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Kid's Summer Reading

June 1 — July 26

Get ready for 8 weeks of reading fun! Read (or be read to) for 15 minutes a day and track your progress each week. Log your weekly minutes to earn that week's prize drawing ticket!

Forgot to log your minutes? Don't worry, you can catch up on logging your reading minutes at any time and still earn your rewards! Just remember to read every day!

Prize Tickets, Beads & More!

  1. Reading logs can be picked up from the library or printed from home.
  2. Each completed week earns 1 virtual prize ticket for our big prize drawings plus 1 colorful bead for your reading keychain (pick up your keychain with your first bead). We also have big puffy stickers to track weekly reading for younger children who cannot have beads.
  3. Earn a free book for every 4 weeks you complete — that means 2 chances to score a book of your choice!
  4. Earn virtual tickets through July 26. Submit your tickets by August 17 at the library or on Beanstack for a chance to win big prizes. Books and beads will be available through August 31 — don’t miss out!

Read. Track. Color Your World!

Log your reading progress with

Click the logo above to visit our Beanstack page, create a profile and start earning prizes!

EVENTS FOR KIDS
Little Explorers - Musical Patterns
Fri, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Create a symphony of patterns, plus make a musical instrument to take home!
Custer State Park Presents - Animal Tracks
Sat, Jul 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Step into the shoes (or paws!) of the local wildlife with a Custer State Park Naturalist and uncover the secrets hidden in the tracks that they leave behind.
Family Movie Afternoon - Dog Man
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Room
Join us each month this summer for a fun, family-friendly movie at the library!
Monday Craft - Beaded Wind Chimes
Mon, Jul 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Create a dazzling display for your window or outside area!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 22, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Jul 22, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Cyanotype Sun Art
Tue, Jul 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Learn about photosensitivity and create art with UV rays!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 24, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Summer Show - With Flying Colors - Birds of the Black Hills Raptor Center
Thu, Jul 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Soar into summer fun with the Black Hills Raptor Center?s With Flying Colors!
Little Explorers - Colorful Patterns
Fri, Jul 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Practice making patterns with your favorite colors and do some fun experiments!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00am - 11:00am
Youth Services
Children can cuddle up and read aloud to Bernard the Therapy Dog to build confidence and make reading extra pawsome!
Donuts & Documentaries - Veselka:The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World
Sun, Jul 27, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Community Room
As the second-generation owner of New York's beloved Ukrainian restaurant retires after 54 years, his son faces the pressure of stepping up as the war in Ukraine impacts his family and staff.
Monday Craft - Piñata Making
Mon, Jul 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Learn about the Mexican tradition of creating piñatas and try your hand at making your own! You provide the creativity; we'll provide the candy!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 29, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Jul 29, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Summer-Scented Play Doughs
Tue, Jul 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Mix up your very own custom seasonal play dough to take home!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 31, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Aug 05, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
The Rapid City Fire Department joins the library for a special story time that teaches fire and life safety skills to children!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 05, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Lego Club
Tue, Aug 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Free-build your own design or complete the librarian's challenge for a small prize!
Little Hands: Art & Play - Capes and Tales
Wed, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Join us for a SUPER storytime, then stick around to craft your very own cape and mask! Perfect for toddlers ready to read, imagine, and save the day!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 07, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - Exploring Senses
Thu, Aug 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Explore how our amazing bodies work and discover the world using our five senses.
Books with Bernard
Sat, Aug 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children can cuddle up and read aloud to Bernard the Therapy Dog to build confidence and make reading extra pawsome!
A Wish in Flight - Honoring Sadako and the Legacy of Peace
Sat, Aug 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room
On the 80th observance of the Hiroshima bombings, join us to honor the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded 1,000 cranes with a wish for peace.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Aug 12, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 12, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Magnus Gliders
Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Construct a glider out of common household items and learn how spinning an object can affect its flight path.
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary - Coding Basics & Robot Free Play
Wed, Aug 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Learn basic coding language, then use that knowledge to play with the library?s collection of robots!
Registration opens Wednesday, July 30 2025 at 9:00am
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 14, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - Emotions
Thu, Aug 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Learn to recognize, name, and express feelings through creative play and storytelling.
Custer State Park Presents - River Ecosystems
Sat, Aug 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Submerge yourself in the streams and rivers in the Black Hills and the influence they have on their habitats.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Aug 19, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 19, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Cookie Moon Phases & Candy Constellations
Tue, Aug 19, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Learn about the night sky with these fun (and delicious) activities!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 21, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - My Family & Friends
Thu, Aug 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Celebrate the special people in our lives and explore what it means to be a good friend.
Books with Bernard
Sat, Aug 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children can cuddle up and read aloud to Bernard the Therapy Dog to build confidence and make reading extra pawsome!
End of Summer Pizza Party
Sat, Aug 23, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join the library at Founder's Park as we celebrate a summer of reading with a community pizza party!
Donuts & Documentaries - The Hobby: Tales from the Tabletop
Sun, Aug 24, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Community Room
A funny, affectionate, character-driven portrait of the surprisingly massive subculture of modern board games, featuring a diverse group of subjects who find deep meaning in 'meaningless' pursuits.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Aug 26, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 26, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Back-to-School Vision Boards
Tue, Aug 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Craft a collage-style vision board to inspire you to reach your goals this year.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 28, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - My Superpowers
Thu, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Discover what makes each of us unique and powerful with superhero fun.
Big Feelings, Brave Moves - Story Time with author Whitnee Coy
Sat, Aug 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room
Families are invited to join local author Dr. Whitnee Coy for a reading of Elsie?s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Big Move!
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Sep 02, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
The Rapid City Fire Department joins the library for a special story time that teaches fire and life safety skills to children!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Sep 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Little Artists
Wed, Sep 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Bring your little artists in their best mess-making clothes and join us for artsy, crafty fun! Each month we will explore a different art technique or artist. Designed for ages 3-5.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Sep 04, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
Open Art Session
Sun, Sep 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room
Unleash your artistic side and create a beautiful painting to take home. We'll provide the supplies and tutorials.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Sep 09, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Sep 09, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Sep 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary
Wed, Sep 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Hoyt Room
Maker Mania focuses on STEM-based activities encouraging collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for children ages 8-12. Check back in for this month's activity!
Registration opens Wednesday, August 27 2025 at 9:00am
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Sep 11, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Sep 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
Custer State Park Presents - Elk
Sat, Sep 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Take an enchanting tour of the life and habitat of elk in the black hills.
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hoyt Room
Maker Mania focuses on STEM-based activities that encourage collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for children ages 8-12. Check back in for this month's activity!
Registration opens Saturday, August 30 2025 at 10:00am
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Sep 16, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Sep 16, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Sep 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Sep 18, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Sep 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Sep 23, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Sep 23, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Sep 23, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Sep 25, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Sep 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
Donuts & Documentaries
Sun, Sep 28, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Community Room
Join us for a documentary and refreshments provided by The Friends of the Library!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Sep 30, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Sep 30, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Sep 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Little Artists
Wed, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Bring your little artists in their best mess-making clothes and join us for artsy, crafty fun! Each month we will explore a different art technique or artist. Designed for ages 3-5.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Oct 02, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Oct 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Oct 07, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
The Rapid City Fire Department joins the library for a special story time that teaches fire and life safety skills to children!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Oct 07, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Oct 07, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary
Wed, Oct 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Hoyt Room
Maker Mania focuses on STEM-based activities encouraging collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for children ages 8-12. Check back in for this month's activity!
Registration opens Wednesday, September 24 2025 at 9:00am
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Oct 09, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Oct 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary
Sat, Oct 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hoyt Room
Maker Mania focuses on STEM-based activities that encourage collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for children ages 8-12. Check back in for this month's activity!
Registration opens Saturday, September 27 2025 at 10:00am
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Oct 14, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Oct 14, 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club
Tue, Oct 14, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Curiosity Club provides a new theme every week designed to challenge and grow children's imaginations. Designed for ages 5-11.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Oct 16, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers
Thu, Oct 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.
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