About the Library

Our Mission

Providing resources and opportunities that change individual lives and build community.

Seek. Engage. Transform.

Message from the Executive Director:

Of the People, By the People, For the People: Our Great American Library Tradition

Lady Bird Johnson once said, “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

The public library is a great American tradition, and public library service in the United States is deeply rooted in community. Our public library system here is of, by, and for the people. From the days of our founding fathers, our libraries have always served to level the playing field by providing equal access to books and to cultural resources in multiple formats, regardless of economic status. As libraries entered the realm of technology access, they have also served to bridge the digital divide, by providing computers and high speed access to those who could not otherwise afford it.

And, today, in the 21st century, as both resources and information needs have changed, public libraries are expanding beyond the traditional role of providing books and information access to fulfilling broader community needs.

While books are the mainstay of libraries, our libraries have never been just about the books, but rather about the connections made within their walls. Yes, we have books, and we connect people with them, but we also connect people with each other, with ideas, and with their communities. Our libraries provide gracious space, where community groups can meet and where community conversations can occur. There are 10,800 public libraries that offer free meeting room space, and every day across the country, 225,000 people use library meeting rooms.

Our libraries partner with schools and colleges to provide educational resources and learning opportunities for both students and our regular users. Numerous programs and resources support homeschool efforts and families. Our staff offer computer classes regularly for all ages, and our online databases are available 24/7.

Our libraries’ business and job resources are also used heavily. Resumes are written, job applications are submitted, and business plans are created within our libraries, using our resources. PPLD was honored to be part of a statewide BTOP (Broadband Technology Opportunity Program) effort to add computers to libraries serving economically disadvantaged areas. This project enabled us to add much-needed additional computers at our Penrose, Cheyenne Mountain, and Sand Creek facilities earlier this year.

And, as disposable income has diminished, our libraries provide an entertainment oasis for whole families. Every day, Americans borrow 2.1 million DVDs from their libraries. Each year, Americans visit the library more often than they go to the movies and six times more often than they attend live sporting events.

The Library District collaborates with numerous community agencies to bring and provide quality programs to our region. Our staff serves on community boards and assists with community projects throughout the year. Our staff serves as a resource, providing assistance on Quality of Life Indicator vision councils, for instance. PPLD has a presence at multiple community events and festivals, including “Everybody Welcome,” “What If,” and city parades.

Our public libraries in the Pikes Peak region are valuable resources to both individuals and to our communities. Pikes Peak Library District has provided a tradition of excellent community service and connections here for over 100 years. Through our resources, our programs, and our staff, we are proud to build community.

Seek. Engage. Transform.

Paula J. Miller

Executive Director, Pikes Peak Library District