Rapid City Public Library utilizing drive-through services, providing for first responders

RAPID CITY, S.D. — More and more businesses are closing everyday, and although people are being forced inside, the Rapid City Public Library is ensuring people can stay occupied at home.

The library had officially closed it’s doors, but has opened a drive-through which allows patrons to check out books, movies, and even print remotely.

Already this month, over 1,000 copies have been made.

“So when people return their items through the drive through, we quarantine them for five days, just to make sure that there’s no contaminants on them,” said Laurinda Tapper, the Public Relations Coordinator at the Rapid City Public Library. “Then we put them back on the shelves, and then when people request items, we also sterilize them before we hand them to you at the drive-through window.”

Several new services have also begun, like the virtual “Book A Librarian” and Dial A Story” service. These services allow patrons to zoom and virtually chat with librarians concerning issues they may experience, and for families to call in to listen to pre-recorded stories.

The library has also decided to lend a hand to local fire fighters. They’re using their Makerspace 3D printers to create masks.

“Last week we reached out to Rapid City Fire Department, and just asked them what their needs were, and they gave us the file that they felt would meet their needs,” Tapper said. “And so we’ve been printing them ever since, and giving them to them.”

The space has the capabilities to make six masks per day. And through the drive-thru, firefighters can get their masks.