Last updated September 25, 2020
Libraries Are Reopening!
After 15 weeks of closed doors at libraries in the Pikes Peak region, Pikes Peak Library District is excited to welcome you back into our facilities!
Since July 1, PPLD offers limited indoor Library services at almost all facilities and mobile libraries. Hours vary by location, and the first hour is reserved for people at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.
During your Library visit, you can:
- Browse the physical collection
- Use self-checkout machines and service desks
- Make one, 55-minute reservation for computers per day (Call (719) 389-8968 to make your reservation; Library card required to reserve by phone)
- Use fax and copier machines without staff assistance
- Charge your devices
- Make a 55-minute reservation to access Special Collections in the 1905 Carnegie Library
PPLD will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Library patrons, staff, and the community-at-large, as we move through our phased reopening. Thank you to El Paso County Public Health for their authorization and support to reopen our doors to the public
Here is what you can expect when you return to use the Library to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Cloth face coverings or masks are required by all patrons and staff to enter all libraries. (If you do not have one, PPLD can provide you with a single-use mask at no cost. Some exemptions do apply, such as for those under the age of 2, which aligns with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.)
- New capacity limits are enforced at each location, and when capacity is reached, patrons will need to wait outside until others are ready to leave following their brief visits.
- The number of patrons inside is monitored at all times.
- Staff regularly sanitizes frequently touched items like handles, counters, and copiers. Computers are cleaned between each use.
- If you retrieve a book from a shelf but decide you don’t want it, please place it on the designated cart instead of re-shelving it yourself.
- All fax machines, copiers, and computers are self-service only; staff can only offer assistance at services desks, behind a protective shield.
- Some computers are not available as we encourage patrons and staff to remain six feet apart in our computer labs (so make your reservation ahead of time by calling (719) 389-8968!)
- Other items and areas that remain temporarily unavailable or closed to the public: Furniture, water fountains, children’s play area, meeting and study rooms, studios, and makerspaces.
We ask that you keep your visits as brief as possible in order to minimize risk for everyone inside our libraries.
We would like to thank El Paso County Public Health for their authorization and support to reopen our doors to the public.
Why is PPLD requiring patrons to wear face masks?
PPLD prioritizes the health and safety of Library patrons, staff, and the community-at-large. To provide library services and resources inside of our facilities, our staff must interact directly with patrons in close proximity. We have instituted this requirement, along with other precautionary measures, to minimize potential transmission of COVID-19.
This is in accordance with Governor Polis’ latest Executive Order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado communities. Effective July 16, everyone in Colorado over the age of 10 is required to wear a face covering inside any public space. Also, after significant discussion and consideration of scientific findings during the May 27 public meeting, PPLD’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the requirement of cloth face coverings by patrons and staff inside all libraries to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in El Paso County and beyond. The Board of Trustees determined that the Library District will comply with CDC recommendations requiring masks for those ages two and older, rather than the statewide recommendation of 10 and older.
PPLD will continue to adhere to public health guidance that’s grounded in science, especially as El Paso County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment report an increase in COVID-19 cases within El Paso County and across the state.
If you do not feel comfortable wearing a mask, PPLD still offers curbside services at all libraries. There are also many ways to use the Library remotely, almost anytime and anywhere.
What else can I expect from PPLD?
Here’s an overview of what is available – and not available – to our Library cardholders and patrons at this time:
- Ready to return items and pick-up holds, but don’t want to come inside? Our curbside service will still be available! Use the link to find out more and access Library service hours and pickup instructions.
- Use the Library remotely! Stream and download books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, music, and videos. Use our databases to conduct research, access ample resources for kids and teens, and more from your couch.
- Check out our virtual services! Our librarians are bringing their services to you, anywhere and anytime.
- Have a question? Ask a librarian! Our staff are available to help you by phone, live chat, and email.
- Checked out items: While many due dates were extended due to our temporary closure, many Library materials that were checked out prior to our closure are now due. Please check your PPLD accounts either through our Catalog or on the PPLD mobile app for the new return dates, which will be listed by item. (Returns are accepted outside of all libraries as part of curbside service.)
- Fines & fees: We officially went fine-free for most Library materials in early 2019, as long as they are not lost or damaged. (See above regarding checked out items.)
- OverDrive: Since more patrons are using PPLD digital resources online, cardholders can have 20 checkouts for a total of 21 days each; the holds limit remains at a total of 30. PPLD will continue to add copies of digital materials to our collection as our budget allows. Some digital checkouts can be returned early so others have opportunity for access. Instructions for checking out and returning are available here.
- Library programs & reservations: All in-person Library programs and events held inside of PPLD facilities, along with public meeting and study room reservations, have been cancelled through Thu., Dec. 31, unless it is deemed safe to resume sooner. Do note that this could be extended depending upon the state orders and local public health guidelines as we approach the end of 2020.
- Library card signup: Register online and start using your card immediately! If you sign up online during this time, your temporary account will be available for 90 days (instead of the usual 12-day limit), giving you immediate access to OverDrive and other digital resources from home. Bring your ID and proof of address to your nearest Library and they can activate your full privilege account curbside!
- Account expirations & renewals: Library card/account expirations will be extended, including accounts that expired in the past 24 months.
- Interlibrary loans: Due to staffing restrictions based on guidance from local public health officials, maintaining the current number of requests is not feasible. Therefore, we are decreasing the number of Interlibrary Loans requests to three per Library card. We expect requests to take longer to fulfill (borrowing or purchasing), with a potential wait time of four to eight weeks.
- WiFi access: All library facilities continue to provide open WiFi access inside locations, which should be also available outside of most PPLD buildings.
- Book donations: Please keep books that you intend to donate. Direct such questions and concerns directly to the Friends of PPLD (online form).
What’s happening behind the scenes at PPLD?
All returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 96 hours before being processed and circulated. This time limit exceeds public health recommendations. (Items currently in our facilities haven’t been touched in several weeks.)
Per the safer-at-home order, the PPLD team can only work at half capacity inside our facilities. On-site staff are required to follow public health guidance like wearing face coverings, washing hands thoroughly and frequently, and maintaining proper distance during any in-person interactions. They are shelving books, pulling holds, quarantining returned materials, and helping circulate thousands of books, movies, and other items from PPLD’s large collection between our libraries.
Our librarians are still here for you virtually! Staff continue to take your questions by phone, live chat, and email. They’re also providing and expanding virtual services and programs, along with our digital collection. And, we’re working with community organizations, school districts, and other partners to support El Paso County residents with many different needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Have questions about COVID-19?
We understand that people may be concerned about COVID-19 and how it may affect them. Please check out the following public resources for more information:
What should I do?
To help stop the spread of germs and any contagious illness, local and national public health experts recommend that everyone should take everyday preventive actions and practice good hygiene. Here are some tips specific to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Put distance between yourself and other people; at least 6 feet apart.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover whenever in public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, hiking trails, etc.
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if you cannot wash your hands.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid touching with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then properly wash your hands.
- Clean surfaces and personal items, such as cell phones, using household disinfecting products.
What is COVID-19?
There is a global pandemic situation involving a respiratory illness named COVID-19, which is caused by a new coronavirus that spreads through coughing or sneezing, much like influenza (also known as the flu). Since much is still unknown about the novel virus, no vaccine is currently available to prevent COVID-19 infection.
For current information and updates on the pandemic:
