What's New: General

What better way is there to instill a sense of pride, responsibility, independence, and ownership in your child than getting them their first library card? September is Library Card Sign-up month and PPLD is encouraging adults to bring their little ones to a PPLD location to get their first library card and begin a relationship that will last a lifetime and bring them hours of adventure, fun, knowledge, and enjoyment.

From Sept. 1 - 30, PPLD will present each new children’s library cardholder with a button that reads “I got a library card!” and a gift card for a free child’s meal at Raising Cane’s!

Also, your child will be entered to win a family 4-pack of tickets to either Blue’s Clues (on Fri., Nov. 18) or Disney Junior Live! (Wed., Nov. 30) courtesy of Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. (Only children 12 and younger are eligible. While supplies last. Some restrictions may apply)

The new card must be in the child’s name, so bring them into any location and get them signed up today!

If you prefer to apply for a card online, visit tinyurl.com/PPLDLibraryCardApp, then bring your child in to pick up their prizes.

Give your child a gift that lasts a lifetime… All they need is their Library!

by Jeanne Davant

Veronica Bélanger hosts meetings of the Mompreneur Network every second and fourth Monday morning at East Library. While the members of the business development group are hearing presentations, pitching their businesses, and referring client opportunities, their children romp and read in the Children’s area, attended to by a childcare provider. Bélanger also uses the MacLaren Hall adjacent to Penrose Library to introduce prospective members to the network.

The Mompreneur Network is just one of dozens of small businesses, nonprofits, garden clubs, theater groups, and other community organizations that utilize Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) facilities for meetings, classes, study groups, and events of all kinds. Nearly 70 spaces across the District are available for groups to reserve and use at no cost. Most libraries have at least one meeting or study space; Penrose Library, East Library, and Library 21c all have large and multiple spaces. Through a partnership between PPLD and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, some locations are also voter service and polling centers for upcoming primary and general elections.

Hosting groups like the Mompreneur Network, or discussion group Socrates Café, and tutoring services Love to Learn is one way PPLD fulfills its mission of cultivating spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. From young children to retirees, the Library District encourages people to gather and to learn. (Find out more and reserve a meeting space!)

On a recent Friday evening, Bélanger arrived early at The Hall at PPLD (formerly known as Knights of Columbus Hall) to prepare for an introductory meeting. There to help her were Dustin Booth and Nawal Shahril of the Library District’s Creative Services team, who set up an audio-visual system for the meeting.

“MacLaren Hall is used for a variety of events including club meetings, concerts, theater performances, and dances as well as business presentations and classes,” Booth says. “It can accommodate 195 people; tables and chairs, a PA system, stage, projector, laptop, and screen are available for groups to use. The hall’s mezzanine, which serves as a coworking and networking space, has a capacity of 17 people, and the lower-level classroom can host presentations or meetings for groups up to 21 people.”

Bélanger, a former salesperson and social media consultant, founded the Mompreneur Network after years of feeling like she was penalized for being a mom.

“Being a parent and an entrepreneur combine to form a lifestyle and shouldn’t be treated as separate,” she tells the women who have come to learn about Mompreneur. “What if having a family doesn’t have anything to do with how professional you are?”

She started out having meetings in her home but approached the Library District after the network’s growth required more space.

“Having this space has made a big difference for us,” says Nancy Moore, Mompreneur Network’s president. “Everyone has really grown, and some have started new businesses.”

Lively Debate

Most Tuesday afternoons, Joe and Elizabeth Davis travel from their Flying Horse home to Monument Library to take part in lively but respectful discussions of thought-provoking subjects that range from philosophy and religion to politics, morality, and other timely topics at the Socrates Café.

“We’ve been attending the Socrates Café for about 12 years,” Joe says.

The Davises retired to Colorado Springs after serving with the International Health Office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joe had been a member of the library board in their previous hometown in Tennessee. After they retired, they were looking for a place where they could continue to pursue their interest in international topics and where they would be welcomed.

“The Library was one of the things that led us to move here,” he says. “We were impressed with the services offered and the range of personnel. We found staff to be very helpful.”

Shortly after they arrived, they visited Monument Library — the closest facility to them — and discovered a welcoming environment and a particularly interesting group.

They met some of their best friends through the Socrates Café, which attracts about 20 participants each session. Moderated by Hans Post Uilerweer, the group recently discussed topics including border security, immigration, and emigration; Russia and Ukraine; post-modernism; and gender and identity.

The Library making space available for these conversations “is an extraordinary service,” Joe says. “It’s part of the openness of the community as a whole that is well exhibited by the Library, and I suspect most people go away from these discussions having profited from them, having learned something, and seeing something in a different light.”

Helping Kids Learn

Stroll through the second floor of Library 21c on Monday evenings, and you are likely to see students ranging from kindergartners to adults working one-on-one with tutors to reach their academic and personal goals. Love to Learn, a nonprofit network of tutoring professionals, families, and kids, moved to East Library in 2020 after outgrowing its previous facilities at a church, and a year later moved to Library 21c. The summer session runs until two weeks before school starts and picks up again after the semester begins.

“Probably 80 percent of our kids are in special education,” founder Linette Weise says. “It is a free community program; no one is turned away. It’s open to the whole community, and that is what PPLD is all about.”

“The Library’s facilities, including accommodations ranging from cubicles, desks, and tables to the large Ent conference room, are ideal for the program,” says Cathy Bessenbacher, who helps Weise run the program. The children and their tutors can work individually for the bulk of the hour-and-a-half sessions and then come together in the conference room at the end for group activities.

Being at the Library has several benefits for the kids, parents, and the program. Students can use their library cards to check out books they need. Parents often stay and use the Library’s facilities as well, and many return with their families for other Library events.

Bessenbacher says the Library supports the program in many ways, such as providing copy services for her sign-in lists and making Love to Learn’s brochures available to patrons.

“It’s bright and open, and the people are very friendly,” she says. “They really want to help us. So, it’s a win-win for both of us.”

This story was originally featured in the fall issue of District Discovery, PPLD’s quarterly magazine.

To our Library cardholders and patrons:

As President of Pikes Peak Library District’s Board of Trustees, I wanted to inform you of a decision that was collectively made by the Library’s governing body during a special meeting yesterday.

PPLD’s Board has withdrawn its intent to participate in the November 2022 general election. We heard from the community, listened to feedback, and decided now is not the time to ask voters for additional funding. But, we must continue such discussions if we want to do what’s right for our growing community and the Library District into the future.

As a Library Trustee since 2019, I’m fully aware of PPLD’s need to address its funding challenges and find sustainable solutions as we look ahead to future years. El Paso County has more than doubled in population size since the last voter-approved mill levy increase in 1986. If we want to keep pace with the sprawling growth and ever-changing community needs, we’ll need to continue exploring and assessing options that may involve going to the voters at another time.

Library Trustees and staff heard from more than 1,000 community members during the public input period of the Library’s strategic planning process last month, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s valuable input and engagement. There were many common themes across El Paso County, as well as amongst Library patrons, community leaders, and staff. Two of them were expanding service hours at existing Library locations and adding new PPLD facilities in areas that lack easy access – and those would only be possible with additional funding for the Library District.

As a public institution that’s here for everyone, PPLD currently provides world-class resources, services, and spaces to nearly 700,000 residents across 2,070 square miles. For the Library to continue offering what the community needs and wants, now and into the future, we must consider opportunities for sustainable funding.
Thank you for being cardholders and patrons of our great library system.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ned Stoll
President, Board of Trustees
Pikes Peak Library District

Library Board approves resolution indicating intent to participate in general election

During their public meeting on July 20, Pikes Peak Library District’s Board of Trustees took their first steps to place an initiative on the ballot for November 8, 2022. They approved a resolution indicating its intent to participate in the general election to ask voters to approve additional funding for Library services, resources, and spaces.

The last time voters approved a tax increase for PPLD was 36 years ago. Since then, the population of El Paso County has nearly doubled, with 400,000 more residents than in 1986 – and what our Library needs to offer to serve those in the Pikes Peak region has changed immensely. This ranges from our Library’s physical and digital collections to access to technology, community spaces, and programs for the youngest learners in our community.

In general, additional funding would allow the Library District to keep pace with providing world-class spaces, services, and resources across El Paso County. Currently PPLD has 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources available to more than 700,000 residents across 2,070 square miles. With additional funds, the Library District could better meet the needs and demands of our growing community via our Library resources, services, and spaces. We want to be able to provide what residents need now and into the future – and fulfill our mission of cultivating spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities.

Here’s a snapshot of how the Library could use additional funding to help residents build better lives and strengthen the foundation of the Pikes Peak region:

• Support early childhood literacy and development via Library services, programs, and resources
• Expand community spaces available for use by nonprofits, businesses, and other community groups
• Expand the Library’s physical and digital collections, including books, magazines, movies, music, research databases, online resource centers, and other things like board and yard games, outdoor and sporting equipment, and gardening and other tools
• Improve access to technology for families and individuals across El Paso County like K-12 students, adult learners, jobseekers, and residents in more rural communities
• Expand Library service hours and locations across the county so people can more easily access what they need when and where it’s convenient for them

Public libraries play an important role in every community by welcoming all, fostering connections, enriching lives, and helping people reach their full potential at every step of life. We are grateful to you – our Library cardholders and patrons – for your support of our libraries.

Download the Symposium's program sheet

Art, Artists, & Entertainers

Experience interesting research and knowledge about our local history at the 20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. This year’s theme is Art, Artists, & Entertainers. Artists and their creativity are at the heart of a region’s culture. The Pikes Peak region, with plentiful natural beauty, serves as a rich wellspring of inspiration. Presenters, selected from proposals submitted by academics, researchers, and the general public, will explore the artists and entertainers that have left a rich legacy in the Pikes Peak region.

Film Festival

Sat., May 20 | 11 a.m. - noon

Penrose Library  
Click here to register 

Three short films, "Boardman Robinson: The Teacher", "Henry A. Clausen: The Danish American Wonder”, and "Not Quite Hollywood: The Alexander Film Company’s 'Anatomy of a Psycho'" tell three stories about local artists and their impact on the Pikes Peak Region.

• Boardman Robinson, The Teacher  
  by Jim Sawatzki

  This chapter from the documentary, Rarefied Air: Historic Artists of the Pikes Peak Region looks at the life of Boardman Robinson, cofounder and first instructor at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Through interviews with artists, family, historians, and former students of Boardman Robinson, the film brings to life Robinson’s journey from New York to Colorado Springs. The documentary spans his friendship with Elizabeth Hare and Julie Penrose, his rise to become “the thread between the Broadmoor Academy and the new Fine Arts Center school,” and finally to his years in financial destitution. His artwork, much of which can still be seen in Colorado Springs today, is featured throughout the film.

  About the Filmmaker

  Jim Sawatzki is a Telly-Award-winning and Emmy-nominated producer/director. He has been documenting Front Range Colorado history since 1992. His work has been featured on regional PBS affiliates, local cable channels and nationally shown on A&E's Biography channel. A graduate of Michigan State University, Jim offers video and slide presentations to schools, libraries, and organizations.  
   

• Henry A. Clausen: “The Danish American Wonder"  
  by Joanna Gonzalez

  This documentary takes you through the colorful life of Henry A. Clausen through stories shared by his children. He was an influential and intellectual bohemian man that contradicted the stereotype of other professional wrestlers. A true entertainer and man of many talents in the Pikes Peak region, his athletic physique inspired and allowed many artists to bring their artistic visions to life and his appreciation for art & literature brought people together in the community. Later, his bookstore would serve not only as a place to acquire rare and used books but also as a gathering place for local writers, artists, and musicians to have deep philosophical discussions and debates.

  About the Filmmaker

  Joanna M. Gonzalez is a full-time student and works for the Veterans Writing Community as a videographer. She served for six years in the United States Air Force as dental technician and is currently pursuing a degree in Human Physiology and Nutrition at the UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs). She was selected to present her videography work at CSURF (Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum.) She is driven to help others tell their stories and gain experience in historical videography.  
   

• Not Quite Hollywood: The Alexander Film Company’s “Anatomy of a Psycho”  
  by John Jarrell

  This short documentary looks at the history of local success, Alexander Film Company, through the lens of its biggest flop: Anatomy of a Psycho, the only feature film ever produced by the studio. Although Alexander Films had decades of experience in commercial productions, and its technical know-how and studio space translated well to a feature-length film, Anatomy’s direction and script (with credit given to the infamous Ed Wood) ended any chance that the studio would compete with Hollywood, even if we ended up with a local cult classic.

  About the Filmmaker

  John Jarrell is the Regional History & Genealogy Program Coordinator at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). He earned a M.A. in American History with a focus on political and social history. John moved to Colorado Springs in 2013 when he began working as a math interventionist in Harrison School District 2. John has worked at PPLD since 2017 and is involved in various forms of community organizing throughout his residence in the city  
   

In-person Symposium

Sat., June 10 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

East Library | *Doors open at 9:30 a.m.  
Click here to register

Schedule

• 9:30 a.m. | Doors open
• 10 a.m. | Welcome and introduction
• 10 - 11:15 a.m. | Presentations (3) Each presentation is scheduled for 20 minutes
• 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Coffee Break Coffee and refreshments provided
• 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Presentations (2) Each presentation is scheduled for 20 minutes 12:30 - 1 p.m. | Questions and Answers  
   

• Loo’s Artists: The Talent Behind the Designs of Current, Inc. and Looart  
  by Hillary Mannion  
  
  The Loo Collection at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum documents the Loo family of Colorado Springs and the growth and success of Looart Press and Current, Inc. over the span of nearly seven decades. Through original art, ephemera, photographs, oral histories, and correspondences from this important collection, this presentation will share stories of the artists behind the success of Current, Inc. and Looart.

  About the Presenter

  Hillary Mannion is the Archivist at the Starsmore Center for Local History, the archives, and special collections department of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. She graduated with a B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Fredonia and an M.A. in Museum Studies with a concentration in American Studies from George Washington University. Hillary has worked within a diverse set of archival and object collections throughout her career. This includes work at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the White House Historical Association, Colorado College’s Southwest Collection, and the Bob Moog Foundation.  
   

• Mid-Century Tensions in the Art of Larry Heller  
  by Rhonda Goodman-Gaghan

  The art of Larry Heller (1905 - 1983) exemplifies the American West of the mid-twentieth century. Through an examination of his landscapes, portraits of women, and World War II posters, this essay illustrates how Heller was influenced by his studies on artistic movements such as the Hudson River School, the Rocky Mountain School, and Modernism, as well as by his association with the Broadmoor Art Academy and his work with the Alexander Film Company. The paper argues that Heller’s art conveys a tension between an idealized past and the rocky reality of the middle decades of the 1900s.

  About the Presenter

  Rhonda Goodman-Gaghan is the Assistant Director and Curator at the UCCS Heller Center for Arts & Humanities. She holds a Master’s in Early American Culture from the Winterthur Program, a Master’s in History from Villanova University, and a Bachelor’s from Williams College. Her current research highlights Pueblo Revival Architecture, the Indigenous People of Colorado Springs, and local, state, and regional history.  
   

• Peter, James, John, Rose, and Dorothy: The Palmer Families' Transatlantic Artistic Friendships  
  by Susan Fletcher

  William, Queen, Elsie, Dorothy, and Marjory Palmer cultivated relationships with writers and painters in Colorado and Europe. These friendships had a profound impact upon the cultural life of the Pikes Peak region. The presentation will examine these friendships through the lens of four works of art that have ties to the region: Rose Kingsley’s book, South by West; John Singer Sargent’s portrait, Miss Elsie Palmer; Peter Harrison’s painting, The Garden of the Gods; and watercolorist Dorothy Comyns Carr’s diary from her visit to Glen Eyrie in 1902.

  About the Presenter

  Susan Fletcher is a local historian and award-winning writer. She serves as the Director of History and Archives for The Navigators and Glen Eyrie. She is also the founder and CEO of History Joy Consulting, an archives and museum consulting firm. Fletcher earned her M.A. in History from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. She is the author of Exploring Childhood and Play Through 50 Historic Treasures, one of Booklist Magazine's top ten sports books of 2020. It was also a winner in the 2020 Colorado Authors League Awards of Excellence. She is also the author of Light and Life: First Presbyterian Church at 150, and the co-author of The Glen Eyrie Story and Dawson Trotman in His Own Words.  
   

• Reframing Colorado Springs:  
  The Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival and the Memory of Amendment 2  
  by John Jarrell

  The Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival was an LGBT film festival hosted from 2000 - 2011. Film Festival Director Alma Cremonesi’s vision was to supplant Amendment 2’s influence on outside perspectives of Colorado Springs. The presentation will cover LGBTQ+ activism in Colorado Springs from the 1980s, Amendment 2, its aftermath in the 1990s, and finally, the rise and fall of the film festival beginning in 2000.  
  
  About the Presenter  
  John Jarrell is the Regional History & Genealogy Program Coordinator at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). He earned an M.A. in American History with a focus on political and social history. John moved to Colorado Springs in 2013 when he began working as a math interventionist in Harrison School District 2. He has worked at PPLD since 2017 and is involved in various forms of community organization throughout his residence in the city.

• Ernestine Parsons: More Than the Artist You Didn’t Know You Knew  
  by Doris McCraw

  Ernestine Parsons is best known to most as a teacher of history at Colorado Springs High School, later known as Palmer High School. What people may not remember is her work on behalf of women’s rights and her work with the arts community and as an artist.

  About the Presenter

  Doris McCraw has always been intrigued by the stories of others. From an early age she was always an eager listener. She started performing for audiences at the age of two and a half and has continued since that time. Her passion for history and historic characters began when she was writing her one-woman show, based on the history of her family and the region where she grew up. After the premiere of that show, Doris began telling the stories of Colorado, the Pikes Peak region, and Colorado Springs.

Virtual Symposium

Mon., June 12 | 7 p.m.  
Zoom link will be provided after registration

Click here to register

• The Colorado Springs Civic Players: When Broadway Met Our Town  
  by Katherine Scott Sturdevant and Rick W. Sturdevant

  In the mid-twentieth century, Colorado Springs hosted a remarkable, colorfully-theatrical population who, with the Fine Arts Center and other venues, developed a respectable representation of Broadway at the base of Pikes Peak. This presentation will share the earliest colorful origins of this city’s Broadway roots and glory days, as well as the rich, social history that its historical collection represents.

  About the Presenter

  Katherine Scott Sturdevant is Senior Professor of History at Pikes Peak State College, where she has taught and served in many roles for more than 30 years. Rick W. Sturdevant, PhD, joined the U.S. Air Force History & Museums Program in 1984 and has been Space Force Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) Director of History since November 2021. Both have participated in the Pikes Peak Library District Symposia and contributed to most of the resulting Regional History Series publications since their inception.

• The Flapper became the Life of the Party: The Jazz Age in Colorado Springs  
  by Chris Nicholl

  “Dancing in the high school building will not be tolerated in the future, according to an order posted in the building yesterday morning by Prof. William S. Roe. Students have been in the habit of using the cafeteria, spending their idle hours mastering new steps," it is said.” From its earliest days, Colorado Springs’ society enjoyed dances and dancing but suddenly new, troublesome, steps were being introduced in the High School. Whether Professor Roe knew it or not, his order announced that the Jazz Age had come to Colorado Springs.

  About the Presenter

  Chris Nicholl holds an M.A. in history. She was a Senior Library Associate in the Special Collections Department of Pikes Peak Library District and served as a co-organizer of the Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium since its founding in 2003.

• Original Jewelers of Colorado Springs 1895 - 1910: Their Titles and What They Offered  
  by Lyndsey Rieple

  During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Colorado Springs flourished and grew dramatically. This presentation details the original jewelers of the area and what they were selling. Rieple will address questions like: Did they make the jewelry? Did they use gold from the Rush? Were they reselling goods manufactured in Rhode Island and New York?

  About the Presenter

  Lyndsey went full-time with her jewelry business in August of 2021 after nine years of working for other jewelry retailers while pursuing her business on the side. In her original work as an illustrator, drawer, and mural artist, she replicated a Works Progress Administration (WPA) mural for the Denton County Courthouse Museum. She also worked in the archives at Alfred, NY, as well as the Bayless-Selby House in Denton, Texas. She particularly values context which comes through story, community, and history.

Pikes Peak Library District is proud to present the 2023 Palmer Lake Library Concert Series! Concerts will be on Fridays in the month of August from 6 – 7 p.m., starting with Aug. 11.
This season's concert series will be held outdoors at the Palmer Lake Village Green & Gazebo, adjacent to Palmer Lake Library. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music of this summer concert series.

• Fri., Aug. 11 - Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band
• Fri., Aug. 18 – Skean Dubh
• Fri., Aug. 25 - Edie Carey

by Traci Marques

Like many places across the country, the Pikes Peak region is experiencing a labor shortage. Employers have job openings but either don’t receive many applications or there are skill mismatches between applicants and available positions. Colorado’s unemployment rate recently dropped to 4.1 percent – the lowest since February 2020 – and there are about 13,000 jobs to fill in both El Paso and Teller counties. That means the work of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center (PPWFC) to connect vital businesses with work-ready job seekers is more important now than ever.

At PPWFC one of our core values is collaboration. We understand the value of partnering with other entities to enhance the quality and depth of our services for job seekers and employers. In today’s world of workforce challenges, it truly takes a village to ensure we’re aligning the skills in our workforce with the needs of local businesses.

One of our most valued relationships is with the Adult Education team of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). PPWFC is a one-stop shop that helps job seekers or individuals looking to make a career transition to access a variety of resources and opportunities like job training or workshops. Like other community partners, PPLD is a mandatory partner under our federal grant, Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA ensures a collaborative approach to workforce programs, knowing that there is no wrong door to access workforce services. PPLD’s Adult Education team often enhances our work by providing résumé building and other programs to job seekers who aren’t quite ready to come directly to PPWFC for services. It’s instrumental in ensuring job seekers who walk through our doors are set up for success.

An industry hit particularly hard during the pandemic is the service and restaurant industry. We’re still seeing such businesses experience challenges finding qualified staff, and that’s one reason why we have proudly partnered with PPLD for food industry training courses. This five-week program is led by a professionally trained chef who helps participants secure a ServSafe Food Handlers certificate and find work in the culinary field as a prep or line cook. The most recent class graduated 12 students with the competencies to step right into back-of-the-house restaurant jobs. PPLD’s next round of classes begin Mon., Oct. 10, with applications accepted from Aug. 22 - Sept. 25.

We’re also proud of another partnership with PPLD and School District 11 Schools on our Talent Accelerator Grant to improve digital literacy, which can often be a tremendous hurdle for individuals trying to navigate online job searches and interview processes. This was a pilot program for all three entities. Through this grant, we worked with PPLD to provide three evening courses to help individuals improve basic skills with computers and email, as well as internet and career searches; D11 provided computer lab space, plus referrals from PPLD. Participants not only gained new digital tools but also registered for Connecting Colorado, a state database to help match employers with ready-to-work job seekers.

PPWFC is committed to building strong community partnerships to solve our complex workforce challenges. We can do this by leveraging the subject-matter expertise and proficiencies of organizations across the region. Our relationship with PPLD is just one example of how strategic partnerships maximize our ability to ensure that local workforce aligns with the needs of our business community.

If you or someone you know is in the market for a job or looking to make a career change, start by contacting the Pikes Peak Workforce Center or visiting your local library. We also welcome businesses to reach out if they’re looking to obtain, retain or reskill their staff. PPWFC can connect you to available resources and opportunities and help everyone take the next step in their career.

Traci Marques is the Executive Director/CEO of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, the American Job Center serving El Paso and Teller counties. Learn more about the Center’s services for job seekers and employers at ppwfc.org.

We're celebrating our communities through art! During the month of August, patrons participated in PPLD’s Draw Your Community program and submitted a drawing depicting what they love the most about their community/neighborhood.

Several PPLD locations are now displaying their community's drawings throughout the month of September. Artists have been invited to the gallery open houses to talk about their work with the public and to meet other artists.

Join us to celebrate and appreciate the works of local artists from our communities. Each reception will include a meet and greet with artists and light refreshments. No registration required.

An online gallery is also available to browse.

• Thu., Sept. 1 from 4 - 6 p.m., Rockrimmon Library
• Fri., Sept. 2 from 5 - 7 p.m., Manitou Springs Library
• Fri., Sept. 2 from 4 - 6 p.m., Monument Library
• Sat., Sept. 10, from 2 – 3 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Library
• Fri. Sept. 16 from 4 - 5 p.m., Old Colorado City Library

Need extra food for you and your family? We partner with Care & Share Food Bank to bring their “grocer on wheels” to Library patrons weathering life’s storms. Their Mobile Market ensures people have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as pantry staples, right in their neighborhoods. All food is free of charge and open to the public.

July

• Mon., July 18 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., July 28   from 3 - 4  p.m.  at Ruth Holley Library

 August

• Thu.,  Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Aug. 29 from 4 - 5 p.m. at Sand Creek Library

 September

• Thu., Sept. 1 from 11 - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., Sept. 22 from 3 - 4 p.m. at Ruth Holley Library

Ten years ago, the Waldo Canyon Fire burned through one neighborhood and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. Less than a year later the Black Forest Fire destroyed hundreds of homes north of Colorado Springs. Each fire ended two lives and disrupted countless others. At the time, both fires became the most destructive in Colorado History. The proximity of the fires, both geographically and chronologically, compelled our community to look at wildfires differently.

Visit Special Collections, located at Penrose Library, to see the new exhibit Wildfire, which presents the story of the Waldo Canyon Fire and the Black Forest Fire. Knowledgeable Regional History and Genealogy team members can also help you explore historic resources including our archival records, photographs, and secondary sources. PPLD collects and preserves these historic materials for the benefit of the community.

Whether you lived through these events or are a newcomer to the region, you will learn something about our community with a visit to see this exhibit. Special Collections is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pikes Peak Library District recently released its new vision, mission, and values, and now will embark on a strategic planning process for 2023 - 2025.

As part of this, we heard from community members from July 1 - 30. This input will help inform the Library’s direction for the next three years!

In early August, we’ll review and analyze all public and staff input to identify common themes. Then, a planning committee of Library staff, members of PPLD’s Board of Trustees, and community representatives will begin the actual process of developing the strategic plan in August. All collected data will help inform PPLD’s top areas of focus, which will then impact the key strategies and tactics, for 2023-2025.

The Library will release the new strategic plan to the public sometime in October 2022.

Have questions? Contact us!

An interview of PPLD patron Philip Riegert – By Anthony Carlson

When I was growing up in Monument, one of the first things my family did when starting to pack for our annual family trip to the east coast was to visit Pikes Peak Library District's (PPLD) Monument Library. Our family car never needed a DVD player to keep us busy on vacations. The Sisters Grimm, Ranger’s Apprentice, and Harry Potter were just a few of the book series that kept mine and my brother’s minds occupied on the 28-hour road trip to visit family. We’d finish reading our book, then trade with each other to read whatever novel or series the other was finishing up.

,p>PPLD wasn’t just a place we visited seeking entertainment for our family on long trips (and to probably save my parent’s sanity traveling with two young boys!), it was a staple in our lives. My mom and dad moved the family to Monument when I was approximately eight years old. Mom would take us to the Monument Library once a week and we would load up on books, movies, and CDs. It was normal for my brother and I to bring home 30 - 40 books and devour them in a week. Even at a young age, the library catalog system was easy enough that I could check out or put books on hold all on my own. However, access to books wasn’t the only thing that made the library feel like the best place to be. Whether it was puppies visiting the library to play with or craft workshops, there was always something fun and adventurous for a kid to do.

Once I transitioned from elementary to middle school, I found myself at the library daily. It was such a great place to do homework, read a book, and provided a safe place to hang out.

Eventually, I started volunteering at PPLD, helping support my favorite program — the Summer Reading program (now the Summer Adventure program). As a kid who loved reading, there was nothing better than reading a bunch of books and being rewarded for completing the program. The prizes I received as I completed books and worked toward finishing the program really motivated me to keep reading. Frankly, the Summer Reading Program is a big reason why I’m such an avid reader today.

My love of the library has only grown over time. When I was a kid I loved the easy access to books, movies, CDs, and the fun programs the library held for the community. However, today I’ve also grown an appreciation for the impact PPLD has on neighborhoods and families. Books aren’t necessarily the cheapest thing in the world. A new hard-covered book will cost you at least $20. Without the library as a resource, many kids and adults would be deprived of the joy of reading. With its wide range of programs and services, the library makes it easy for families new to town to quickly plug in and integrate into a new community. However, what’s amazing is how accessible our library is today. I have three library-specific apps on my phone and can download books directly to my Kindle. I typically rotate through 15 - 16 books at a time. Our library is accessible to the entire community, regardless of whether you want to travel in person to a location or if you simply want to check out a few books from the convenience of your kitchen table. And this is all available to the public for free!

The library inspired my entire family to grow into avid readers. When I was growing up, it gave me a sense of place and community. If you’re someone just dipping your toes into what PPLD has to offer, I encourage you to start with its summer reading program. There are tracks for kids and adults. After all, we’re never too old to be excited about getting free goodies for completing a few good books!

Click here for more People of the Pikes Peak Region stories!

All you need is your library. But your library needs you, too! Support Pikes Peak Library District by making a charitable gift to the PPLD Foundation. Click here to make your donation today. Thank you!

Kids and teens can enjoy lunch (and books) at no cost this summer!

School District 11 will bring their mobile unit to East Library every weekday beginning Wed., June 1 through Fri., July 28 (no lunch on Tue., July 4). Meal service will be available 11 a.m. - noon, Monday - Friday, along with a basket of age-appropriate books that kids and teens can take with them.

Outside of East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 
June 1 - July 28 (every weekday except July 4) 
11 a.m. - noon

The Summer Food Service Program, funded by USDA, provides nutritious meals to all children and teenagers ages 0 - 18. There are no income or registration requirements for participation.

To find other nearby summer meal sites, visit KidsFoodFinder.org. 

¡Aventúrate este verano con la Biblioteca del Distrito de Pikes Peak! Nuestro programa Aventura de verano 2023 presentado por Children’s Hospital Colorado está aquí para ayudar a los niños y adolescentes a mantenerse comprometidos y activos durante los meses de verano. Sabemos que estás buscando ideas atractivas y estimulantes ¡y estamos aquí para ayudarte!

¡Haz clic aquí o descarga la aplicación para registrarte! 

¡Gana premios a través de la lectura, el movimiento y la imaginación! ¡Participa en uno de nuestros programas o pon en práctica una de nuestras ideas de actividades.

Calendario de programas para adolescentes

Aspectos más destacados del programa

• Puntos destacados del programa

• Clase de capacitación para niñeras de la Cruz Roja
• Pistola láser
• Noche de juegos de tamaño real: edición intergeneracional
• ¡Lo lograste! Edición intergeneracional
• Serie de codificación: música
• Pintura del orgullo de la bandera de Colorado
•  Sala de escape: ¡Hablemos de los libros!
• Introducción al aprendizaje automático
• Aprende a tejer: amigurumi del Abominable Hombre de las Nieves/Pie Grande
• Aprende a coser: bolsos con cordón

LEER

• Lee un libro de una de nuestras listas de libros.
• Recibe una recomendación personalizada de un libro de un miembro del personal de la biblioteca.
• Busca un libro utilizando la base de datos de libros NovelList Plus.
• Lee un libro destacado en la página de inicio del Catálogo PPLD.
• Lee un libro revisado previamente por alguien del equipo de revisión.
• Lee un género nuevo para ti (ciencia ficción, no ficción, etc.).
• Lee en un formato nuevo para ti (novela gráfica, audiolibros, manga, etc.).
• Lee un libro ambientado fuera de los EE. UU.
• Lee un libro ambientado en el pasado.
• Lee un libro de o sobre un refugiado o inmigrante (como el libro APPR de 2019, Nowhere Boy).
• Lee un libro sobre una persona con discapacidades.
• Lee un libro ambientado en un mundo de fantasía.
• Lee un libro que a tus padres (u otro adulto de tu agrado) les encantaba cuando eran adolescentes.
• Lee un libro sobre alguien que es diferente a ti.

IMAGINAR

• ¡Dale un vistazo a un juego de mesa al que nunca hayas jugado antes y pruébalo! Busca la lista de juegos de mesa que puedes consultar desde PPLD aquí.
• ¡Participa en el   Todas las lecturas de Pikes Peak!
• Crea algo con materiales que hayas encontrado en o alrededor de tu espacio vital. ¿Qué creaste? 
• ¡Prueba una nueva receta, técnica de horneado o técnica de cocina! Busca el libro de cocina perfecto en nuestra colección.
• ¡Haz una película! Dale un vistazo a un libro sobre cómo escribir guiones. Luego toma una clase o consulta el equipo en Studio 21c, y edita tu proyecto final en nuestras computadoras.
• Dedica al menos una hora para hacer algo (esto podría ser cualquier cosa: comida, obras de arte, proyectos de carpintería, un experimento científico, etc.).¡Consulta nuestro canal de Youtube para obtener ideas de proyectos!
• ¡Crea algo en línea! Utiliza el código de bloques para construir un juego, iniciar un blog sobre algo que te apasione o hacer música.
• Habla con alguien (en persona o de forma virtual) sobre tu historia de vida. Puedes utilizar la aplicación StoryCorps para obtener ayuda para comenzar o formular tus propias preguntas.
• Realiza un acto de bondad al azar para otra persona.
• ¡Disfruta de una actividad de cuidado personal! Consulta los programas virtuales de autocuidado de PPLD.
• ¡Escribe cartas a miembros de las fuerzas armadas! Consulta operationgratitude.com para obtener más información.
• Consulta una atracción local con el pase cultural de Pikes Peak o consulta los días de descuento del pase cultural donde puedes usar tu tarjeta de la biblioteca para obtener una entrada con descuento a una atracción diferente cada semana del 14 de junio al 4 de agosto. Consulta todas las organizaciones participantes y elabora un plan visitando https://ppld.org/culturepass.

MOVER 

• Da un paseo por tu vecindario.
• ¡Baila como si nadie te estuviera viendo! Aprende un baile en línea o simplemente baila en tu casa. Ocho canciones equivalen a alrededor de 30 minutos de ejercicio. ¡Usa Freegal gratis!
• Sal a correr. Tratar de correr durante 30 minutos, pero caminando tanto como sea necesario. Al final del verano, ¡podrás correr durante 30 minutos sin parar!
• Practica yoga. ¿Nuevo en yoga? Dale un vistazo a los excelentes cursos: Yoga en Kanopy, que es gratis con tu tarjeta de la biblioteca.
• Realiza ejercicios deportivos completos: trabaja el regate, el saque, el remate, la espiral o lo que te corresponda.
• Salta la cuerda.
• Aros hula hula.
• Prueba una nueva forma de ejercicio o aprende un deporte que sea nuevo para ti.
• Monta tu bicicleta.
• Sal a la calle, camina o visita un parque cercano.

¡Aventúrate este verano con la Biblioteca del Distrito de Pikes Peak! Nuestro programa Aventura de verano 2023 presentado por Children’s Hospital Colorado está aquí para ayudar a los niños y adolescentes a mantenerse comprometidos y activos durante los meses de verano. Sabemos que estás buscando ideas atractivas y estimulantes ¡y estamos aquí para ayudarte!

¡Haz clic aquí o descarga la aplicación para registrarte!

¡Gana premios a través de la lectura, el movimiento y la imaginación! ¡Participa en uno de nuestros programas o pon en práctica una de nuestras ideas de actividades.

Calendario de programas para niños

Si tu grupo tiene más de 10 niños, llama a la biblioteca a la que planeas asistir antes de tu visita o participación en el programa.

Calendario de programas para preadolescentes

Si tu grupo tiene más de 10 niños, llama a la biblioteca a la que planeas asistir antes de tu visita o participación en el programa.

Aspectos más destacados del programa

Presentaciones divertidas de verano

Si tu grupo tiene más de 10 niños, llama a la biblioteca a la que planeas asistir antes de tu visita o participación en el programa.

• ¡Música clásica en vivo para niños!
• Ciencia divertida: fuerzas fundamentales
• ¡Perros salvajes!
• Baile familiar
• El espectáculo de magia de año nuevo
• Hunk•Ta•Bunk•Ta® MÚSICA de Katherine Dines
• Joshua el ventrílocuo: todos juntos ahora
• LocoMotion: espectáculo de ciencia y artes circenses
• Educadores de la naturaleza: todos juntos ahora
• Cuentos de marionetas: ¡Juntos es mejor!
• Diversión rítmica para todos con Helen, La Dama de la Percusión
• Centro de recursos de dinosaurios de las Montañas Rocosas
• Sorprendentemente simple: así es como todos estamos conectados
• Parque zoológico de mascotas Wishing Star Farm

Arte juntos

• Arte juntos: ¡Espío!
• Arte juntos: ¡Colabora!
• Arte juntos: Manos en el arte comunitario
• Arte juntos: Ciudad reciclada

Programas intergeneracionales

Programas para niños con edades de 0 a 5 años

Aspectos más destacados del programa para preadolescentes

• Campamento de espionaje
• Clubes de dragones y mazmorras
• Consejo de asesores júnior (junior advisory boards, JAB)

LEER

Edades de 0 a 3 años

• Lea un libro juntos. Siga las líneas mientras su hijo pasa las páginas. Hable sobre lo que ven juntos.
• Lea un libro juntos en un lugar nuevo, como debajo de una mesa, en un armario, debajo de un fuerte de mantas o en una caja grande. ¿Qué lugar divertido pueden encontrar para leer juntos?
• Lea un libro con dibujos de personas en él. ¿Qué están haciendo? ¿Cómo se sienten?
• Lea un libro ilustrado interactivo con su hijo en Tumble Books.
• Obtenga Storytime @ Home usando uno de los divertidos storytimes creados por el personal de la Biblioteca.
• Disfrute de los personajes leyendo libros infantiles populares a través de Storyline Online, proporcionado por la Fundación SAG-AFTRA.
• Comparta algunas rimas y canciones infantiles favoritas o busque nuevas ideas en Story Blocks.

Edades de 4 a 7 años

• Lee un libro sin palabras, solo imágenes. ¿Qué historia puedes inventar a partir de las imágenes? ¿Puedes compartirlo con alguien?
• Léele un libro a un animal: a tu mascota, si tienes una, o a tu animal de peluche favorito.
• Lee un libro en un lugar nuevo, como debajo de una mesa, en un armario, debajo de un fuerte de mantas o en una caja grande. ¿Qué lugar divertido puedes encontrar para leer?
• Pídele a alguien que lea un libro ilustrado en voz alta mientras realizas un espectáculo de títeres con las palabras. Cambia de lugar y hazlo de nuevo.
• Busca un nuevo libro para leer o escuchar usando Libby
• Obtén Storytime @ Home usando uno de los divertidos storytimes creados por el personal de la Biblioteca.
• Lee un libro ilustrado interactivo en Tumble Books.
• Disfruta de los personajes leyendo libros infantiles populares a través de Storyline Online, proporcionado por la Fundación SAG-AFTRA.
• Escucha una historia fuera de este mundo leída desde el espacio exterior en Storytime from Space.
• ¿Quieres escuchar a los autores leer sus libros para ti? Dale un vistazo a PBS Books Storytime y Harper Kids.
• Juega un juego de lectura en PBS Kids con tus personajes favoritos de PBS.
• Disfruta de Dan Gutman leyendo sus libros, se encuentran en My Weird Read-A-Loud.

Edades de 8 a 11 años

• Léele un libro a otra persona, ya sea mayor o menor que tú.
• Cuéntale a alguien todo sobre un libro que acabas de terminar de leer. ¿Qué te gustó del libro? ¿Qué no te gustó? Si pudieras cambiar el final, ¿cómo terminaría el libro?
• Buscar un nuevo libro para leer o escuchar usando Libby.
• Lee un libro sobre alguien de un país o cultura diferente a la tuya. Comparte algo nuevo que hayas aprendido con un amigo o familiar.
• Escucha una historia fuera de este mundo leída desde el espacio exterior en Storytime from Space.
• Prueba con un libro de capítulos sobre Tumble Books.
• ¿Eres fan de I Survived (Yo sobreviví)? Dale un vistazo a Lauren Tarshis: I Survived para obtener más información sobre sus libros.
• ¿Quieres escuchar a los autores leer sus libros para ti? Dale un vistazo a PBS Books Storytime
• Disfruta de Dan Gutman leyendo sus libros, que se encuentran en My Weird Read-A-Loud.

IMAGINAR

Edades de 0 a 3 años

• Juega a mímicas de animales. Actúa como un animal y haz los ruidos de ese animal. ¿Pueden otros adivinar quién eres? ¡Continúa hasta que todos estén confundidos!
• Construye algo tan alto como tú usando bloques, recipientes de pañuelos vacíos o almohadas. Derríbalo y construye de nuevo. ¿Qué tan alto puedes construirlo antes que se caiga? Inténtalo de nuevo con un amigo.
• Sumerge un trapo en agua y úsalo para crear diseños divertidos en la acera. Hazlo en un día soleado y caluroso para ver qué tan rápido desaparece la imagen del agua. Inténtalo en la sombra. ¿Qué diseños duran más?
• Busca algunos tesoros en la naturaleza, como hojas, flores o palos, y presiónalos en plastilina. Sácalos y mira las impresiones. ¿Se parecen a los objetos que presionaste en la plastilina?
• Busca algunas hojas y pinta caras en ellas con pintura de dedos.
• Haz un fuerte de mantas haciendo creer que es algo más grandioso. ¿Es un castillo? ¿Una casa en el árbol? Acurrúcate adentro con una historia o un refrigerio.
• Juega al cucú o aplaude y canta una canción o rima favorita.

Edades de 4 a 7 años

• Imagina que eres un animal y haz que otros adivinen qué animal eres. Solo puedes representar los movimientos, ¡sin sonidos ni palabras! ¿Cuántos animales puedes fingir que otros puedan adivinar?
• Piensa en algo agradable que hacer o decirle a otra persona. ¿A cuántas personas puedes hacer sonreír hoy?
• Observa la vida marina en las cámaras Naturescape de Deerfield Beach. ¿Qué ves? ¿Puedes dibujar los animales o inventar una historia sobre ellos?
• Consulta el sitio web del zoológico de Cheyenne Mountain para ver sus cámaras de jirafas. ¿Qué están haciendo las jirafas hoy? ¿Puedes hacer un dibujo o contar una historia sobre lo que ves? ¿Quieres ver más animales del zoológico? Prueba las cámaras en vivo en el zoológico de San Diego o en el zoológico de Memphis.
• Haz un autorretrato en el suelo de afuera usando solo elementos que encuentres en la naturaleza. ¿Qué puedes usar para tu cabello? ¿Nariz? ¿Ojos? ¿Boca?
• Crea un terrario de dinosaurios para tus dinosaurios de juguete favoritos. Usa arena, rocas, plantas, hierba, ¡incluso podrías usar un poco de lodo!
• Pinta rocas para que parezcan animales. ¿Puedes esconderlos afuera para que otros los encuentren?
• Crea una casa para tus animales de peluche con los objetos de tu habitación. Busca una caja sin usar para hacer una casa pequeña o realiza una tienda de campaña con una manta. Cuéntale una historia a tu animal de peluche antes de acostarte.
• Construye un fuerte. Utiliza sillas, mesas, mantas, almohadas, sábanas o cualquier cosa que tengas en la casa para construir tu fuerte. Nombra tu fuerte e invita a alguien adentro a leer contigo.
• Crea un mapa de tu vecindario usando papel y lápices, marcadores o crayones. Decide dónde esconderías el tesoro y márcalo en tu mapa

Edades de 8 a 11 años

• Observa la vida marina en las cámaras Naturescape de Deerfield Beach. ¿Qué ves? ¿Puedes dibujar los animales o inventar una historia sobre ellos? ¿Cómo interactúan los animales?
• Consulta el sitio web del zoológico de Cheyenne Mountain para ver sus cámaras de jirafas. ¿Qué están haciendo las jirafas hoy? ¿Puedes hacer un dibujo o contar una historia sobre lo que ves? ¿Quieres ver más animales del zoológico? Prueba las cámaras en vivo como el zoológico de San Diego o en el zoológico de Memphis.
• Descubre más sobre tu familia. Llama o escríbele una carta a un ser querido. ¿Qué historias sobre sus vidas pueden contarte? ¿Cómo era la vida para ellos a tu edad?
• Imagina una bestia o criatura mítica y elabórala usando cualquier material de arte, adorno o material natural que puedas encontrar.
• Cocina la cena para la familia. ¡Busca una receta, prepara los ingredientes y descubre al chef que llevas dentro! Busca a un adulto para que te ayude o pídele que te muestre cómo hacer el plato favorito de la familia.
• Piensa en algo agradable que hacer o decirle a otra persona. ¿A cuántas personas puedes hacer sonreír hoy?
• Construye un jardín de rocas o de hadas utilizando elementos que se encuentran en la naturaleza.
• Escribe una historia corta sobre un animal con una habilidad increíble. Estas son algunas ideas para comenzar: la medusa inmortal; una cabra montés que puede escalar paredes; un pulpo que combina con los colores de un tablero de ajedrez.
• Intenta llevar un diario en el futuro. ¿Cómo será tu vida dentro de 10... 20... 50 años? ¿Tu perro podrá hablar contigo? ¿Los vehículos volarán? ¿Qué estarás haciendo? Cuida este diario y míralo cuando cumplas esos años.
• Escribe o haz un dibujo sobre un recuerdo familiar especial y compártelo con tu familia.
• Crea una película cuadro por cuadro o stop-motion usando tus figuras de acción, juguetes o animales de peluche. ¿Qué payasadas te imaginas que hacen mientras no estás cerca?
• Elabora letras para colgar en la pared con ramitas e hilo o cordel.

MOVER

Edades de 0 a 3 años

• Realiza un paseo sensorial en el interior. ¿Puedes encontrar algo que sea suave? ¿Duro? ¿Abultado? ¿Suave? ¿Brillante? ¿Frío? Identificar la textura de un artículo aumenta el vocabulario de una manera divertida.
• Elabora dos dados grandes con cajas. En uno, escribe palabras de acción como "saltar, escalar, patear". En el otro, escribe palabras direccionales como “en círculo, como un mono, adelante”. Tira los dados y haz lo que te indiquen. Por ejemplo, “saltar como un mono”.
• Toca tu música favorita y baila con bufandas, cintas o serpentinas de papel. O bien organiza una fiesta de baile para mostrar tus mejores movimientos. Dale un vistazo a nuestra lista de reproducción Freegal solo para niños, donde encontrarás mucha música divertida para bailar.
• Salpica en los charcos después de la lluvia o en la bañera de tu casa. Deja caer juguetes para bañarte o nadar desde diferentes alturas para ver cómo salpican.
• Busca un lugar para observar la vida silvestre. ¿Puedes buscar ardillas, patos, venados o pájaros cantores? Mientras señalas diferentes animales, trata de hacer el sonido del animal.
• Da un paseo por tu vecindario o toma un sendero en el área. Señala cualquier animal que se cruce en el camino.

Edades de 4 a 7 años

• Prueba tu habilidad para saltar la cuerda. ¿Qué rimas puedes repetir mientras saltas?
• Túrnense para esconderse y buscar un juguete especial. ¿Tienes problemas? Proporciona pistas o grita "¡Caliente! ¡Caliente!" a medida que se acercan.
• Camina con tu familia o tu perro por el vecindario. ¿Cuántos animales viste? ¿Puedes hacer un dibujo de los animales que viste?
• Da un paseo al aire libre. Recoge todo lo que quieras en el suelo que provenga de una planta. Cuando llegues a casa, haz un colaje con tu colección.
• ¡Juega al tenis con globos! Elabora tu propia raqueta pegando reglas a platos de papel. ¿Cuánto tiempo puedes mantener tu globo en el aire?
• Crea una pista de carreras con secciones para saltar, saltar en un pie, galopar y caminar de lado. ¿Cuántas vueltas seguidas puedes dar? Practicar pasos como este ayuda a desarrollar la coordinación y la resistencia.

Edades de 8 a 11 años

• Organiza una noche de niños contra adultos con tu familia inmediata. Elije una actividad competitiva: puede ser un juego de mesa, una carrera de obstáculos (¡haz uno con cajas!), o una carrera simple. Divídanse en equipos: adultos contra niños. ¡Que empiecen los juegos!
• Sorprende a los adultos con una habitación limpia, ¡cualquier habitación! Si eliges tu dormitorio, límpialo primero y reorganiza los muebles de una manera fresca y novedosa. ¡Podría inspirar un nuevo pensamiento creativo!
• Crea tu propio baile característico con una canción favorita. Puedes guardarlo para ti o enseñar a tus amigos. ¿Buscas algo de música? Dale un vistazo a nuestra lista de reproducción Freegal solo para niños.
• Da un paseo por tu vecindario o toma un nuevo sendero. ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas nuevas que ves a tu alrededor mientras caminas? ¿Puedes invitar a algunos amigos o miembros de tu familia extendida a que te acompañen?
• ¡Toma algunas barras luminosas, toca tus canciones favoritas y organiza una fiesta de baile en la oscuridad!
• Organizar el espectáculo más increíble del verano, ¡todo se vale! Crea una obra de teatro, organiza un espectáculo de animales de peluche, baila con música, lo que quieras. ¡Muéstrale a tu familia lo que puedes hacer!

See english version 
Tarjeta de Juego 

¡Aventúrate este verano con la Biblioteca del Distrito de Pikes Peak! La Aventura de verano 2023 presentada por Children's Hospital Colorado ayuda a los niños y adolescentes a mantenerse comprometidos y activos durante los meses de verano. Sabemos que estás buscando ideas atractivas para actividades ¡y estamos aquí para ayudarte!
Cualquier persona de 0 a 18 años puede participar y ganar premios a través de la lectura, el movimiento y la imaginación. ¡Participa en uno de nuestros programas o pon en práctica una de nuestras ideas de actividades!
 

Entérate: ¡regístrate!

Recibe un correo electrónico de recordatorio al comienzo de la Aventura de verano y durante junio y julio para programas de verano, actividades, y más, para niños de 0 a 18 años. Puedes cancelar la suscripción en cualquier momento. 

Calendarios de eventos

Calendario de programas para niños 
Calendario de programas para preadolescentes
Calendario de programas para adolescentes     

Tarjetas de juego

Puedes realizar un seguimiento de tu progreso en la aplicación Beanstack, recoger una tarjeta de juego en cualquier ubicación de la Biblioteca o hacer clic aquí para ¡descargar e imprimir una tarjeta de juego física desde tu casa!

Cómo jugar

1. Regístrate en Beanstack en ppld.beanstack.org, en la aplicación, o en persona en una biblioteca ¡y recibe un premio!
2. Culmina los 30 días de actividades (ya sea leer, mover o imaginar) a partir del 1.º de junio hasta el 31 de julio.
3. Realiza un seguimiento de tu progreso completando un espacio en la tarjeta del juego o registra un día en Beanstack por cada día de actividad. 
4. Recibe un segundo premio cuando hayas culminado los 30 días de actividades.

Si necesitas ayuda, llama al (719) 531-6333 o visita ppld.org/ask 

Anima tu Zoom u otras conversaciones virtuales con fondos digitales de Aventura de verano: ¡Descárgalos a continuación!

Premios

En el momento de la inscripción, los niños de 0 a 11 años pueden elegir un libro y los de 12 a 18 años pueden seleccionar un libro o una revista como premio de inscripción. Después de registrar 30 días de lectura o actividades, los niños de 0 a 3 años reciben un juguete para el baño, los de 4 a 11 años reciben una medalla de lectura y los de 12 a 18 años reciben un segundo libro o revista.

Encuesta

¿Terminaste con el programa? ¡Toma nuestra encuesta y responde algunas preguntas para mejorar aún más el programa del próximo año!

Encuesta de niños/adolescentes
Encuesta de cuidadores
 

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Our service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County with population of about 700,000 – people of all ages and backgrounds with varying views and interests. Thanks to taxpayer funding, we provide residents with access to 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all. We strive to make our physical and digital spaces safe and respectful for diverse voices, perspectives, and pursuit; to foster community dialogue and connections; and to help people achieve their goals and dreams in life.

Beginning in January 2022, we initiated a process to revisit PPLD’s mission statement and develop a vision statement and organizational values that reflect our public library system and growing community. Having such clearly defined statements and values also will allow us to prepare for the next stage – working on a new strategic plan that we hope to release later this fall.

In partnership with a local third-party vendor, Library leadership engaged all staff in a design thinking process to gather individual input and collectively see which themes emerged – and it resulted in much alignment from frontline staff to management. With such rich qualitative data, PPLD’s Board of Trustees and leadership team were able to craft new statements and values that capture our core purpose and aspirations for a public institution that’s here for everyone.

We are excited to share them with you, our Library cardholders and patrons.

VISION

Access to resources and opportunities leads to thriving people and connected communities.

MISSION

Cultivate spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities.

VALUES

• Access: We ensure all people feel safe to connect with services, resources, and experiences.
• Service: We remove barriers to provide access for all to pursue their interests, needs, and goals.
• Freedom: We ensure the right of community members to interact with and experience library services as they choose.
• Accountability: We responsibly steward resources with integrity and transparent practices.
• Creativity: We foster imagination and resolve problems in new ways.
• Community: We bring people together.

You will see these new statements in many places going forward, and they are already featured on our About Us page. We look forward to fulfilling our new mission, upholding our new values, and aiming to achieve our vision for this great community.

The new partnership between Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and the fastest growing school district in El Paso County, District 49 now places the Library’s numerous digital resources at the fingertips of more than 77,300 El Paso County students.

As of Mon., April 25, each of the 12,899 students in D49 will have a PowerPass, a digital PPLD library card just for students. D49 is the fifth school district in El Paso County to provide this access to its students, joining Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, Academy School District 20, and Calhan School District.

PowerPass grants access to PPLD’s digital resources, like databases, eBooks, and song and movie downloads, all available at ppld.org. Each PowerPass holder can also check out five physical items at a time from any of the 16 PPLD locations or mobile library services.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with PPLD to provide access to Library resources with PowerPass for all D49 students. As a district, we are committed to engaging with parents and the community in literacy improvement efforts. This access will broaden opportunities and eliminate barriers for student learning,” said Stacey Franklin, Coordinator of Literacy Performance for District 49.

Students can also use PowerPass for online access to live tutors and foreign language courses, get help with homework and projects, and to access audiobooks and digital education resources. High school and middle school students can also prepare for their future with practice driving and SAT tests.

“With the addition of D49 to PowerPass, PPLD is now serving more than 10 percent of El Paso County’s population with PowerPass,” said Joanna Nelson Rendon, PPLD’s Director of Young Adult Services. “Our goal is to serve as many students as we can with this program. We look forward to partnering with more public, charter, and private schools over the next few years as PowerPass is an effective way to lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with the people in our communities.”

Learn more at ppld.org/PowerPass.

PPLD's “Show Your Library Love” bumper sticker campaign and contest welcomes all library lovers to participate. Just stop by one of the 17 PPLD locations (including Mobile Library Services), and ask for your favorite of the three stickers at the Service desk. (Only one sticker per person while supplies last.)

We hope to see stickers throughout El Paso County and to encourage others to seek out PPLD and discover the “Library Love” for themselves!

We’d love for you to post it where everyone can see it: your car, your window, your water bottle, wherever! Take a photo of where you put it, then either share that photo on social media with the hashtag #ILOVEPPLD or email it to Communications@ppld.org to win one of 10 engraved water bottles. One winner will be selected each week.

Several current and former Trustees respond to recent criticism by editorial board

You may have seen the The Gazette editorial board’s recent criticism of our Library District on Wed., March 30. Several current and former members on our Board of Trustees decided to come together and submit a collective response on Mon., April 4. The daily newspaper published an abridged version of the letter, but these Trustees wanted to share their full response with you, our Library cardholders and patrons.

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, PPLD has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Their service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County and a population of about 700,000, including the top 10 best-performing city of Colorado Springs. It’s essential for PPLD to provide a wide array of resources and services that reflect our region’s continuous growth and changes. Everyone – regardless of origin, age, background, or views – should have the ability to access the information they seek, even if others do not agree with the subject matter.

PPLD’s 16 facilities and three mobile library services provide safe, respectful spaces for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering community dialogue and connections. Though described as canceled, Monument Library still hosts Socrates Café that welcomes freedom of thought and expression. It also means that PPLD makes meeting rooms available to all individuals and groups at no cost; they can be used for any purpose so long as it doesn’t violate the Board-approved Meeting Room Policy. Denying this service to the community group who hosted Drag Queen Story Hour in 2018 would have been a violation of the First Amendment.

Library staff continuously evaluate what’s offered to ensure they’re serving people of all ages, interests, and zip codes. As part of this, a team of trained professionals develop and maintain physical and digital collections that are as diverse as our county’s population. There are nearly 245,000 children’s options available, covering countless genres, topics, and parenting styles like children’s Bibles, science books, and homeschooling materials to name a few. It’s also worth noting that some of the mentioned books in the editorial are not even included in PPLD’s collection, and none are actively promoted. We welcome everyone to visit their local library to browse the collection, where parents and caregivers can make selections without inhibiting another parent’s right to choose what’s best for their own family’s circumstances, views, and educational goals.

PPLD did hire a third-party vendor to conduct an audit in 2020 that examined its staffing, resources, and services through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion to better serve and reflect our changing community. While the editorial only focused on race, this assessment and following efforts extended well beyond that – encompassing a broader view and focus on EDI that only expends about 0.5 percent of the Library’s annual operating budget.

With a new EDI public service and dedicated staff, PPLD can ensure their spaces and programs are welcoming and accessible for every resident. This includes those with disabilities, members of the military and their families, older adults, those of different faiths, people of color, immigrants, LBGTQIA+ individuals, those who live in more rural parts, and many other identities within our county. Some of the Library’s recent work includes improving accessibility and making accommodations for those with disabilities, expanding services for veterans, working with Focus on the Family to develop book lists for teens and children of the Christian faith, and collaborating with other entities to ensure anyone seeking support can access what they need.

As a public institution that’s funded by taxpayers, PPLD makes decisions in the best interests of all residents and directly reinvests back into our region by creating physical and digital spaces for belonging, personal growth, and stronger communities. That’s why we all stand with PPLD and the values of public libraries to uphold intellectual freedom. No one can thrive if the Library is exclusive and impeding people’s rights instead of being inclusive and welcoming to all.

Dr. Ned Stoll (PPLD Board president), Scott Taylor (vice president), Dora Gonzales (secretary & treasurer), and Debbie English (past president), along with former Trustees, Judith Casey, Cathy Grossman, Tom Herd, JoAnn Orsborn, and Kathleen Owings

Drop by the makerspaces to create some fun seasonal crafts and explore what the spaces have to offer! Experiment with cardmaking, laser projects, painting, and more. Give what you make as a gift or keep it for yourself. All ages welcome and all materials provided.

No open houses are scheduled currently, but we often hold them in the Spring, Fall, and during the holiday season. Check back here or on our events calendar for updates.

In PPLD’s efforts to continually provide resources and opportunities that impact individual lives, we’re excited to announce two new additions to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass. The Pikes Peak Culture Pass is a museum pass program that lets patrons explore attractions at no cost by making an electronic reservation similar to checking out an eBook or other digital resource.

Pikes Peak Children’s Museum is a community-built, hands-on educational destination that engages ALL children and their grown-ups by sparking creativity and a passion for life-long learning through purposeful play. Patrons can explore exhibits like outer space, simple machines, and farm to fork. Pass allows for admission for one adult and one child, additional children under 2 years old are free.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science encourages exploration of world-class wildlife displays that take you to Earth’s wildest places, huge dinosaurs that transport you back in time, interactive space exhibits that make your mind wonder, and personalized health science fun that puts your body to the test. Pass allows for admission for up to 7 guests and additional children under 3 years old.

These organizations join existing Culture Pass partners: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Glen Eyrie, The Money Museum, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site, Space Foundation Discovery Center, and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.

Start a new career path today!

Pikes Peak Library District is offering Food Industry Training, a five-week training program that gives you the entry-level skills you need to find or advance in employment as a qualified prep cook or line cook. The program will help you learn basic culinary fundamentals, practice professionalism, explore career opportunities in the culinary industry, and earn your ServSafe Food Handler certification. Gain vital skills to help revitalize the Colorado Springs hospitality workforce and join an industry with unlimited possibilities! Starting pay rates in the Colorado Springs area range from $15 - 17 per hour depending on the position.

No previous experience is required and there is no cost to participate. Participants must intend to pursue a career in the culinary industry. Food Industry Training will be offered multiple times each year. Check back for future dates or contact us to be notified of future dates.

Class Dates: 

Mon., Mar. 25 through Fri., April 26, 2024

Click here to submit your application

• Time: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Library 21c
• Address: 1175 Chapel Hills, Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
• Applications will open later this year. Please check back for more details
• Applicants must complete a phone interview and in-person interview in order to be eligible for acceptance into the program.
• If you are officially accepted into this training program, orientation information will be sent to you.

Students must be:

• Able to attend the scheduled program
• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Pursuing a career in the culinary industry
• 18 or older

What you’ll learn:

More About the Food Industry:

Wondering if this class is right for you? Learn more about the careers this training will prepare you for:

• What does a food preparation worker do? This short video walks you through what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis.
• What does a cook do? This short video walks you through what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis.
  
• Read about the wide variety of jobs in the culinary industry in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It covers training, wages, and duties.
• The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program estimates that the mean hourly wage for Food Preparation and Serving Related in Colorado in 2021 was $16.46. Average employment in 2021 was 223,030.

Any questions, please contact the Adult Education Department at (719) 531-6333, x7225 or bkegley@ppld.org.

The Junior Ranger Nature pack provides self-guided activities to encourages children and their families to get out, explore, observe, describe, and engage the senses any time during the year. Designed for ages 7-13, and align with Colorado Academic Standards for Science and Social Science. Provided and in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Parks, Trails & Open Spaces.

Click here for more information about the Junior Ranger Nature packs.

Bring your completed Junior Ranger Book to a swearing-in ceremony to take your Junior Ranger pledge and receive your Park Expert sticker/Junior Ranger badge! The ceremony will be followed by a Ranger-Guided hike.

2022 Schedule

• July 2: Red Rocks Canyon Open Space (picnic area) - 3550 W. High St.

• Aug. 6: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway parking Lot) - 1602 Ridgeway Ave.

• Sept. 3: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (picnic area) - 6254 Goldfield Dr.

• Nov. 5: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center - 1805 N. 30th St.

2023 Schedule

• Mar. 4: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center - 1805 N. 30th St.

• June 3: Ute Valley Open Space - Ute Valley Trail (HP lot)

• Jul. 1: Red Rocks Canyon Open Space (picnic area) - 3550 W. High St.

• Aug. 5: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway parking Lot) - 1602 Ridgeway Ave.

• Sept. 2: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (picnic area) - 6254 Goldfield Dr.

Pikes Peak Library District’s Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears announced his upcoming departure for a new opportunity after more than six years of service to El Paso County residents. He will become head of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library with 36 locations in western New York, beginning in mid-April.

Spears has directed Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) – a library system of 16 locations, three mobile library services and a large online hub of resources, all provided through more than 400 staff and 550 volunteers – since 2016. During his tenure, PPLD eliminated overdue fines for most Library materials, opened Calhan Library to expand access in rural parts of the service area, established a co-location partnership between Manitou Springs Library and the Manitou Art Center, and revived Knights of Columbus Hall as a community space in downtown Colorado Springs.

In addition to those notable successes for El Paso County, the Library District also launched a new food industry training program and student-access partnerships with local school districts. Two new public services were introduced to better serve the community as well. The Library added a social worker on staff to help patrons navigate community resources during difficult times, as well as a new service that broadly focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all feel welcome using the Library, including those with disabilities, older adults, people of color and different faiths, and military service members, families, and veterans.

“It’s been a great honor to lead PPLD and its dedicated staff through times of uncertainty, change, growth and opportunity,” said Spears. “With those serving on the Board of Trustees and PPLD’s leadership team, I’m confident there will be a smooth transition and staff will continue to connect people with what they need to improve their lives and the Pikes Peak region.”

Spears also led PPLD through the on-going pandemic, with District-wide efforts ranging from a full closure to reopening all services inside Library facilities, along with launching virtual programs and curbside services. His numerous accomplishments supported PPLD in receiving the prestigious four-star rating from the Library Journal for several years, in addition to being awarded “District of the Year” by the Special District Association of Colorado in 2019.

“The Board of Trustees is beyond grateful to John for his leadership, commitment and achievements during his tenure with our Library District,” shared Dr. Ned Stoll, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “John has positioned us for continued success in the future, where all residents of El Paso County can access information, resources, services and opportunities. We wish him all the best in his new state, city and role.”

Spears’ last day will be Fri., April 1. PPLD’s Board of Trustees will appoint Teona Shainidze-Krebs as interim Chief Librarian & CEO. She currently serves as the Library’s Chief Public Services Officer & Deputy Chief Librarian.

Native American Beading culture crosses many tribes and has significant meaning in who we are in our tribes as well as what we believe in within ourselves. Join Ela Diel, a Cherokee native, as she shares with you pieces of her culture. Help keep some native traditions alive through beading art.

• Seed-Beaded Bracelets

  In seed-beaded bracelets we’ll cover designs and two different ways to string the beads. Come make something with me that you can wear on any occasion with pride as you make what resonates with your spirit.

  • Wed., March 30 at 5 p.m. at Old Colorado City Library
  • Thu., April 7 at 5 p.m. at Sand Creek Library
  • Sat., April 30 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie Library
  • Fri., May 6 at 1 p.m. at Monument Library
  • Sat., May 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Wed., May 18 at 11 a.m. at Manitou Springs Library
  • Thu., May 26 at 5 p.m. at Fountain Library
• Seed-Beaded Rosettes

  In seed-beaded rosettes we will learn a way to meditate in beading in the round to make beautiful centerpieces that can be made into centerpieces, wall décor, pendants and more.

  • Wed., March 23 at 5 p.m. at Old Colorado City Library
  • Sat., April 16 at 11 a.m. at Manitou Springs Library
  • Sat., May 28 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie Library
• Seed-Beaded Earrings

  In seed-beaded earrings we’ll be making beautiful pieces that will compliment any outfit and share our native art with all who admire them.

  • Sat., April 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Mon., April 11 at 5 p.m. at Fountain Library
  • Tue., May 3 at 5 p.m. at East Library
  • Mon., May 9 at 5 p.m. at Library 21c
  • Fri., May 20 at 2 p.m. at Ruth Holley Library

Community Project

Drop in for open hours helping Maker in Residence Ela Diel create a community-based project in Native American Beadwork!

Ela will guide you on how to contribute beads to a community canvas that will be displayed in the Library in the future.

• Fri., April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., May 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c

Artist Biography

Hello! I'm Ela. I'm Tsalagi (Cherokee) native. My Tsalagi name is Unega-Waya, which means Happy Wolf. This is my heritage: My grandmother grew up in Appalachia in what is modernly known as North Carolina. My grandmother moved away from the tribe to marry my grandfather, an Irish-American to live in New York where they had four sons. She passed away when I was only two, however my father passed on our culture and traditions, and I have since reconnected with the tribe. I love art and beading is a great way to express art and keep my family's culture alive. I am autistic, so if I don't look you in the eye or stutter a little please forgive me. Outside of that, let's have some fun, bead and celebrate the Tsalagi culture together! A'ho!