Public Library Directors Retreat

The Public Library Directors Retreat is a professional gathering in Pierre designed to inspire, connect, and empower library leaders from across the state. This retreat will provide a blend of learning, collaboration, and reflection; creating a space for directors to recharge while gaining valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their libraries and communities.

The retreat will begin in the early afternoon of Day 1 with a special three-hour session for new library directors. Additional library director registrants will be welcomed at 3 pm and everyone will come together at 4 pm to start the joint session. The retreat will conclude early afternoon of Day 3, offering a balanced schedule that combines professional development with time for reflection and relationship-building.

Registration: to guarantee room availability at Ramkota, register by Feb. 26.
Dates: Sun., March 29 - Tues., March 31
Lodging: The SD State Library will cover lodging for the first 30 registrants for two nights.
Meals: The SD State Library will provide lunch on Day 2.

Schedule

Day 1 - Sunday, March 29

New Directors Session (new director within the past two years)

12:30-1 p.m.: Check-In
1-3 p.m.: Welcome and "Starting Strong: State Library Resources and Support for New Directors"
3:15-4 p.m.: New Director Table Talk/Group Discussion/Networking

Experienced Directors Session

2:30-3 p.m.: Check-In
3-4 p.m.: Welcome and Collect + Connect Facilitated Discussion

All Directors Session

4-4:30 p.m.: Icebreaker and Introductions
4:30-6 p.m.: "The Libraries We Lead" Library Directors' Slide Presentations

Day 2 - Monday, March 30

9-10 a.m.: Keynote Address
10:15-11 a.m.: Table Talk 1: Your Library's Story: Messaging, Advocacy, and Perception
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: "Tools, Trends, and Telling Your Story: A Hands-On Session"
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Working Lunch (catered) and "On the Horizon: SDSL Updates"
1:45-2:30 p.m.: Table Talk 2: The Elephant in the Room: Funding, Sustainability, and Financial Reality
2:45-3:45 p.m.: Presentation on Funding and Grants
4-5 p.m.: Hands-On Learning Session on Strategic Planning

Day 3 - Tuesday, March 31

8-9:30 a.m.: State Archives Tour
10-11 a.m.: Table Talk 3: Leadership Realities
11-11:45 a.m.: Large Group Activity - Collective Wisdom Wall
11:45-Noon: Closing Remarks

Questions?

Library Development Manager

Brenda Standiford

1-605-773-5075

email

Training Coordinator

Scottie Bruch

1-605-295-3152

email

Funding for this program 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.