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G2S Project Code: 2024-SD-94516
State: South Dakota
Fiscal Year: 2024
Grantee
South Dakota State Library

Project Director
Director Name: JoAnne Freitag
Director Phone: 605-910-7114
Director Email: joanne.freitag@state.sd.us
General Information
Title: Youth Services (Statewide)
State Project Code: 41
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 09/30/2025
Abstract: The Youth Services project advanced literacy and library capacity through targeted support for summer reading programs. State Library staff trained librarians in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) via the Jump Start initiative, provided a webpage and meeting space for library staff to research and discuss summer program performers, and provided statewide access to Reader Zone software for diverse reading programs. The Youth Services Coordinator continued monthly online chats for youth services staff and launched Storytime South Dakota, a literacy initiative celebrating National Picture Book Month.
State Goal: Institutional Capacity and Support
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$16,875.00
$97,687.03
$0.00
$114,562.03
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Early Literacy
Reading Program (Summer Reading)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Children and Youth Literacy Projects
Narrative: The State Library led and coordinated a variety of youth literacy initiatives throughout the reporting period. A key highlight was the launch of Storytime South Dakota in November 2024, a new program celebrating National Picture Book Month and showcasing the South Dakota Prairie Bud Book Award winner. In addition, State Library staff continued to host Youth Services Collect + Connect—a monthly virtual gathering designed to foster networking and professional learning among youth services library staff. Staff also contributed to statewide literacy efforts by serving on committees and literacy teams focused on strengthening family engagement in early literacy.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 2,760
Number of sessions in program: 46
Average number in attendance per session: 20
Number of times program administered: 46


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 28
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 25
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 18
Agree: 9
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 14
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Summer Reading
Narrative: As in previous years, public libraries across the state promoted summer enrichment and literacy support to help combat “summer slide.” Communities continued to rely on their local libraries as vital partners in keeping children engaged and learning through summer reading programs (SRP). To support these efforts, the State Library provided statewide access to the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) theme and manual. Additionally, reading program tracking software was made available to all interested public libraries. In 2024, libraries used ReadSquared for this purpose. In 2025, the State Library transitioned to Reader Zone as the new platform for tracking summer reading participation. Ninety-three public libraries reported 127,282 total SRP participants in 2024. 101 public libraries reported 118,188 total SRP participants in 2025.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 2
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 101
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Jump Start Training
Narrative: Jump Start workshops were conducted statewide at five in-person locations and through two virtual sessions. Coordinated by the State Library and aligned with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) summer reading theme, each workshop was hosted by a local library. To support these hosts, the State Library’s Youth Services Coordinator led “train-the-trainer” sessions in advance. During the workshops, hosting libraries guided attendees through activity planning and group discussions to help prepare for their upcoming summer reading programs. Seventy-seven of 106 libraries attended workshops in 2024, while 65 libraries attended in 2025. A new Youth Services Coordinator started in 2025.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 3,900
Number of sessions in program: 22
Average number in attendance per session: 8
Number of times program administered: 22


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 82
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 77
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 82
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 79
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Artist Showcase
Narrative: The state library maintains a webpage featuring artists and performers for libraries to consider for summer reading programs. In November, a virtual forum brought librarians together to share experiences—both positive and negative—about past events and to explore booking strategies. Attendees reviewed performers aligned with summer learning goals and discussed collaborative booking to reduce costs. Libraries handled their own bookings and payments. Due to the 2025 budget uncertainty, the webpage was not updated. 2023 participants: 39 2024 participants: 22
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 33
Number of times program administered: 2


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
During the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session, the SD State Library faced near elimination under the Governor’s proposed budget, which would have retained only the talking book program and two staff positions. While the library ultimately lost four FTEs and some resources, youth literacy programs were preserved. This challenge has prompted staff to reexamine workflows and identify opportunities for greater efficiency.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
In response to the potential loss of staff and programs, the South Dakota State Library has undertaken a critical review of its services and staffing to identify opportunities for greater efficiency. As a result, Reader Zone was adopted as a more cost-effective alternative to ReadSquared for reading program tracking. Additionally, the Artist Showcase activity will be integrated into the Summer Reading Activity in future reporting to streamline efforts and reduce duplication.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Engaging with vendors at conferences and through other channels enabled SD State Library staff to explore cost-saving alternatives. This approach led to the discovery of Reader Zone as a more economical option than ReadSquared. Regular program review is essential to identify opportunities for streamlining—such as consolidating the Artist Showcase into the Summer Reading Activity for future reporting.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
Artist Showcase activity will be integrated into the Summer Reading Activity in future reporting to streamline efforts and reduce duplication.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Project Staff
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Review Surveys
Direct Observation
Other: Site visits and calls to libraries that do not participate in our statewide CSLP membership and trainings.
Did you collect any media for the data:
Photos
Videos
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Statistical Methods
Qualitative Methods
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Census – We selected everyone (or every item).
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
No comparison for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: