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How do I get a library card?

To get a library card, bring in a photo ID and proof of current residential address or property ownership. Residents of Rapid City or Pennington County and those receiving assistance at a local agency that assists individuals who are homeless or living in transitional housing are eligible for resident library cards.

If you do not qualify for a resident library card, you may get a non-resident card for $7.50 per month or $90 per year.

View the Library Card Registration Policy for more information.

You can also Register Online if you're unable to come to the library due to COVID-19. If you register online, you will be limited to 2 checkouts and online services until you bring a photo ID and proof that you own or lease property in Rapid City or Pennington County to the library.



How do I manage my library account?

Access your library account online to view your current checkouts, manage your password, renew items, reserve material for pickup later, and opt in to track your reading history.

View the Loan Periods, Fines, and Fees Policy for information about check out periods and fine amounts for late items.



Can I suggest new library material?

If you are looking for an item and the library does not own it, use the Purchase Suggestion form to let us know. We will try to buy a copy or borrow it through Interlibrary Loan from another library.

You may request digital material directly through Overdrive by clicking the "Recommend" link below an item we don't already own. For Overdrive instructions, visit their help page.



Can you help me conduct research?

Rapid City Public Library offers a wide range of databases for research purposes. View our Research page to access databases, digital archives, and library research projects. Follow the link to Browse our Entire Collection of Online Resources to see a listing of all the databases by subject. Please contact the library if you have questions about conducting research. We are available through email, online chat, text (605) 593-0380, or phone (605) 394-6139.

Looking for an obituary? You may reserve the library's microfilm reader to access old newspapers for up to two hours per day. Reserve the microfilm reader here. For ancestry research or help locating obituaries, please contact the Rapid City Society for Genealogical Research. If you live outside of Pennington County but know the date of the obituary, please contact your local library to place an interlibrary loan request on your behalf. They will need to contact the South Dakota State Historical Society to borrow specific microfilm reels for a fee.



Where can I learn about library events?

View our online Events Calendar to learn about library events and sign up for programs that require registration. To receive information about library news and events, sign up for our monthly email newsletter.



Where can I find library policies?

Library policies are available online.



Need more help?

If you need additional assistance, we are available by phone at (605) 394-6139, e-mail, online chat, or text at (605) 593-0380. You can also Book a Librarian for one on one help. We look forward to answering your questions!