08/26/2026
Casselton Public Library Director receives State and National Honors
The North Dakota Coordinating Council (NDLCC), appointed by the governor, and the North Dakota State Library are pleased to announce that the Casselton Public Library has reached the Excelling Level based on the 2025 Public Library Survey. This places the library as one of the top 19 libraries in the state of North Dakota. The NDLCC council assists in planning, coordinating, and evaluating the services and programs of North Dakota libraries. They are also responsible for reviewing and approving the distribution of state-funded grants known as Library Vision Grants, through the use of the Standards for Public Libraries. These standards are guidelines for assurance of a continuing effort to provide quality and meaningful library services to citizens of North Dakota. These standards follow a three-level system, Developing, Excelling, and Future-Focused; that gradually increase in expectations, holding all libraries in the state to the same standards regardless of funding, size, or service population. Sheila Krueger, Casselton Public Library Director, has worked diligently to increase the status, operations, and services of the library by not only achieving the 25 Developing Standards but also fulfilling the 23 additional Excelling Standards.
On the federal level, Sheila has been chosen to attend the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Convening 250: Telling America’s Story, in Reno, Nevada, from September1-3. By invitation only, 150 small and rural library directors have been asked to participate in the convening, with the agency arranging all-expense-paid travel, including airfare, hotel, and meals. Sheila has also been awarded a grant stipend of up to $1,000 from IMLS for community and patron enhancements to implement any new idea learned at the event. This could include creating displays, handouts, or programming tied to conference themes.
IMLS Library Convening 250: Telling America’s Story aims to inspire and empower librarians responsible for small and rural libraries to participate in telling both the national and their local American story. Through dynamic speakers, thoughtful panel discussions, and hands-on breakout sessions, participants will gain fresh ideas and renewed energy to create meaningful programs that honor our nation’s history while strengthening civic understanding and pride across all age groups. At the convening, additional program topics relevant to small and rural libraries will include Successful Grant Writing, Library Space and Design, Child Reading Literacy, Literacy: Beyond Books, The Partnership Playbook for Small Libraries, and Returning Home and Doing the Work.
Sheila expressed that the information she gains will help her and her staff improve services at Casselton Public Library for the community. She looks forward to engaging in collaborative discussions with peers from across the country to share the success of the Casselton Public Library, to learn from the success of other libraries, and to work together to find potential opportunities in the near misses that they have all had. She also looks forward to building a strong foundation for future leadership in the library community and is humbled at being selected for this experience.
