This award is designed to recognize a non-librarian who has made a significant contribution to library development in a South Dakota community. The Friend is someone who has shown initiative, support, and creativity on behalf of a South Dakota library to the betterment of the library and its services.

• 2009 Steve Willard, Superintendent - Belle Fourche School District
• 2008 Gil & Lillian Johnson, Chamberlain
• 2007 Guy Mackner, Western Books
• 2006 Gwen Kinsey, KELO and Jon Hoecherl, Slumberland
• 2005 Bill DeJohn and Minitex
• 2004 Dr. Don Simmons, SD Center for the Book
• 2003 Dr. Warren Wilson, S.D. Board of Regents
• 2001 Pauline Lloyd Davies, Alexander Mitchell Public Library
• 2000 Bert Van Essen, Potter County Library, Gettysburg
• 1999 Steve and Mary Waller, Vermillion Public Library
• 1997 Gary Johnson, SDLN
• 1995 Robert Fanning, volunteer, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Spearfish
• 1994 Steve Linstrom, SD Director of Information Services, Pierre
• 1993 Mahylen Niles, Chamberlain Public Library
• 1991 Richard Collins, Faith
• 1989 Linda Seifert, Vermillion
• 1988 Gov. George S. Mickelson and Dr. Helmer Myklebust, Sioux Falls
• 1987 Pizza Hut Corporation
• 1986 Rep. Mary Edelen, Vermillion
• 1985 Bonnie McNeill, Custer
• 1984 Dorothie Mahoney, Rapid City
• 1983 Emil M. Larson, Clark
• 1982 SD Broadcasting Company
• 1981 Gov. William J. Janklow
• 1980 SD Telephone Pioneers
• 1979 Mrs. Theodore H. Meyer and Neal Meyer, DeSmet
• 1978 Jeanette Lusk, Huron
• 1977 Herman Chilson, Webster