Rapid City Public Library February News and Events

Library cards for Pennington County residents are available at no fee and expire annually. Library cards for Rapid City residents are available at no fee and expire every two years.

News

Something New

Upstairs & Down

In January, a long-held goal was realized at Rapid City Public Library Downtown when painting began in the Youth Services area upstairs. A vibrant primary color scheme now transforms the children's area, while a different, more sophisticated teen palette defines the young adult section.

Throughout January, the capable painters of Kassube's Painting demonstrated that painting walls can indeed be an art form. They quickly put into place the precise blocks of colors and perfect edges that turned a vast span of sedate earthtones into a fun and colorful space for kids.

On the main floor of the downtown library, there's a new seating & reading area right off the lobby; space that was previously used for a library office. This expands the library area now available for public use.

If you haven't been to the downtown library in awhile,

come in and see all that has changed!

Libraries are Shared Public Space

by Library Director Greta Chapman and Rapid City Police Chief Steve Allender - Published Jan. 14 in the Rapid City Journal's "This Is Just To Say" column

The Rapid City public libraries serve all of our community. People come alone to read or with friends to learn. In meeting rooms they conduct civic business, share hobbies, and even worship. Through these doors, the wealthiest and poorest pass to find answers, entertainment, education and friends. It's where people discover their lives, community and the world.

As public administrators it's our job to make sure that libraries, like all public spaces, are safe, accessible, and open to all. This responsibility does not come without challenges. It does come with public policy and community engagement.

Recently an altercation occurred between some youth near the downtown library. Staff quickly assessed the situation and took appropriate action, calling the police and making sure that injured parties got immediate care. But for some the incident raised questions.

Since the first librarian lifted a finger to "shush" a noisy patron, libraries have been a frontline for those who want to regulate the behavior of others. Some are disturbed by the sight of a sleeping patron who may have had a long day at work, a medical condition or too much alcohol. The Library Board sets public policy that seeks to maintain a safe environment for the interactions of all ages and behaviors. Similarly, the Board sets policy that does not impinge on the rights of patrons by censoring what they read or what they say.

Our Littlest Donors
Many people support the library, but none more charming than Nicole and Steven Wamer. Accompanied by their father, they came by the library in January to make a donation to RCPL. Our thanks to all who support the library!

Winner Announced in 'Finish Fast and Win' Contest
Congratulations to Tim Standing Soldier, the winner of the library's 'Finish Fast and Win' contest in December 2008 to promote use of the Express Checkout machines at the downtown library. Tim won an iBook computer, donated by Computer Village. It was presented to him on January 16th by Library Director Greta Chapman.

Find Practice Tests at: www.rapidcitylibrary.org

RCPL has many great online resources. One of them is the Learning Express Library offering practice tests to help you achieve academic or career goals.

* Academic * Firefighter * Military

* Civil Service * GED * Real Estate

* EMS *Law Enforcement * More!

At the RCPL website, click on Homework Help, then Learn-A-Test; use your RCPL card number & password.

February Events and Programs

- - - for ADULTS

LUNCH & LEARN: Recycling in Rapid City

Wednesday, Feb. 18, noon to 1:00 p.m.
at the Downtown Library upstairs in Meeting Room B

Ann Sandberg, Recycling Coordinator for the City of Rapid City will present our February Lunch & Learn program. Lunch is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. If you would like a lunch provided, please RSVP no later than Noon on Monday, February 16.

(Call 394-4171)

- - - for CHILDREN and Families

No School Discovery Day: Mardi Gras

Monday, Feb. 16, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at the Downtown Library

Monday, Feb. 16, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., at the North Library

Participants will learn the history of Mardi Gras and make crafts!

Family Story Time & Pizza Party: 'Family & Friends'

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:00 p.m. at the North Library

Enjoy stories, songs and treats with RCPL's super-fun librarians.

There are daytime story time events every week
at the Downtown Library:

-- Book Buddies Story Time (Pre-school ages) takes place Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.

-- Baby Bookworms Story Time (birth to age 3) takes place Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

To see photos and videos of storytimes, visit our website

www.rapidcitylibrary.org

- - - - for YOUNG ADULTS
Computer Gaming @ The Library Tues., Feb. 3 & 17, 3:15 - 5:00 p.m. at the North Library Wed., Feb. 4 & 18, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library From now until summer the Gaming Days will be held during the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month. Games include Wii, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution.

The Rapid City Public Library has served the Rapid City area since 1879 and now offers two library locations. Both offer print and electronic resources for adults, young adults and children as well as computers and internet access and a variety of programs and events. In early 2008, USA Today selected the Rapid City Public Library downtown as one of the nations 10 great places to "Find a Nook and Read a Book."

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Visit the Rapid City Public Library online at
www.rapidcitylibrary.org