Two area public libraries were among 10 accredited by the State Library in 2017.
Both the Freeman Public Library and Mitchell Public Library were accredited as essential libraries recently at the Capitol rotunda, as part of the annual South Dakota Library Association Legislative Day.
Public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: essential, enhanced or exemplary, and are evaluated in the areas of governance, administration, access, funding, staffing, technology, public relations and collections and resources.
Requirements to be accredited as an essential library include providing internet access, access to online resources, presentable facilities that meet accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and primary funding from the city, county or other political subdivisions, and more.
