The recent decision to impose a staggering 75–80% funding cut to the Rapid City Public Library is a blow to our community's core. As a mother, a student, and an advocate deeply invested in education and access, I have witnessed firsthand the invaluable support this library provides. From aiding my own learning journey to nurturing my son’s development and enhancing my contributions in STEM, the library stands as a pillar of support for countless families like mine.

Rapid City Public Library is a haven for families, students, job seekers, and seniors who depend on its services daily. Libraries are more than just books; they offer programs that foster growth and creativity, technology essential for modern learning and job hunting, and provide safe public spaces that encourage community interaction and connection. The sudden and severe reduction in funding threatens not just the vibrancy of our library but also the hope and future of its patrons.

These cuts were local decisions made with little notice, leaving many in our community scrambling to understand how crucial services will continue. In towns and cities across the nation, libraries are celebrated as engines of civic pride and personal development, and our Rapid City Public Library deserves no less.

We call upon the City of Rapid City and Pennington County to revisit these cuts and restore a reasonable portion of the library's funding. It is essential to establish a fair, stable contract that ensures the library can continue its vital services in the years ahead.

By reinstating library funding, the community can continue to flourish and grow, maintaining access to essential resources that empower individuals and bind us together stronger than ever. Stand with us in advocating for a future where everyone has access to knowledge, support, and a safe meeting place. Please sign this petition to ensure that Rapid City Public Library can continue to serve all of us now and for generations to come.