Library & Learning - Hand in Hand

This Month, the Whitewood Public Library

 is celebrating Love My Library Month by launching  a new initiative. 

From a pre-K to adult  scheduling of events connecting our members to science, technology, reading, engineering, and math resources in the community.  “We’re building STREAM activities into the regular programming of the library,” said Rea Weyrich, library director. “The same way that we support print and  literature, we’re also supporting STREAM literacy. While we had been doing that in bits and pieces in the past, we are now saying this is a regular part of what we do.”

For decades, public libraries have been evolving to become venues for informal science, technology, engineering, and math  (STEM) education, hosting programs and exhibits that inspire children and adults alike, and supporting them in their lifelong learning. Libraries serve diverse populations of all ages and backgrounds, and can be found in nearly every community across the United States.

Libraries across the country have been re-imagining their community role and leveraging their resources to strengthen community-based learning and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement in STREAM.  Libraries large and small are becoming essential hubs of STREAM education for people of all ages. Through free access to the internet, computers, tablets, books, DVDs, workshops and programming, libraries remove barriers to STREAM literacy and inquiry. These services are especially vital for children and youth whose families might not have the means for extracurricular enrichment opportunities.

Looking Towards the Future by Organizing the Past

 Thank You, to those who attended an initial meeting of inquiry towards preserving history of Whitewood and also becoming a friends group to the Whitewood Public Library.    

Library Wish List

We have a more detailed list at the library, but here are some on our Wish List.

1.        The most valuable thing each of you have to give the library is your time.  Would you consider donating 2 volunteer hours each year?

2.       The space themed summer reading program has a number of small and big needs.  Please come in and talk to us.

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Letters of Support

Love Your Library  with Letters of Support

Stop in  to jot down your heartfelt message on why you Love Your Library. 

We have a ginormous mailbox to fill with your messages of support.

Local History and Genealogy Research

The Whitewood Public Library History Collection archives, collects and preserves our community’s memory for future generations of researchers. Written, materials created by and about Whitewood area residents are housed in our historical binders and cabinet, and are available to the public for research. Collections documenting early geographic, cultural and social regions of Whitewood include:

·      documents

·      photographs

·      original Whitewood newspapers starting in 1908

·      fiction and non-fiction books written by or pertaining directly to the Whitewood area

·      maps 

·      The archive’s resources are non-circulating and must be used in the archive.

Friends of the Library and Historical Society.

Organizational Meeting

Tuesday,  12 February, 2019

6:30pm  at the Whitewood Public Library

This meeting will explore what we need to do to have a nonprofit organization called :
Whitewood Friends of the Library & Historical Society.

What will need to be started to establish this as a non-profit group is.
1.  File paperwork with the South Dakota Secretary of State.  This will give us:
     a.  Registered SD Organization
     b.  EIN Number
     c.  By Laws
This takes about a month to get back and costs $35.00.

2.  File paperwork with the U>S> IRS. This will get us:
     a.  Non-profit Status

This takes 6 to  9 months to get back at a cost of $275 - $400 depending on the type of form used.

Annual forms must be filed with each of these organizations.



What would it mean for the Whitewood Public Library to have this nonprofit?

1.  Provide support for the Whitewood Library along with many other South Dakota Libraries who currently have Friends of the Library.
2.  Provides the Whitewood library Director with a method of getting library needs known and, possibly, filled.  Contributions to the Library would be tax deductible.
3.  It would send a clear signal that our community is serious about supporting the library and maintaining our Whitewood Historical Collection
4.  This would be the vehicle that would allow us to push forward with the dream of having a place where Whitewood historical material could be on show.
5.  Once we have this status we can apply for nonprofit grants.  That does not guarantee we will get any grants, but it will give us the opportunity to try.
6.  It provides an opportunity for people to get involved.  People who live in Whitewood and the surrounding area and those who have an interest in Whitewood but live some distance away.
7.  Once a membership list is established, we will be able to communicate on a monthly basis with members.
8.  This organization could work with other organizations to move all agendas forward and accomplish goals.

We need as many people as possible to participate in getting this organization started and keeping it going.  That does not mean you will be asked for money all the time or you will be asked to attend endless meetings.

We are proposing the Whitewood Friends of the Library and Historical Society Governing Board meets once a quarter.  Committees would be formed to work on defined projects.

As with most  organizations. fund raising will be important so one of our first jobs will be to establish monetary goals and what kind of fund raisers we want to try.
More important than raining money, we need to "have everyone on board"  with the overall goals of the organization.  For this we need you to speak up and give your input.

What is important to you?

What would you like to see this organization do in its first year?                             In its 5th year?  In its 10th year?

Do you have ideas that you haven't heard anyone else talk about?

Please talk to us.