City Mobile Library Stops
County Mobile Library Stops
Enter your creations in our PPLD Challenges! Randomly selected entries will be featured on PPLD’s websites and social media accounts and one randomly drawn entry will receive a gift certificate and prize pack of curated craft books from the Friends of the Library.
Start 2021 by trying a new craft or hobby! Perhaps you have always wanted to learn a skill like 3D design or knitting. Or, maybe you have a project in mind that you would like to complete. Either way, use the New Year as inspiration to innovate and try a craft or hobby that is new to you and share the results with us!
Post a photo of your project on Facebook or Instagram any time from Fri., Jan. 15 - 31 and make sure to include the hashtag #ppldchallenge and tag @ppld to be eligible to win. Alternatively, you can send your photo to ppldchallenge@ppld.org and we will post it to social media for you!
Need inspiration or an idea for something new to try? Try one of these projects that are easy to complete at home.
Check out these video craft and project tutorials from PPLD staff here:
Or, research your genealogy using resources here.
Rules for participation:
Last updated Jan. 13, 2021
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is here to serve you, regardless of the circumstances!
We continue to prioritize the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and greater community during this ongoing global pandemic. With El Paso County moving back to the “orange” status, PPLD will soon welcome people back inside all of our libraries beginning Tue., Jan. 19; no reservation needed. The Library will continue to follow public health orders and guidance, but now our resources and services can be more accessible again.
Soon you’ll be able to visit the Library to browse the collection and check out items, use a computer, or utilize copying, faxing, and scanning services, all without a reservation. Until then, you’ll need to make a reservation to use a computer or copy, fax, and/or scan documents inside one of our library facilities; no browsing allowed yet. To book a computer session, call (719) 389-8968. To reserve use of copy, scanning, or faxing services, click here or call (719) 389-8968.
Open hours and specific services may vary by library location, so please check in advance. The first hour will be reserved for people at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.
The following is still available to you:
During your Library visit, you can do the following:
Here’s what to expect during your Library visit to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Please remember that open hours and specific services may vary by Library location, so please check in advance. The first hour will be reserved for people at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.
We ask that you keep your visits as brief as possible in order to minimize risk for everyone inside our Libraries.
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’ 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 track 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.
Here’s an overview of what is available – and not available – to our Library cardholders and patrons at this time:
All returned materials may be quarantined for up to four days before being processed and circulated. This time limit has been approved by El Paso County Public Health.
Per the current COVID-19 status, the Library 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.
In addition to our limited services inside, 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 the novel coronavirus?
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:
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). Vaccines have been approved and are being distributed.
For current information and updates on the pandemic:
Check out a new virtual program from Knight of Columbus Hall (KCH) featuring artists from around the Pikes Peak region. Season One has premiered but you can still watch and support local artists!
Watch here or...
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and more!
Interested in being featured on Artists of the Knight? Click here!
Previous Artists:
Click here to learn more about KCH.
At Pikes Peak Library District, you can do anything you set your mind to. We, of course, offer books at each of our libraries. But did you know you can also get help with at-home education, do virtual yoga, learn a new language, discover your family tree, stream music, watch movies, and more? PPLD offers so many exciting things, it’s hard to capture them all! Learn more about what all you can access with your library card below.
Thanks to the public’s investment and taxpayer support, Pikes Peak Library District can provide Library resources and services to all cardholders for free. You can learn more about PPLD's budget and expenditures here.
My Library: Kids Edition!
- Stop by a PPLD library to register for a card
- OR: Print a Library Card Application (en español), fill it out, and bring it in
- OR: Apply for a library card online for limited access
- Head to your favorite Library with your photo I.D. and proof of address to activate your full privilege account
From managing your holds, interlibrary loans, set notification preferences, and more! Click here to learn more.
Find books, eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, video games, board games, and more! Click here for instructions on using the catalog.
Find help and support for your at-home learning endeavors at ppld.org/eLearning.
Click here to see our full calendar of events
The 2020 school year will look different for all of us, regardless what learning method your family has chosen for your students. Pikes Peak Library District has tools and resources to support you in your education journey this year!
First stop: get your card.
- Either stop by a PPLD facility to sign up, or print out an application ahead of time to bring with you (located here).
OR
- Apply for a card online!
- You must live within the PPLD service area
- You will need proof of your current address and a photo ID
- If you're 15-years-old or younger, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Learn more about the Library's response to Covid-19.
Live homework help and skills building online with expert tutors in math, science, social studies, and English, plus writing and reading assistance.
This database provides study guides and timed practice exams for all major college entrance exams and standardized tests, plus college planning, scholarship search, and career exploration tools.
These platforms provide high-quality educational content and are fun to explore! Access is free with a valid library card and pin number.
Databases include:
Your source for research assistance, subject guides, and library resources.
Ready to expand your horizons by learning a new language? Mango Languages features 70 language options, including 21 options for those learning English as a second language. Explore languages from Irish to Punjabi in the comfort of your own home, or download the app to learn on the go! Students can go at their own pace. The courses have been created by expert linguists and native-speaking instructors to ensure that the content is grammatically and conversationally correct, as well as culturally relevant.
Get ready to get a job or go to college! Work your way through modules focused on professionalism, communication, social skills, and goal setting to prepare yourself for the next big step in your life. Folks below age 15 should focus on the “basic” training while older youth might find the “intermediate” training more appropriate. Complete the training and pass an assessment to earn 10 hours of volunteer credit!
The PPLD Homeschool Hub has a wealth of resources and tools to support your learning at home efforts. You can also sign up for their newsletter here. Click on “Resources” to find information on getting started; Colorado homeschool law, online courses, concurrent enrollment, and enrichment programs; tutoring; extracurricular activities; support organizations; and more.
Featured Homeschool Resources
Whether you are homeschooling full- or part-time, or simply looking for ways to enrich your child’s education, the online resources featured in this issue provide a variety of elucidating and engaging possibilities.
This is the place to go for thousands of free digital materials. First, you'll need to create an account using your library card number and pin. Some services in the eLibrary include OverDrive (eBooks, eAudios, eVideos), Hoopla ( eMusic, eVideos, eComics, eBooks, eAudios), AudioBookCloud (eAudios), Freading (eBooks), Freegal (eMusic), Kanopy (eVideos), and more.
You can find plenty of PPLD resources here! Explore:
Get homework help, book recommendations, virtual programs, research resources, and more!
This curated database of children’s eBooks offers over 1000 titles for kids in grades K - 6. Included are animated talking picture books, read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books, literacy puzzles and games, books in Spanish and French, and graphic novels (a fan favorite!). Younger kids will enjoy listening to the stories while perusing the illustrations, while older or more accomplished readers can choose from the collection of read-along books featuring narration, sentence highlighting, and automatic page-turning. Each book is accompanied by a reading level, Lexile level, and grade information, plus an optional quiz. There are no limited check-out times or wait lists, so every item is always available to everyone.
Explore the world of making this October with All Pikes Peak Makes! Due to COVID-19, this event is going virtual for 2020!
A maker is someone who creates - to be innovative, to solve problems, to bring something beautiful into the world, or simply to have fun. They have an idea and they bring it to life. Making can encompass just about anything, from high tech to low tech to no tech, from art to fabrication to artistic fabrication, from needles to table saws to software.
These events are in partnership with Cool Science.
Pikes Peak Library District is collecting stories about the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of the Pikes Peak Region are invited to share their stories and experiences. People can submit written stories, photographs, or videos depicting their response to the pandemic and its impact on their lives.
Any observations are welcome. Submissions can include dealing with illness, quarantine, sheltering in-home, social distancing, employment, working from home, working in health care, schooling, travel, and other general observations.
While you can still use the Library remotely or make a reservation to use a computer, our team is also ready to serve you outside of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) locations across El Paso County!
All 15 libraries and three mobile libraries offer curbside service, making it easy for you to return materials and safely pick up items without having any direct contact with Library staff or other patrons.
PPLD will soon welcome people back inside all of our libraries beginning Tue., Jan. 19; no reservation needed.
Book drops or return bins will be available 24/7 outside of all libraries, so you’re welcome to return books, movies, and other physical items anytime that’s convenient starting that day.
Ready to pick-up items that are currently on hold? Hours and procedures will vary by location, so please check your Library’s curbside schedule below or by phone.
Click on your Library location below to see their curbside service hours, phone numbers, and pickup instructions:
Upon arrival:
Follow the procedures set out on your Library location’s page (linked above). Then you’ll be on your way to enjoy a new book, movie, or other find!
For new items, place your hold in the online Catalog or mobile app and select the location for pickup. Once you receive your email or text notification (if opted in), check your Library’s curbside service schedule and call them to schedule pickup.
For curbside pickup, Library patrons are encouraged to follow public health guidance, including the use of cloth face masks/coverings and staying 6 feet apart from others.
Homebound patrons can designate another person to pick up their holds. Please call your Library for more information and to schedule such a pickup.
We now offer wireless printing at all locations. Submit your print job here, then follow curbside service instructions for your pickup location during their open hours. Hours and pickup instructions can be found through the links above. Please call ahead for Mobile Library Services pickup.
Let us help find your next great adventure in the Library’s large collection! We’re piloting this walk-up service at Penrose Library before offering it at other libraries. During curbside hours, patrons can safely browse a curated collection of materials from outside. Librarians also can assist with locating, placing holds for, or checking out your next read, movie, or other physical item. Plus, they can provide recommendations based upon your favorite books or films, preferred genres, and topics of interest, right then and there.
All returned materials may be quarantined for up to four days before being processed and circulated. This time limit has been approved by El Paso County Public Health.
Per the current COVID-19 status, the Library 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.
In addition to our limited services inside, 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.
Pikes Peak Library District staff has shown dedication to the Library’s mission and tireless efforts to serve the community in many ways. We will continue to explore how PPLD can help people and organizations across the Pikes Peak region—well beyond our Library resources and services. Here are some ways that the Library has responded to community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic:
No matter the circumstances, we remain steadfast in providing Library resources and services that impact lives and build community across El Paso County. Thank you for entrusting us to be responsive to community needs and serve residents in new ways and virtual spaces, now and into the future.
Updated January 12, 2021
Enjoy our entertaining and educational programs from home!
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Pikes Peak Library District is not offering in-person programs at any of its locations right now, but we are offering a variety of virtual services and programs for people of ages and interests. Plus, you can use the Library remotely in other ways, anywhere and anytime, and connect with a librarian by phone, live chat, or email!
Visit our virtual calendar of events for all scheduled programs and activities. Can’t participate live? No worries! Many of the videos are featured on our YouTube channel and playlists, so you can watch whenever it’s convenient for you.
Here’s a handy overview of some virtual opportunities that our team created for you to experience:
Teens programs premiere at 11 a.m. and are available for viewing anytime on the PPLDTV YouTube Channel.
Teens Make
Teen Tech
Teen Games
Teens Eat
Teen Fandom
Teen Self-Care
Review Crew
Anyone from 13 - 18 years old can write an original book review and get an hour of volunteer credit! Check out some past book reviews for examples. Those who are interested can apply here.
Family & Children's Services Virtual Programs
Videos are available for viewing anytime on the PPLDTV YouTube channel.
Babytime Mondays
Children’s Staff from around the district invite babies from 0 - 12 months, with a favorite adult, to enjoy music, rhymes, and a book together!KidsMake Tuesdays
Children’s staff from around the district lead an art or make project for kids ages 5 - 12.Toddler Time Wednesdays
Children’s Staff from around the district invite 1 and 2-year-old children, with a favorite adult, to enjoy rhymes, music and movement, and a few short books!STEM Tuesdays, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10.
Children’s staff from around the district lead a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based project for kids ages 5 - 12.Storytime Thursdays
Children’s Staff from around the district invite you to join in a sing-along and then read a children’s book.Children's Performers
Missing the live programs at your Library? Many of our performers can now be viewed anytime on PPLDTV!Homeschool Programs
Whether you've been homeschooling for years or are just getting started with eLearning, our homeschool programs are here to help!Tween Twist
Watch a virtual program and then visit your favorite library that Friday to get materials for the program for ages 9 - 12.
Don’t see anything that interests you right now? Bookmark this page for frequent updates, or visit our calendar of virtual events for new additions each week.
Stay tuned for more updates from PPLD! Our team continues to explore and expand virtual opportunities that we can bring to you, wherever you may be. Right now, we’re creating new virtual experiences that will launch in the coming days and weeks.
Last updated January 12, 2021
We remain committed to providing Library resources and services to you during these unprecedented times. Thanks to the public’s investment and taxpayer support, we can continue to deliver access to information and opportunities that impact lives and build community across El Paso County. Learn more about our response to COVID-19 and how patrons can use our locations right now.
You can use the Library remotely, with many resources available 24/7!
That’s not all! Our Library staff also assembled and vetted a growing list of free online resources for all ages; no library card needed. Resources include live streaming, virtual tours, activities, and much more. Topics cover arts and culture, kids and teens, learning and reading for adults, professional support and development, and science and nature.
Our team continues to explore and expand virtual opportunities that we can bring to you. Right now, we’re adding to our digital collection, as budget allows, and creating new virtual experiences that will launch in the coming days and weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates from PPLD. We’re here to serve you now and into the future.
One Book Colorado gives away copies of the same book title to each four year old in the state via public libraries.
The program, in its ninth year, stems from the idea that providing young children with access to books promotes early literacy skills and helps families serve as their children’s first teachers.
From Tue., Oct. 13 to Sun., Oct. 25, any four-year-old can pick up a free book from any PPLD Library. There will be English and Spanish versions available (while supplies last).
This is a state-wide initiative to emphasize the importance of early literacy and reading to children. The 2020 winning book will be announced October 13! The contenders are:
The top 10 of 2019 are here! Learn more about what the Pikes Peak Region read in 2019 and add any you missed to your 2020 reading list!
From Mon., Feb. 1 - Wed., March 31 log 30 days of activities to earn prizes! Activities include attending any of PPLD's virtual programs, anything listed under the activities section below, and reading for 30 minutes or more a day.
Register here Mon., Feb, 1!
Join us on Facebook Live to get an early look at all the programs and activities happening for the 2021 Winter Adult Reading Program! You will also be able to register early for the program and receive one extra entry into the grand prize drawing.
Log 15 activities or 15 days of reading for 30 minutes or more a day to earn a reusable utensil set and a chocolate bar from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Log 15 additional activities or days of reading, for a total of 30 activities, and earn the annual reading program mug.
You can complete the program through a combination of activities and reading, but must have 15 days of reading 30 minutes or more a day to earn the mug and be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing.
Grand Prize Drawing: Three Grand Prize Winners will receive an HP Chromebook Laptop, with wireless mouse and carrying case.
You can earn extra entries into the Grand Prize Drawing! For every additional 5 days of reading you will receive one additional entry into the Grand Prize Drawing for a total of up to 5 additional entries. PPLD employees are not eligible for grand prize.
Need some suggestions for activities? We’re here to help:
Hope is Where the Heart Is: Poems of Inspiration for the Future is the theme for 2021!
What gives you hope? What are you excited about for the future?
There is a saying that "Every cloud has a silver lining," meaning that no matter how bad things may seem we can always find something good to look forward to. What is your "silver lining?"
Questions to ask yourself as you write your poem:
Prizes:
Six winners will receive $50 each. Each winner will also receive a book of poetry.
Eligibility:
Open to all fourth and fifth graders in the Pikes Peak Region.
Contest Rules:
Submission of a poem constitutes full permission to exhibit, use and publish the poem for any purpose – printed or electronic media – and to publish the name, school, and photographs of the student without compensation.
Submissions
Poems may be submitted online here.Entries may be mailed to:
The Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest
c/o Carol Scheer
Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579
Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1579Or email entries, following guidelines above to: cscheer@ppld.org
Questions?
Call or email Evan Childress: (719) 531-6333, x6069 or echildress@ppld.org
The winners will be announced in April. The details of an awards ceremony are still to be determined.
Censorship is a dead end - Find your freedom to READ!
“I’m offended”….”How can I explain this to my kid?”….”This isn’t what I believe”….The idea that books that present these challenges should be taken off of the shelves, and the opposing assertion that all knowledge should be available to everyone, is the foundation of librarians’ favorite holiday week: Banned Books Week, Sat., Sept. 27 - Sat., Oct. 3.
When you read a book or watch a movie, ever think to yourself “I’m offended” or ”How can I explain this to my kid?” or ”This isn’t what I believe”? Those thoughts are common and every library has something that offends someone. Banned Books Week is about keeping materials available for all – even if they offend someone.
The American Library Association honors this tradition by taking the time to educate us all on intellectual freedom. Banned Books Week launched in the 1980s after a rise in challenging and banning controversial materials (including Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss).), In short, this is your right to read whatever you want, whether someone else agrees with it or not. So this Banned Books Week, go out and explore without limitations! Read the books that you want to read and find the information that you want to know whether it’s offensive, different, scary, magical, or anywhere in between!
The Top 10 National List
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 377 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2019. Of the 566 books that were targeted, here are the most challenged, along with the reasons cited for censoring the books:
Take and Make: Banned Books Mini-Charms
Get a Take and Make kit from your Library starting Fri., Sept. 4, and get everything you need to create a beautiful miniature book charm featuring banned or challenged books that could be used as a necklace or a keychain (while supplies last).
Teens Make: Banned Books Mini-Charms (video)
Community members are always welcome to submit a reconsideration request form for Library materials.
Please see our Challenge Materials Policy for more information.
Have you heard about auto-renewals? Beginning Mon., Feb. 11, 2019, PPLD will save you the step of renewing your checkouts.
The day before items are due, the library’s system will automatically renew them if there are no holds and they haven’t already been renewed twice.
There are some exceptions to the materials that can be automatically renewed, including:
Patrons will receive an email notice letting them know what, if anything, was renewed as well as the new due date.
At an awards ceremony on Mon., Nov. 27, 2017 at the Antlers hotel, Pikes Peak Library District was named Best Workplace by The Gazette in the Extra Large Company (300+ employees) category.
According to The Gazette, PPLD "ranked high among its employees in social responsibility, providing meaningful work, confidence in leadership, being a place workers would recommend to others for employment and operating with strong values and ethics."
Here is a video The Gazette created, which was shown at the ceremony.
Reserve your free State Parks Pass and Backpack today by clicking here!
This program is a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, State Library, local library systems, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It is meant to encourage Coloradans to visit our State Parks and experience all of the great outdoor recreation that this state has to offer.
Each backpack, which checks out for one week, includes:
Click here for more information about this program.
Please contact Meagan Huber at (719) 531-6333, x6062 with any questions.
Beginning Jan. 9, 2017, PPLD will no longer charge fines on overdue children and teen items. Removing overdue fines will provide greater opportunity for children and teens to use the full range of library services. Currently, 15% of children and teen cardholders are blocked from checking out items at the library due to overdue fines.
Also, overdue fines on DVDs and games will be reduced from 25 cents per day to 10 cents per day.
PPLD seeks to foster literacy and life-long learning for children and teens. The Library regularly evaluates policies to see what barriers for service exist and evaluates how to eliminate such barriers. The Library’s Board of Trustees approved the new policy at their December meeting.
Items that will not accrue overdue fines must be designated as “juvenile” or “teen” in the Library catalog. The policy will take effect for any items checked out January 9 or after. Lost item and damage fees will still apply.
Overdue notices will still be sent as reminders to return Library items. Items not returned within 21 days of the due date will be considered lost, and the full cost of the item will be charged to the patron’s account.
Have you read a really great (or really bad) book lately? Tell us all about it! Just fill out this book review form and your review will be posted in the Book Reviews section of ppld.org.
Happy reviewing!
After 15 years and 272,236 miles of service to the residents of El Paso County, Mobile Library 698 will be leaving tomorrow to serve another library district in Southern Colorado. Happy trails, old friend!