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A Little Free Library book box along a sidewalk in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities

By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.

Mother with two young children shopping at a holiday craft fair.

Your Town Matters! Shop Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Shopping local allows you to make a difference in your hometown. Locally owned businesses reinvest a large share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

Two woman reviewing a building plan in a community workshop.

Truly Authentic Leaders Build Community

Authentic people build successful communities. If community leaders practice and share the habits that foster authenticity, positive change can and will happen.

a group of people gathered after a conference

Agritourism Workshop helps South Dakota producers identify opportunities

March 27, 2020

Opportunities in agritourism for South Dakota farmers and ranchers were shared at the Agritourism Workshop held Feb. 20-21 in Pierre.

a headshot of Joshua Hofer

SDSU Extension Welcomes Joshua Hofer to Community Vitality Team

July 14, 2020

Joshua Hofer is the newest member of SDSU Extension’s Community Vitality team of field specialists who assist with business, leadership and community development needs across the state.

Volunteers working on a community construction project.

Our Community Will Never Change

Change is inevitable in all small towns, but communities have a choice to either let change happen passively or work together to direct it in a way that moves their shared vision into the future.

Library shelf with various board games that can be checked out.

A Library of Things

Community libraries no longer carry just books. Guests can find all sorts of items to check out, including games, tools, and even camping and outdoor gear! These items are collectively called a Library of Things.

A husband and wife displaying fresh produce at a farmer's market stand.

Local Foods Legislation Introduced

Consumers who want to know more about where and how their food is raised are creating a bigger voice nationally. The increasing sales of local foods provides a bright spot for agriculture and a way to bring young farmers into agricultural production.

Man in wheelchair.

Home Is Where Your Life Is Stable

When a tragic accident put Nick Remund in a wheelchair at age 30, his family was tasked with building a new accessible home to accommodate his new life. Learn about the challenges and victories they had during their journey.

A row of CSA subscription boxes with the words Green Market printed on them.

CSA Models

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) marketing is an outlet that allows a farmer to sell subscriptions or shares to consumers prior to the growing season. When the produce or food product is harvested it is then delivered on a scheduled basis to the customer.