Dell Rapids was one of eight South Dakota public libraries to receive accreditation by the South Dakota State Library in 2016. The libraries were honored in front of lawmakers, library colleagues and community members at the Capitol rotunda Wednesday, January 20th. This event was held in conjunction with the annual South Dakota Library Association Library Legislative Day.
Accredited libraries demonstrate that they meet important benchmarks for providing high quality library services to their communities. Public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced or Exemplary. Libraries are evaluated in the following areas, as outlined in South Dakota Public Library Standards: governance, administration, access, collections and resources, funding, staffing, technology and public relations. Dell Rapids received an Enhanced accreditation.
Besides Dell Rapids, the following libraries have been accredited: Brookings Public, Watertown Regional Library, Edgemont Public Library, Madison Public Library, Hill City Community Library, Scotland Community Library and Potter County Free Public Library (Gettysburg).