South Dakota Department of Education

In a statement, a Department of Education spokesperson writes the State Library is currently culling its collections and resources, and the MacKay Building is closed until that work is completed.

Though proposed cuts have received backlash, committee members say this bill is a happy medium that “saves” the state’s library system.

A House education panel is recommending a budget committee not cut the state library budget. The idea was first proposed in December by former-Governor Kristi Noem, who is now Secretary of Homeland Security.

A new education assessment report puts South Dakota students at or above the national average in two subjects.