From the Director
Rapid City’s public library has a history of service going back more than a hundred years. That long history, as a solid and reliable anchor of the community, can sometimes mask how truly dynamic and flexible a library must be at this point in time. Responding to the ways in which technology is currently impacting and shaping our
society is one part of the mission. Libraries must at the same time continue to maintain the traditional services that the community relies on and – most challenging of
all
- anticipate the needs of the future.
All this takes a plan, and the library has one: a carefully developed Strategic Plan for the five year period from 2005-2010. Much work went in to the development of the plan, and that work continues as we periodically review and update. As you might imagine, 2010 can look a little different in 2008 from the way we imagined it in
“two thousand ought four.”
To that end, the plan has recently received a comprehensive review by library management and staff, and by civic and community members and stakeholders. The updated plan is available to the public, either in print format at the library, or by a downloadable file on the library website (www.rapidcitylibrary.org/lib_info/StrategicPlan.pdf). Among other things, the plan update emphasizes the goal that both library locations, downtown and north, serve not only our traditional patrons, but virtual users who do not enter the library building at all, engaging them in their work, play and learning environments.
We always invite your comments, suggestions and input on how the library might continue to progress at fulfilling our mission statement – which is: to provide access to materials and services to help residents of all ages obtain information to meet personal, professional and educational needs.
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Young Adult Author Susan Runholt Book Talk & Signing
Friday, July 18
9:30 am at RCPL North
Susan Runholt, author of “The Mystery of the Third Lucretia,” will read from her book and
discuss writing it. Get your book signed by Susan!
Runholt was named runner-up for the Debut Dagger Award by the Crime Writers'
Association of Great Britain for The Mystery of the Third Lucretia. Her next mystery in the Kari and Lucas series, Rescuing Seneca Crane, will be published by Viking Children's Books in summer 2009.
Susan Runholt shares her teenage heroines' love of art and travel and commitment to feminism. Born in Cottonwood, Minnesota, Runholt spent much of her adolescence in Rapid City, where she attended Lincoln Elementary School, West Junior High and Rapid City High School. She is a graduate of the University of South Dakota.
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