Rapid City Public Library draws crowds for early Halloween celebration
Dozens of children trick-or-treat indoors as part of an annual event designed to introduce local families to library services.
By Isabella Kaur ·
Rapid City Public Library hosted its annual Halloween story time on Saturday, drawing dozens of costumed children to its Youth Services area. The event offered an indoor alternative to traditional street trick-or-treating, allowing families to gather for seasonal readings and treats within the building.
After listening to stories, families moved through the library to collect candy at stations manned by staff members in costume. The program also featured a snack craft and a photo booth, providing multiple activities for visitors of varying ages.
Aly Quinn, the library's Events Coordinator, said the gathering creates a safe environment for young children who might not join outdoor festivities later in the evening. "Our Halloween story time and trick-or-treating afterwards provides a fun and safe opportunity for families to come and do some trick-or-treating early," Quinn stated. She noted that many attendees bring toddlers who may be too young for a full night of door-to-door visits.
Library staff view these seasonal gatherings as a strategy to connect residents with year-round resources. Quinn explained that the event serves to introduce new families to the institution's offerings. "Maybe we’ll get some new families who we’re introducing to the library and some fun library events," she said. "And we just want to show off all the great things the library provides for the community."
The library is preparing for its next major initiative, a winter reading program scheduled to launch in December. Open to all ages, the program will include winter reading bingo. Participants who complete a line or a full blackout on their cards will enter a drawing for a grand prize.
