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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 - Mix, Match, & Make
Fri, Jun 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Get hands-on with color experiments, mixing art and science to create something new!
Custer State Park Presents - Pollinators
Sat, Jun 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
Join a Custer State Park Naturalist and dive into the fascinating world of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, and highlight their importance in biodiversity and food production.
Dinosaur Park Story Time & Craft Fair
Sun, Jun 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join us at Dinosaur Park for a dino-themed story time, followed by a craft and activity fair!
Monday Craft - Nature Suncatchers
Mon, Jun 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Use flowers, leaves, and other natural materials to make a hanging sun catcher for your window.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jun 24, 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, Jun 24, 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 - Mason Jar Lanterns
Tue, Jun 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Transform a simple mason jar into a beautiful and functional lantern.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jun 26, 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 - Tara Kingi: Native American Hoop Dancer
Thu, Jun 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Join Tara Kingi for an engaging, interactive experience as you learn about the history and tradition of the Native American Hoop Dance.
Little Explorers - Color Creations
Fri, Jun 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Celebrate color through bright crafts, playful building, and imaginative design!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Jun 28, 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!
Story Time Adventures - with the Black Hills Storytellers
Sat, Jun 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Community Room
Get ready for a magical story time adventure and join us for a special event featuring the Black Hills Storytellers!
Donuts & Documentaries - My Robot Sophia
Sun, Jun 29, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Community Room
This stirring and visually immersive documentary brings us inside the spirited pursuits of David Hanson, a restless inventor aiming to perfect the world's most life-like A.I.
Monday Craft - Tie-Dyed Socks
Mon, Jun 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Create a colorful custom pair of socks (that we'll provide!), or bring a shirt, bandana, or other piece of clothing to tie-dye!
Rebecca Young's Story Shapers Experience for Kids
Mon, Jun 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hoyt Room
Join author Rebecca Young for a fun, hands-on storytelling session where kids help create a brand-new children's book!
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Jul 01, 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, Jul 01, 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, Jul 01, 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 - Color Me Chameleon!
Wed, Jul 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
We?re going on a story and art adventure! Come read 'A Color of His Own' by Leo Lionni, then paint a watercolor chameleon using our favorite colors!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 03, 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!
Plant-Dyed Totes - Color from Nature
Sat, Jul 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Community Room
Make a one-of-a-kind tote using eco-friendly, plant-based dyes!
Open Art Session
Sun, Jul 06, 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.
Books & Blankets at Storybook Island
Mon, Jul 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
We're heading to Storybook Island again for a special story time during Books & Blankets! Join us for silly stories, bubbles, giant parachutes, and tons of fun!
Monday Craft - Wire Sculptures
Mon, Jul 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Plan, bend, and create a wire sculpture or hanging mobile based on the work of Alexander Caulder!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 08, 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 08, 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 - Ice Cream in a Bag
Tue, Jul 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Use chemistry and physics to create a tasty treat!
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary - Pinhole Camera
Wed, Jul 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Hoyt Room
Learn the fundamentals of photography by creating a pinhole camera, then use your camera to capture photographs with UV-reactive paper.
Registration opens Wednesday, June 25 2025 at 9:00am
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 10, 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!
Thursday Show - Dick Termes Drawing Workshop for Kids
Thu, Jul 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Kids in 4th grade and up are invited to join local artist Dick Termes to learn about his famous Termespheres, then create their own perspective art with guidance from the artist himself!
Little Explorers - Animal Patterns
Fri, Jul 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Explore how animals use patterns to camouflage, find friends, and show their colors!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Jul 12, 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!
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hoyt Room
Learn the fundamentals of photography by creating a pinhole camera, then use your camera to capture photographs with UV-reactive paper.
Registration opens Saturday, June 28 2025 at 10:00am
Monday Craft - Painting like Michelangelo
Mon, Jul 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Become a ceiling artist! Lie on your back and paint like the masters of the past!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 15, 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 15, 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 - Beaded Snake Fidget Toys
Tue, Jul 15, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Use your math skills to create a pattern for your own beaded snake!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 17, 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 - The Magic Bookcase
Thu, Jul 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Get ready for a magical adventure! Byron Grey brings stories to life with amazing tricks, fun surprises, and plenty of chances for kids to join in the fun.
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 - DogMan
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
Tue, Aug 05, 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, Aug 06, 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, 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
Thu, Aug 07, 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, Aug 09, 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, July 26 2025 at 10:00am
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
Tue, Aug 12, 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, Aug 13, 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, 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
Thu, Aug 14, 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 - 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
Tue, Aug 19, 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, 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
Thu, Aug 21, 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, 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
Tue, Aug 26, 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, 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
Thu, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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, Aug 31, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Community Room
Join us for a documentary and refreshments provided by The Friends of the Library!
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.
See all events