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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
Monday Craft - Hanging Wall Art
Mon, Jun 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Create a tasseled or beaded piece of art that you can hang in your window or on your wall!
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Jun 03, 9:30am - 10:00am
Community Room
The Rapid City Fire Department joins the library for a special storytime! Firefighters will be present at June's session to show children their gear and clothing!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Jun 03, 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, Jun 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Free-build your own design or complete the librarian's challenge for a small prize!
Little Hands: Art and Play - Bubble Wrap Rainbows
Wed, Jun 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
Community Room
POP into Little Hands Art & Play and explore painting rainbows on bubble wrap to make rainbow prints and more!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jun 05, 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 - Travis Nye's World of Magic
Thu, Jun 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Get ready for jaw-dropping tricks, silly laughs, cool illusions, and even a chance to join the show! Fun for all ages, don't miss the magic!
Little Explorers - Colorful Sensory Play
Fri, Jun 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Touch, smell, squish, and swirl your way through a world of colorful sensory fun!
Color Pop Family Story Time & Craft
Sun, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room
Get ready for a rainbow of fun! Join us for a colorful story adventure as we read vibrant tales and then create a colorful masterpiece with a fun craft. Perfect for the whole family!
Books & Blankets with Storybook Island
Mon, Jun 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join Storybook Island every Monday from 10-11 for cozy family reading time on the lawn! Kick off the fun on June 9 with a special story time with the library and a visit from the Bookmobile.
Monday Craft - Picasso Portrait Party
Mon, Jun 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Create a cool portrait in the style of Picasso during this project that blends board games with art!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jun 10, 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 10, 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 - Color Changing Flowers
Tue, Jun 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Observe how plants absorb water through their stems in this eye-catching science experiment. Then make a nature-inspired bookmark!
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary - Pendulum Painting
Wed, Jun 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Construct a Paint Pendulum and explore the physics of motion, specifically focusing on pendulum motion and the forces that affect it, while also creating unique artwork.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jun 12, 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 - Jeff Quinn's Colorful Magic Show
Thu, Jun 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Get ready for colorful magic, art-themed tricks, silly laughs, and awesome audience participation!
Little Explorers - Color in Action
Fri, Jun 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Watch colors swirl, drip, and shine as we explore how colors move and mix!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Jun 14, 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 - Pendulum Painting
Sat, Jun 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room
Construct a Paint Pendulum and explore the physics of motion, specifically focusing on pendulum motion and the forces that affect it, while also creating unique artwork.
Registration opens Saturday, May 31 2025 at 10:00am
Family Movie Afternoon - The Wild Robot
Sun, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Room
Join us each month this summer for a fun, family-friendly movie at the library!
Monday Craft - Textiles from Around the World
Mon, Jun 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room
Explore clothing and patterns from different cultures, learn about their meaning, then create your own pattern and story!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jun 17, 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 17, 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 - Bee Hotels
Tue, Jun 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room
Use simple supplies to build a hotel for bees and help our pollinators!
Summer Show - Katy Tessman Concert for Kids
Wed, Jun 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Services
Get ready for a fun-filled mix of music, stories, and sing-alongs with Katy Tessman! She?ll share her book 'Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden' and bring smiles to kids and grown-ups alike!
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
Tue, Jul 01, 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, Jul 02, 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, 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!
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.
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
Tue, Jul 08, 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, Jul 09, 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, 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!
Little Explorers
Fri, Jul 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Friday 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, Jul 12, 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, June 28 2025 at 10:00am
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
Tue, Jul 15, 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, 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!
Little Explorers
Fri, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Friday 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 - 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.
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
Tue, Jul 22, 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, 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!
Little Explorers
Fri, Jul 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room
Little ones are invited to join us every Friday 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, Jul 27, 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, 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
Tue, Jul 29, 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, 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.
See all events