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RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — No matter how much technology changes, the Rapid City Public Library continues to be a popular way for its patrons to get information and entertainment.
Whether it was digital or printed books, movies and music, or other materials, library officials said on April 18 that the system in 2015 exceeded 1 million circulations, marking the seventh straight year over the million mark, the Rapid City Journal (http://bit.ly/1U7iVVd ) reports.
The milestone was a highlight of the library system's 2015 annual report that was released April 18 and showed steady support of the local library by its users.
"Of course libraries are relevant," said Jim McShane, library director.
That relevancy is backed up by the number of reference and reader inquiry interactions with staff, which were up 69 percent last year. On average, 1,151 people each day visited one of the library's two locations, the main branch at 610 Quincy St. downtown, and a north branch at General Beadle Elementary School at 10 Van Buren St.
Circulation in 2015 included 114,468 digital items checked out, which is considered a substantial number, McShane said. But he noted that circulation of print-edition books and DVDs increased last year, too.
"We have a good selection and we're really proud of that," McShane said.
The library added new services last year, including CHAOS (Creative Hands-on, Activity Original Space) Maker Space featuring three-dimensional printers and other activities.
The library also opened a historical collections room, where residents can record oral histories and do genealogical research, upgraded its catalog system, opened a Friends of the Library Bookstore and offers iPad lending services as well.
The report said participation in children's programs was up 38 percent with nearly 13,000 children taking advantage of literacy, education and entertainment programs.
McShane said the library plans to seek no increase in funding for 2017. The city's portion of the library budget for 2016 was $3,079,642, with Pennington County also chipping in $400,000.
The Rapid City Library Foundation and Friends of the Library also help with funding special projects, he said.
"We recognize our fiscal responsibility to make the budget go as far as possible for the people of Rapid City and we try to do just that," McShane said.
On the horizon, McShane said, is a mobile library allowing patrons to take advantage of all services away from the current two locations.
"We're hoping to launch that in the coming year," he said.
Other report highlights include that use of the library's drive-up service increased 51 percent; social media interactions averaged 15,000 a month; and use of adult programming increased 16 percent, with almost 2,500 adults participating.
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Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com
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