Press Play @ the Rapid City Public Library

By Stephanie Bents, Librarian I

Mark your calendar, because Teen Tech Week is March 8-14. Teen Tech Week is a national effort sponsored by the American Library Association for teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, and videogames. To celebrate Teen Tech Week, the Rapid City Library is offering two special programs this week.

First, make plans to attend the “Latest and Greatest in Computer Gaming.” Gaming experts from Play N’ Trade will demonstrate the newest video games featuring the XBOX 360, and you get to try them out as well. Who knew learning could be so fun? Plan to attend on Tuesday, March 10 from 2-5 at the downtown library, and on Wednesday, March 11 from 2-5 at the north library.

Then, due to limited space, only those in grades 6-12 who are registered in advance are invited to participate in the Build a Robot program presented by Tana Clark, SDSU’s County Extension Educator. Commit to attend on Monday, March 9 through Friday March 13, from 3-5 with no session on Thursday, and you will learn how to make and program a working robot with your assigned partner. Make sure to reserve your seat by calling 394-4171 or email sbraunstein@rcplib.org.

If you can’t make either event, be sure to brush up on your computing and gaming skills by attending a regularly scheduled gaming blow out at the library. We have Guitar Hero, Wii, DDR, and latops for use, and we take suggestions on what new games to add. From now until summer, gaming will be held the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 3-5 at the north library and the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 3-5 at the downtown library.