The idea of a bookmobile for Rapid City emerged in 1949 when the library proposed a $6,400 budget for its purchase and operation. However, financial constraints led to the denial of the appropriation request as city commissioners minimized the library’s budget. Despite this setback, interest in the initiative persisted. By January 1950, discussions about a mobile library resurfaced, and Rapid City hosted a traveling bookmobile briefly, showcasing the potential of such a service.
On November 17, 1952, during National Book Week, the first Rapid City bookmobile began operations. Head librarian Marjorie Smith and bookmobile librarian Mrs. Fay Rennie launched the service with an initial route of three stops, eventually expanding to a maximum of ten. The bookmobile quickly became a symbol of accessibility, bringing library services to neighborhoods and schools beyond the library’s physical location.
In 1960, a new bookmobile, affectionately nicknamed “Betsy,” was introduced to replace the original vehicle. Betsy served the community faithfully for nearly two decades, embodying the library’s commitment to outreach. By 1978, it was time for another upgrade, and the library acquired a Chevrolet bookmobile, nicknamed “Ralph.” Betsy retired in January 1979, and Ralph officially began service in April of that year, continuing the legacy of providing mobile library access.
Despite the bookmobile’s early success, its popularity waned over time, partly due to budget constraints and the proliferation of in-house libraries within schools. These factors culminated in the suspension of the bookmobile service in September 1988. This decision marked the end of an era for Rapid City’s mobile library service, leaving a gap in outreach efforts for several decades.
The concept of mobile library services saw a revival in 2020, driven by the closure of the General Beadle branch and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubbed the “pop-up library,” this new initiative aimed to meet community needs with strategic stops. Initially, the service included three stops from July to September, expanding to seven locations and four weekly stops in 2021. By 2023, the pop-up library operated five days a week, incorporating community events like the Black Hills Farmer’s Market and Family Food Truck Night.
In May 2024, Rapid City welcomed a new bookmobile, rekindling a long-standing tradition. With a season running from mid-January to November, the bookmobile’s schedule features a dynamic range of stops each month, reflecting the library’s renewed commitment to accessibility and innovation. Some of these stops included City Fire Hydrant Parties, retirement and nursing facilities, schools, community centers, and local community events. This modern service underscores the enduring value of mobile libraries in fostering community engagement and lifelong learning.
