What's New at PPLD!

In honor of our senior patrons, families are encouraged to bring their elders to enjoy free Rock House ice cream and live music from times gone by. This event is made possible by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library.

• When: Sat., August 7 from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
• Where: Village Green in Palmer Lake

PPLD is continuing to incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into its collection. So far, every branch has opened on time or ahead of schedule. Library staff and many volunteers have worked hard to maintain the projected pace.

The District has been researching and saving for three years to pay for this new technology. RFID will provide many benefits to PPLD patrons and staff. The most obvious will be a substantial increase in the speed at which items can be checked in and out. This time savings should result in shorter lines and quicker access to holds. Many locations will receive additional self-check machines, which will also use RFID.

How does it work? During check in and check out, material is placed on a reader pad which transmits only the item’s electronic barcode number. An item must be within two feet of the reader. The item title and a patron’s personal information are not on the tag.

For more on RFID, please watch the video at the bottom of this post or click here.

The one million items in the Library’s collection are being tagged with a microchip and antenna. We are actively looking for volunteers to assist with this large project. Please call 531-6333, x1251 if you are interested in helping. You can click here for an application.

In order to implement RFID, the District will be closing each of its facilities for about a week at a time in order to tag material and install new equipment. These rolling closures began in March and will be completed at the end of May. (See closure schedule below.) Closing the facilities will help us to complete the project in a shorter time period. We appreciate your patience during this process.

Closure Schedule

During the closures at East Library and Penrose Library, however, holds pick-up and limited popular materials will be available from on Monday – Thursday from 3 – 7 p.m. and 3 – 6 p.m on Friday and Saturday. They will be closed completely on Sunday.

There will be no programs or computer access at the closed location during this time. Lists of the nearest PPLD facilities will be posted at each location.

Please note that all dates are subject to change. Check for updates on ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333.

Monument Branch: Conversion completed.
Palmer Lake Branch: Conversion completed.
Cheyenne Mountain Branch: Conversion completed.
Fountain Branch: Conversion completed.
Rockrimmon Branch: Conversion completed.
Ruth Holley Branch: Conversion completed.
Briargate Branch: Conversion completed.
Old Colorado City Branch: Conversion completed.
Ute Pass Branch: Conversion completed.
Sand Creek Branch: Conversion completed.
East Library: Conversion completed.
Penrose Library: May 17 – 28
Mobile Libraries: No city or county stops May 25 – 27

PPLD is proud to participate in National Library Week from April 11 – 17. This country-wide initiative by the American Library Association celebrates the importance of libraries in our communities.

Special bookmarks will be available at each District facility, and PPLD Leadership Team and Board of Trustee Members will make visits, along with lemonade and cookies, to the following locations.

• Sun., April 11: Penrose Library from 2 – 4 p.m., Briargate Branch from 3 – 5 p.m.
• Mon., April 12: Rockrimmon Branch from 3 – 5 p.m.
• Tue., April 13: Palmer Lake Branch from 10 a.m. – noon, Monument Branch from 3 – 5 p.m.
• Wed., April 14: Ute Pass Branch from 2 – 4 p.m., Old Colorado City Branch from 3 – 5 p.m.
• Thu., April 15: Cheyenne Mountain Branch from 10 a.m. – noon, Fountain Branch from 3 – 5 p.m.
• Fri., April 16: Ruth Holley Branch from 2 – 4 p.m., Sand Creek Branch from 4 – 6 p.m.
• Sat., April 17: East Library from 2 – 4 p.m.

Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m.
Palmer Ridge High School Auditorium

Join us this weekend of exciting musical and theater performances. Opening night features A Red Carpet Affair with the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Dress up, smile for the paparazzi, and walk the red carpet in grand style prior to the free performance of Broadway and Disney tunes by the Children’s Chorale.

Saturday, February 27
Monument Branch

Broadway Drama
Two performances by the Lewis Palmer High School  players, plus the Star Wars Stormtroppers. Delight in the hilarious antics of the LPHS drama students performing in Broadway style. Take photos with the Stormtroppers, obtain autographs from the actors, and participate in face-painting, crafts, and refreshments between shows.
Schedule of events:
1:30 p.m. LPHS Broadway Drama
2:30 p.m. Star Wars Stormtroppers
3 p.m. LPHS Broadway Drama

Sunday, February 28 at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Monument Branch

Backlot Film Festival

Hollywood writer Bob Garner will introduce local student talent who will debut their short, family-friendly films in a festival that is sure to please young and old.

Watch an interview with photographer Randy Lindblad in which he discusses his art, including his exhibit Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (which can be viewed at the Monument Branch throughout September).

What is your family’s legacy? Each of us has a story from our ancestors, or even our own to tell. If these stories are unwritten, how will our children know their heritage? It is up to us to document these experiences. Turn your family history into interesting stories, something your children will be proud of and learn from.

Author Linda Weaver Clarke will offer four Family Legacy Writing Workshops on how to turn history into words. The Old Colorado City Branch and Monument Branch will also host ongoing Family History Writing Classes. You can register for all of these offerings and get more information through the links below.

Family Legacy Workshops

• Cheyenne Mountain Branch, Thursday, August 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
• Fountain Branch, Thursday, August 27, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Old Colorado City Branch, Friday, August 28, 10:30 a.m. – noon
• Monument Branch, Friday, August 28, 3 – 5 p.m.

Family History Writing Class

• Old Colorado City Branch, 6:30 – 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month through February 2010, beginning September 2
• Monument Branch, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Monday of each month through March 2010, beginning September 21

The AARP Mature Safe Driving Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver refresher course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older. Upon successfully completing the course, graduates may present their course completion certificate to their insurance agents for a discount.

A minimum of 10 students is required for the class to be held. Charge for the eight-hour course is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. This is a change from previous years. Class size is limited and registration is required. Bring a lunch for classes longer than four hours.

• Sat., May 2, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Branch
• Thu., May 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Ruth Holley Branch
• Sat., May 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Sand Creek Branch
• Sat., May 16, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Monument Branch
• Sat., May 16, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Old Colorado City Branch
• Mon., May 18, and Tue., May 19, 5 – 9 p.m. at East Library
• Tue., May 19, and Wed., May 20, noon – 4 p.m. at Briargate Branch
• Thu., May 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Ruth Holley Branch

Meet acclaimed film producer and director Bob Garner, who worked for over three decades in Hollywood. He will share fascinating stories about his adventures and inspiring ideas to help everyone reach their individual goals. This is a program for teens and adults.

• When: Saturday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Monument Branch, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr.

Hello Earth! A Puppet Show with Patti Smithsonian
Little Red Riding Hood learns from the Wolf about recycling paper instead of chopping down forests. The Three Little Pigs learn about wasting disposable goods and their impact on the environment. The Ant and the Grasshopper remind us to enjoy life. This engaging ‘fairytale with a twist’ puppet show introduces ideas around the important topic of environmental stewardship.

• Mon., March 23 at 10:30 a.m. – Monument Branch
• Tue., March 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Fountain Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – East Library
• Wed., March 25 at 2 p.m. – Ruth Holley Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – Penrose Library
• Fri., March 23 at 10:30 a.m. – Rockrimmon Branch
• Sat. March 28 at 10:30 a.m.– Ute Pass Branch

Puppet Variations with Bob Aiken
Try a lighthearted piece of Puppet Theater that the whole family can enjoy together. Four puppet styles and four performing techniques form a visual smorgasbord. Its simple approach and positive attitude has touched and brought smiles to folks across the country, at venues ranging from birthday parties to art festivals.

• Tue., March 24 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – East Library
• Tue., March 24 at 6:30 p.m. – Old Colorado City Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – Sand Creek Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 2 p.m. – Fountain Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 2 p.m. – Monument Branch

Rhythm Fun and More With Helen Trencher, “The Percussion Lady”
Spark your imagination and ignite your creativity! Participants will experience a magical time filled with song, story, and rhythm. This interactive program is great for the entire family – ages 2 through 92! Come ready to let your imagination run wild through the joy of rhythmic expression.

• Tue., March 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Monument Branch
• Tue., March 24 at 2 p.m. – Rockrimmon Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m – Penrose Library
• Wed., March 25 at 2 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – East Library
• Thu., March 26 at 2 p.m. – Briargate Branch

Alphabet Songs! A children’s concert with Steve Weeks
Join in this fun, interactive show filled with music, stories and humor for the whole family! Learning your letters has never been so much fun! Steve is a USA Songwriting Competition winner, and included Parents’ Choice and Nappa Honors Winner.

• Tue., March 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Ruth Holley Branch
• Tue., March 24 at 1 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch
• Tue., March 24 at 4 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 2 p.m. – Briargate Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 7 p.m. – East Library

A Patchwork Quilt of Rhythm, Rhyme, Story and Song
Bonnie Phipps tickles your imagination with a diverse repertoire of participatory songs and stories using her unusual instruments to heighten the action in her tales. Bonnie is a Parent’s Choice Awards winner, a published author, recording artist, a national Autoharp Champion, a contemporary folk singer, a spoons, paper bag, limber-jack, and jaw harp player, a storyteller, a former kindergarten teacher, and an undeniable hit with children.

• Tue., March 24 at 10 and 11 a.m. – Briargate Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 10:20 a.m. – Palmer Lake Branch
• Wed., March 25 at 2 p.m. – Rockrimmon Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Old Colorado City Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 2 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch

Origami with a Twist!
Join storyteller Denise Gard, as she tells stories using the ancient art of
Origami. Learn the techniques and create a Samurai Helmet. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Registration required.

Funky Fairytales 19 presents Snoring Beauties and Other Strange Stuff
Now in their 19th year of performing, Pikes Peak Library District’s favorite acting troupe presents Bruce Hale’s Snoring Beauty and other frankly funny tales to tickle your fancy! Recommended for ages 4 and older.

• Tue., March 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Rockrimmon Branch
• Tue., March 24 at 2 p.m. – Penrose Library
• Fri., March 27 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – East Library
• Fri., March 27 at 2 p.m. – Ruth Holley Branch
• Fri., March 27 at 4 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch

Dream City
Just imagine a city far, far into the future. Design your vision of what that city would look like in this creative hands-on workshop. Register at your library. Recommended for ages 8 and older.

• Mon., March 23 at 2 p.m. – Cheyenne Branch
• Mon., March 23 at 2 :30 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Ruth Holley Branch
• Thu., March 26 at 2 p.m. – East Library
• Thu., March 26 at 2 p.m. – Fountain Branch
• Fri., March 27 at 2 p.m. – Briargate Branch

Gardening experts, Woody and Catherine Woodworth from High Country Home & Garden will provide an informative overview of gardening in the Tri-Lakes region.

• When: Saturday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Monument Branch, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr.