Library Budget Cut Sparks Equity Concerns, Possible Fees for Patrons

Rapid City Public Library Director Terri Davis presented at a city council meeting about significant funding cuts from Pennington County, dropping from $475,000 to $81,000 in 2026. The library may need to start charging customers, leading to concerns about inequity. Budget cuts could result in layoffs, Sunday closures, and program cuts for kids. Council President Rod Pettigrew emphasized the library’s importance to the community, despite receiving only 56% of county appropriations despite serving 93% of registered borrowers.