RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Public Library is encouraging residents of all ages to make reading part of their daily lives while expanding programs designed to connect families, students and the broader community.

Aly Quinn, events coordinator at the Rapid City Public Library, said the library is wrapping up its summer reading program, which followed this year’s “Unearth the Story” theme. The program focused heavily on dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology and local history, subjects that fit naturally with the Black Hills region.

The library partnered with the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research to bring dinosaur displays into the library. Quinn said the institute offered fossils and casts that were in storage while it works toward opening the Natural History Museum of the Black Hills in Hill City.

Among the displays are a Denversaurus in the teen area, a replica of the skull of Stan the T. rex in the children’s area and a Triceratops in the adult fiction area. Quinn said the displays have provided another way for visitors to connect with the area’s paleontological history.

The library is also working toward a much larger reading goal in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Its community reading challenge asks residents to collectively read 250,000 books by the end of the year.

Quinn said the library had recorded just under 169,000 books at the time of the discussion and remained on track toward the goal. If the community reaches 250,000 books, the library plans to hold a celebration with music, pizza, crafts and games.

Participation is open to everyone, including people without library cards. The library has partnered with schools, South Dakota Mines and other organizations to encourage participation. Readers can report books online, submit forms at the library or use a recently installed button near the book return to record the number of books they have read.

“We just want to encourage reading literacy in our community,” Quinn said, adding that the programs are designed to help people develop strong lifelong reading habits.

The effort comes as educators and libraries continue to focus on literacy among both children and adults. Quinn said one of the most effective ways families can help children develop literacy skills is by reading with them and allowing them to see adults making time for reading.

For parents struggling to interest a child in books, Quinn said choice can make a major difference. She said allowing children to select subjects, authors and books that interest them can help build enthusiasm, while forcing children to read material they do not enjoy can have the opposite effect.

Graphic novels can also play an important role. Quinn said parents should not dismiss them as simply comic books because the combination of visual storytelling and text can help reluctant readers develop an interest in reading before moving into other types of books.

The library is also expanding opportunities for readers to connect with one another. Its book club collection was recently reorganized after patrons said they did not always need the six to 10 copies previously packaged together in book club bags. Multiple copies are now placed on shelves where readers can check out only the number their group needs.

Quinn said libraries have increasingly become community spaces rather than places focused solely on books. “We are developing ourselves as a place where people can come,” she said, describing the library as a space where residents can spend time, exchange ideas, meet others and build support networks.

The library is also looking for more opportunities to work with Rapid City Area Schools. A kindergarten preparation series was offered this summer with help from a kindergarten prep teacher from the district. The three-week series focused not only on traditional skills such as recognizing letters and numbers, but also on skills children need when entering a classroom for the first time.

Quinn said learning to keep track of belongings, use the bathroom independently, stand in line, sit appropriately and develop self-control and perseverance can all help children prepare for kindergarten. She hopes to expand the program next summer and work more formally with district teachers to identify what incoming students need.

Other literacy efforts are also reaching local children. Rapid City Area Schools has partnered with the Promising Futures Fund to provide students at several Title I schools with books throughout the school year. Students are expected to receive nine books over the course of the year to take home.

For younger children, the library offers its 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which rewards families as they reach reading milestones. Children can earn prizes along the way while parents build a regular reading routine with them.

Programming continues once school is back in session. Curiosity Club meets Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and offers STEM activities, including a LEGO club during the first week of each month. Storytimes are offered Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30.

Teen programming is held Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and includes activities such as cooking classes and Fandom Friday programs centered on interests including anime and manga. Teen nutrition classes are also planned for weekends beginning in October.

The library increases programming during some school breaks and also offers a winter reading program to keep children and adults reading outside the regular school schedule.

Information about library programs, reading challenges and registration is available through the Rapid City Public Library. Residents can also call the library at 605-394-6139 or stop in for additional information.