BRITTON LIBRARY DIRECTOR CERTIFIED

    Britton Public Library Director Sonya Lang recently completed the South Dakota State Library’s voluntary certification program, joining 36 librarians from across the state who earned the distinction this summer.
    Lang, who began working at the Britton library in early 2022, said she has been steadily working toward certification since June 2023. The process involved both online coursework and in-person classes in Aberdeen through Northern State University.
    “The classes were so valuable,” Lang said. “We learned about everything from copyright issues and collection development to children’s protection laws and even new legislation like HB 1197. It was timely and really useful for the work we do.”
    The certification program is designed to encourage library staff and directors to enhance their skills and stay current with changes in the profession. Certification is valid for three years and requires continuing education hours to renew. It also helps libraries with state accreditation, something Lang said is on her radar.
    “Having a certified director is part of the accreditation process, and that can really help when we apply for grants in the future,” she explained. “Ultimately, it means we can provide even better services for the community.”
    For Lang, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology but had no formal library training before taking the job, the program has been especially meaningful. “I love my job, and my favorite part is story time,” she said with a smile. “But there’s so much more to what we do. This education has given me the tools to feel more confident in every part of the library.”
    She also praised her two co-workers, saying they play a big role in helping the library serve the Britton area and beyond. “The library is a huge part of this community. People may not realize all the things we do,” Lang said. “We help with applications, passports, Medicaid, technology issues, and even serve as a first point of contact for people new to town. We provide children’s and adult programming, assist with genealogy, act as a notary, and even maintain Little Libraries in Lake City, Eden, and Fort Sisseton.”
    The Britton Public Library will soon be offering computer classes, another example of how the staff is working to meet community needs. She also helped start the Friends of the Library group that is working on fundraising for the local resource. Lang hopes people will take advantage of the wide range of services.
    “I invite everyone to stop in and check out their local library,” she said. “It’s more than just books—it’s a resource for the whole community.”