RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Public Library Board of Trustees has announced the departure of long-time director Terri Davis.

Davis has served as director since August 2017 and previously worked as assistant director from 2000 to 2015. She also served in library services and operations capacities in western Australia from 2015 to 2017.

“The Library Board is incredibly proud of the library, its offerings and the services provided to the community by a dedicated and hard-working staff,” said Emily Tupa, Library Board chair. “Terri played an important and central role for many years in providing quality and expanded levels of service and resources to community and area residents.”

Tupa added that as the board moves forward, it remains committed to providing excellent service to the public, the health of the library as a whole, and the freedom of the community to consume all the collection has to offer.

During Davis’ tenure, the library expanded its services and resources in Rapid City, including the Makerspace, the Historical Collection room, enhanced technology services, and community-oriented special events. In 2020, the library maintained operations during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue providing resources to the public. In 2024, the library launched a bookmobile to bring resources directly to the Rapid City area and special events.

“Terri has given Rapid City and library patrons years of committed service, and we are grateful for that work,” said Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. “The Library Board of Trustees has the authority to set the library’s leadership, and I respect their decision.”

The Library Board of Trustees will outline the process for naming a new director soon. Tupa stated day-to-day operations will continue in the interim under the guidance of Assistant Library Director Sean Minkel with board oversight.