Finding Love in a Digital Age

By Susan Braunstein, Rapid City Public Library Programming Associate

Okay, you are single, divorced or widowed and have decided it is time to get serious about looking for a partner. Where do you begin? Our lives are so busy and we work long hours. There are days when you get home and by the time the dog is walked, dinner and dishes are done, it may be 9 p.m. or later.

Let’s make a leap that a window of opportunity appears. You may have friends who will introduce you to someone or decide to look at the online dating sites to see who is out there.

Some of the more popular sites are advertised quite often but there are others geared toward a specific audience. Check out www.greensingles.com, www.farmersonly.com, www.equallyyoked.com, www.datemypet.com, or www.seniorfriendfinder.com.

Many of the relationship websites will ask you to describe yourself and share what you have to offer. If you are hesitant to reveal who you are because you are afraid of being embarrassed or rejected, you may want to consider looking at the underlying reasons for that fear. In his book, “Transforming Anxiety, Transcending Shame,” local author and counselor Rex Briggs, has created a step by step program to help his clients understand how to manage and eliminate unnecessary anxiety. 

He specializes in treating, speaking and training others about anxiety, depression and stress management.
Briggs will be the speaker for the library’s Community Voices program, “Finding Love in a Digital Age, on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.  In this program, he will describe the upsides and downsides in internet dating, dating in general, and what we have a right to expect. The evening promises to be provocative and entertaining regardless of how people choose to apply the information. Refreshments will be served.

In March, Community Voices will be a “Going Green” panel discussion featuring several members of the community. This will be held on Mar. 4 at 6:30 pm. The programs are being held on the first Thursday every month.
Other February events include a Discovery Days program on Feb. 15 at both locations, with artist James Van Nuys and City of Presidents co-founder Dallerie Davis. Those attending will learn about the presidential sculptures and make something of their own with clay.

Lunch & Learn on Feb. 17 will feature Chad Tussing, director of the Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus-West. To register for a lunch provided by the Friends of the Library, please call and make a reservation by noon on Feb. 15. You are welcome to attend without having lunch.

Drop in programs in February will include spinner and weaver, Rita Nauman, in the lobby on Feb. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Big Brothers and Big Sisters who will be here on Feb. 23 and 25 at 9:30 a.m. and Feb. 27 from 1-3 p.m. explaining their programs.

The library strives to be a community gathering place and offer programs for all ages. We hope to see you at any or all of these programs.