich) — Guest reader: Library Director Cindy Percy

· Tues., Nov. 10 (3:45 p.m. CT): Hyde County Library — Guest reader: To be determined

· Thurs., Nov. 12 (3 p.m. CT): Marcus P. Beebe Memorial Library (Ipswich) — Guest reader: Library Director Cindy Percy

· Fri., Nov. 13 (2:30 p.m. CT): Bennett County Library — Guest reader: Mayor Gary Rayhill

· Sat., Nov. 14 (10:30 a.m. CT): North Sioux City Community Library — Guest reader: Elementary School Principal Kristi Maloney

· Sat., Nov. 14 (11:15 a.m. CT): Hand County Library — Guest reader: School Board Member Taylor Droz

· Mon., Nov. 16 (4 p.m. CT): Lake Andes Public Library — Guest reader: Brenda DeHaan, retired Andes Central school librarian

· Mon., Nov. 16 (5:30 p.m. CT): Madison Public Library — Guest reader: District 8 Legislator Casey Crabtree

· Tues., Nov. 17 (10:30 a.m. CT): Watertown Regional Library — Guest reader: To be determined

· Thurs., Nov. 19 (1 p.m. MT): Deadwood Public Library — Guest reader: City Commissioner Charles Eagleson

· Sat., Nov. 21 (10 a.m. CT): Moody County Resource Center — Guest reader: Tony Firman, library advocate and former county commissioner

· Sat., Nov. 21 (12 p.m. CT): Elk Point Community Library — Guest reader: Local firefighter or police officer

· Tues., Nov. 24 (6:30 p.m. CT): Harrisburg Community Library — Guest reader: Harrisburg City Council Member Kevin Maxwell

Program Funding and Library Participation

Funding for Storytime SD is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), as administered by the South Dakota State Library.

For more information on the statewide program, contact SDSL Youth Services Coordinator JoAnne Freitag at 605-910-7114 or the South Dakota State Library at 605-773-3131 and library@state.sd.us.