BROOKINGS (10-7-26) — The Brookings Public Library (BPL) is proud to announce that Mikaela Neubauer, Community Services Coordinator, has been named the 2026 Support Staff of the Year by the South Dakota Library Association.
Instituted in 2000, this award recognizes outstanding library support staff who make a contribution to advance and strengthen the role of support staff in the library community by demonstrating leadership, initiative, and creativity in providing essential library services to their communities.
Neubauer has served as the Community Services Coordinator at BPL since 2019. In that time, she has grown the number of creative, educational, and engaging events and programs for adults in the Brookings community, while also partnering with area organizations to further share the Library’s offerings.
“Mikaela demonstrates excellence in everything she does at the Library,” said Ashia Gustafson, Director of Library Services at the Brookings Public Library. “She brings an energy to her work and strives to make all members of our community feel welcome at the Library.”
During her time at BPL, Neubauer has focused on building community through events such as speakers and documentaries for Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Pride, as well as programs developed for those with disabilities in mind, with many of the events covered by grant funding she has secured. She has also carved out a niche for programs focused on socializing, including Bring Your Own Craft Night, Silent Book Club, and Speed Friending.
“I appreciate the curiosity and creativity Mikaela brings to her role,” said Nancy Swenson, Technology Services Librarian and Programming Supervisor for the Brookings Public Library. “She keeps our community needs and interests in mind while exploring program options, and is always interested in trying something new.”
While working full-time, Neubauer began coursework for a Master’s in Library Science from Emporia State University, graduating in May 2025. She was awarded the South Dakota Humanities Council’s Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities award in 2024 for her work bringing humanities-centered events to the community.
— From Brookings Public Library
