As board members, we reflect on the valuable role libraries and librarians have in strengthening our communities. A Pew Research poll showed that over 90% of Americans agree that libraries enhance the well-being of their communities with access to education and valuable resources. Rapid City is no different. The library continues to evolve, offering new services every year. Some of these offerings give the community access to education and engagement outside of the library, like passes to South Dakota state parks and the Journey Museum. The library serves to meet other community needs with notary and faxing services and WIFI hot spots that allow internet access for those who are otherwise without this vital connection.

Through the generosity of our community, the Rapid City Library Foundation has been able to fund projects to enhance the library’s services, beyond what is possible through the library’s operational budget. Recent examples include the library’s first bookmobile since the 1980s and re-landscaping the library property with xeriscape and low-maintenance plants and a musical garden.

We appreciate all who have donated to the Rapid City Library Foundation; your generous contributions have made these projects possible, and we look forward to more library enhancements in the future.

The Rapid City Library Foundation’s mission is to foster a legacy of excellence in community education and enrichment through the Rapid City Public Library.

 The Rapid City Library Foundation strongly believes that the library plays a vital role in building and sustaining a literate community, promoting healthy mind and bodies, and encouraging civic engagement while offering access to 21st Century technology. The Rapid City Public Library is a cornerstone of our community's high quality of life, as reflected in heavy use by regional residents and high praise from library visitors.

The Foundation’s Library Endowment

Rapid City Public Library is an indispensable asset to our community. Building an endowment to enhance library services ensures the library’s continuation as the place where dreams are realized and keeps the community educated, informed, and prepared for the future.

The Rapid City Library Foundation’s endowment prudently invests your gift to grow over time. Earnings from the fund are used to enhance library events, collections, technology, and services. The principal remains in the fund, locally and professionally invested, providing supplemental income to the library for years to come.

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Foundation Projects and Support

Your gifts to the Rapid City Library Foundation have helped to make remarkable events and outcomes possible, including:

  • 2025 - Re-landscaping of library lot, including musical garden

  • 2022 - Bookmobile fundraising and purchase

  • 2017 - Maurice Sendak art exhibit

  • 2017 - Author talk and reception, Sandra Brannan and Joseph Bottum

  • 2015 - Library renovation, Local History Room

  • 2015 - Author talk and reception, Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner

  • 2014 - Books for Babies program began

  • 2012 - Author talk and reception, Richard Paul Evans

  • 2010 - Author talk and reception, CJ Box

  • 2008 - Chamber of Commerce mixer at the library

  • 2007 - Library renovation of main floor

  • 2007 - Author talk and reception, Matthew Bogdanos

  • 2007 - Big Read community-wide program

  • 2006 - Author talk and reception, Senator George McGovern

  • 2006 - Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser

  • 2005 - Author talk and reception, Dan O’Brien and Alexandra Fuller

  • 2005 - One Book, One Community program

  • 2004 - Author talk and reception, Stephanie Kane

  • 2004 - Chamber of Commerce mixer at the library

  • 2004 - One Book, One Community program

  • 2003 - Author talk and reception, Kent Meyers

  • 2003 - One Book, One Community program

  • 2001 - Library expansion

    • Foundation was challenged to raise $500,000, raised $646,900

The Rapid City Public Library is a thriving and valued community resource serving the citizens of Rapid City and Pennington County.

The Rapid City Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law; tax ID:46-0442680.

Contact us

Rapid City Library Foundation
busoffice@rcplib.org
(605) 394-6139

PO Box 1015
Rapid City SD 57709-1015