South Dakota Humanities Council

10/21/2026

✍️ Celebrate National Day on Writing by encouraging the next generation of storytellers, poets, and creators.

Students can submit to The Next Draft writing contest, and nominations are now open for NCTE's Achievement Awards in Writing and Promising Young Writers programs.

🔗 Writing opportunities for students in grades 8 through college: https://ncte.org/awards/student-writing-awards/

10/20/2026

Join the discussion tonight at Vermillion Public Library!

⏰ REMINDER: TONIGHT AT THE LIBRARY! ⏰
One Book SD Book Discussion : A Biography of a Mountain
Don't miss tonight's One Book SD Book Discussion in the Kozak Room!

We'll be exploring A Biography of a Mountain, an extraordinary work of narrative nonfiction examining how we memorialize American history and how national identity continues to be debated today.

Special guest Anna Van Kley (2026 Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award recipient) will lead our discussion.

🗓 When: TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 20
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Kozak Room | Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library (18 Church St)
👥 Who: Adults (19+)

No registration required, grab a copy of the book if you have one, or just join in for the conversation! See you tonight! 📚✨

10/20/2026

It's Humanities Councils Week!

From October 19–23, 2026, we’re teaming up with the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Mellon Foundation to celebrate how Humanities Councils bring people together.

As one of 56 state and jurisdictional councils in the U.S., South Dakota Humanities Council helps make space for people to gather around art, humanities, and culture—right in our own community.

Events like Festival of Books and One Book South Dakota are in-person experiences that create opportunities for South Dakotans to connect through stories, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations.

Follow along throughout the week as we share how Councils make connection possible.

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! 💛

Did you know that in 1989, South Dakota became the first state in the nation to replace Columbus Day with a holiday dedicated to honoring Native Americans?

Today, we celebrate the the rich culture and contributions of Indigenous peoples and recognize the lasting impact Indigenous communities continue to have across our state and beyond.

10/03/2026

Talk about being busy... 🤯

Author Jon K. Lauck had already appeared on three different panels before 1 p.m.

We took a moment to chat with him about the experience. Take a listen!

10/03/2026

Paul Horsted, author of South Dakota Yesterday & Today, presented at the Festival of Books! He has a booth inside of our book fair so stop by and say hi!

10/03/2026

Marcella Prokop shared her experience with the writing workshop she led. In case you missed it, she has another session this afternoon at 2 PM at the Holiday Inn!

10/03/2026

See you all soon! 📚👋✨

10/02/2026

Tomorrow is the big day for Festival of Books 2026 and it is expected to be a busy day downtown, with several events taking place in addition to the Festival of Books.

Please note that the Phillips Avenue entrance to the Holiday Inn will be closed. Guests can access the Holiday Inn parking lot and parking garage via the entrances located on Main Avenue.

For your convenience, we have also included a map showing street closures to help you plan your arrival: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/resident-services/parking-street-services/parking

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing an incredible Festival of Books experience together! 🤩📚✨