What's New at PPLD!

Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys, recounts his first launch in a small West Virginia coal town.

Building Rockets from PPLD TV on Vimeo.

Stephen Kinzer, author of A Thousand Hills: Rwanda’s Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It, talks about the role of libraries in a free society.

Why Dictators Hate Libraries from PPLD TV on Vimeo.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, PPLD is showing an interview with war veteran Major Henry “Duke” Boswell on ppld.tv. Major Boswell talks about his experiences in World War II and the Korean War.

The staff at Pikes Peak Library District extends their sincerest gratitude to the men and women that serve and have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Latoya Lucas, award-winning author of The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a Wounded Warrior about Faith and Perseverance, will give a free presentation and book signing. Lucas is the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, and recently was awarded the Military Writers society of America Gold Medal Award. She also recently sat down for an interview for PPLD TV, which can be viewed by clicking here.

• When: Saturday, October 31, 2 – 4 p.m.
• Where: East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.

Watch as Kathleen Murray speaks about her art. Her vibrant works are on display at Old Colorado City Branch in October and Cheyenne Mountain Branch in November.

Vieux Farka Touré performed his modern take on the music of Mali at Colorado College’s Armstrong Hall on September 21 for PPLD’s World Music Series 2009. The show was presented by KRCC Concerts.

Below, watch Touré and his band play Diaraby Magni, alternating from mellow, funky grooves to blistering, bluesy guitar solos all over percussion that melds traditional African rhythms with rock and jazz drumming. The video was produced by PPLD’s Video Production Center. Other Library productions – including additional World Music Series shows, features on local visual artists, and presentations by prominent authors – can be seen at PPLD.TV.

Former presidential candidate and noted historian Sen. George S. McGovern spoke about Abraham Lincoln, subject of his latest book, at Colorado College. McGovern discussed the hardships Lincoln overcame (including bouts with severe depression) on his way to the becoming one of the greatest presidents in United States history. You can watch video of his presentation by clicking here.

Need help with your homework or studying for a test? Brainfuse offers live tutoring for all ages. The service’s versatile whiteboard and chat window allow certified tutors to improve your academic skills in several subjects, including math, science, social studies, and English. Tutors are available from 2 – 11 p.m., seven days a week. Find out more (with the help of a punk genie, of course) by watching the video below.

Although this video spot targets teens (and fans of punk genies), there are also services for children and adults, including the Adult Learning Center and Foreign Language Lab.

To access Brainfuse, go to ppld.org and click on Electronic Reference, Education, and then HelpNow!

This video highlights two great PPLD Databases: Tell Me More, a wonderful way to learn another language; and CultureGrams Online, where you can learn myriad facets of countries and cultures throughout the world.

Watch Kathy Brega discuss her unique quilting style. When she began creating quilts, they were somewhat traditional. Her work has evolved, however, and she now incorporates such non-traditional materials as bottle caps, junk mail, and shotgun shells. The results are not so much functional quilts as they are true art.

You can view her innovative work at Briargate Branch in August and at Old Colorado City Branch in September.