Mon., May 20: All PPLD facilities are closing at 8 p.m. due to inclement weather.Tuesday 5/21- no county stops at Calhan or Peyton. No city stop at Armed Services YMCA. No Lobby Stop at New Day Pine Creek
City Mobile Library Stops
County Mobile Library Stops
Mobile Library Services (MLS)
What's New!
This year, Pikes Peak Library District has combined the All Pikes Peak Writes and Teen Fiction writing contests in order to highlight writers of all ages in our community in one place. The contest will have three categories for ages 12 - 18, 19 - 24, and 25+. Links to the guidelines, rules for entry, and submission form for each category can be found below.
Submissions will be accepted May 15 through 9 p.m. on July 15.
Eligibility:
All Pikes Peak Writes is open to El Paso County residents ages 12+.
Judging:
Entries will be judged on quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
Awards:
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place entries in each category. An award ceremony will be held on Sat., Aug. 24 in the East Library Community Room.
Categories:
Click on age group for submission information.
- Ages 12 - 18
- Ages 19 - 24
- Ages 25+
Please contact hbuljung@ppld.org or criesenberger@ppld.org for questions or more information.
Comments: 7
Have an adventure with Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Kids and teens (ages 0 - 18) can win prizes through reading and activities, and we will be hosting many free, fun events. You can track your progress online or with game cards available at all PPLD locations.
The adventure runs June 1 - July 31.
Teens between the ages of 12 - 18 can volunteer for Summer Adventure here.
Be in the know! Sign up to receive weekly event emails for ages 0 - 18 in June and July. Unsubscribe at any time.
Click here to view the Children's Summer Adventure events calendar!
Comments: 5
SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens that gives away two complete audiobook downloads a week!
Check out what titles are coming up this summer and sign up for alerts at https://www.audiobooksync.com/! You can also text SYNCYA to 25827 to receive alerts about new titles!
Comments: 0
Pikes Peak Library District is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest for Children:
Colin Bevan - "Bahamas"
Mayah Bolenbaugh - "The Essence of Warmth"
Eva Goroski - "Bioluminescent Beach at Night"
Brody Karr - "Papayalulu Paradise"
Sally Peterson - "The Mystical Land"
Jana Yuschalk - "Darkling Dwabidisador"
Bahamas
By Colin Bevan
Fisherman rip tonight’s dinner from the ocean
Bloody hands filet the dead fish
Smells of fresh fish turns my head
Salt fills the air rusting old boats
Charcoal beach fires cook todays catch
Warm water surrounds my feet
Small birds run from the waves
Boats dot the horizon for miles
Paradise, I hope I never leave
The Essence of Warmth
By Mayah Bolenbaugh
Firewood receives the spark
Steam rises from the bread, fresh from the oven
Soft snuggle from a purring kitten
Sip a large mug of cider under a changing tree in the fall
Enter a cabin to kick off winter’s freeze
Submerge in hot springs as the snowflakes dance
Comfort and serenity, as the shower pours through your hair
Earth is nourished by the elements
Now the sand takes in the sun
The day’s last hour bathed in dark orange sunshine on a summer’s day
Bioluminescent Beach at Night
By Eva Goroski
Twilight creeps up the coast
Waiting for the moon to come with a gleam
Shells adorn the beach like jewels
Stars twinkle and glimmer like diamonds
Tide pools shine with a radiant beam
The ocean has an eerie glow
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates show off in a chain of lights
Papayalulu Paradise
By Brody Karr
I dream of a land called Papayalulu
It’s a tasty paradise for me and you-you
It’s hard to get to - this is true-true
First you must make a papaya canoe-noe
Row your canoe-noe to the end of the sea
And soon Papayalulu you will see
As papaya trees sway in the papayamint breeze
You can paddle down to the Papaya Juice River with ease
You can even lean over and take a sip
But better take care - your canoe-noe might tip
Look out! What’s that I hear?
It’s Papaya Juice Falls - better stay clear!
Safe at last upon the shore
What’s that sound I cant ignore?
It’s the singing papaya birds high in the trees
A song so sweet my ears it does please
I think I’ll stay a while in this land
Papayalulu is oh so grand!
The Mystical Land
By Sally Peterson
I know a place, not far away
It glistens and it gleams.
I go there every time I sleep
It’s called the “Land of Dreams.”
So when I sleep I don’t count sheep
Or toss and turn in vain.
I just fly to the “Land of Dreams”
In my one-man twinbed plane.
Each night I fly right out the door
And pass the moon and sun.
I’m going to the “Land of Dreams”
To have some dream like fun.
And when I land on snow white sand
A lovely sight I see.
A wondrous civilization is
Stretched out in front of me.
A mountain looms above you
If you look to the west.
On the east there is a river
And a town where you can rest.
There are bubbles in the air
That are floating in the breeze.
You can smell the scent of honey,
And hear the rustling trees.
Then my views were interrupted
By a woman clad in white.
She was the noble Queen
Of this land of truth and right.
“Welcome” she said. “Welcome
Won’t you come to my estate”
And she pointed to a castle
With a shiny marble gate.
“Of course” I said, “how gracious,
How could I refuse?”
We started towards the castle
And she told me all the news.
We walked into the town
Where the buildings stand so tall.
Everything is vibrant
From the big to really small.
The people there wear brilliant robes
Of many different hues.
There are feathers on their hats
And feathers on their shoes.
Aromas that are new
Are wafting towards my face.
I wonder what the food is like
In this amazing place.
We came to a kiosk
Where a man was selling food.
The food was shaped like balls
Some were red and some were blue.
They tasted sweet and juicy,
And suddenly I knew!
They were little berries,
And in the fields they grew.
A woman selling flowers
Gave me a bouquet.
It smelled just like sweet roses
In my wildflower spray.
The red flowers were the largest.
The blue flowers were large, too.
The yellow flowers were tiny.
My favorites were the blue.
We entered a cute clothes shop
Filled with rows of silk,
They were soft and they were comfy,
And smooth and cool like milk.
I chose a robe with red, blue, and yellow
For they would match my blooms.
I got nice shoes and a fine new hat
With fluffy little plumes.
Next we went to a pet shop
And saw a little dog.
He was not like mine at all, though.
My dog is brown like a log.
But this dog had new colors.
This dog was so bright!
So were all the other dogs.
It was a crazy sight!
I thought the cats were normal
Until I heard them speak.
They spoke such perfect English
I fought the urge to shriek!
A bird screeched in the background
And I turned in surprise.
The bird that was behind me
Had creepy human eyes.
The castle was our last stop
And it was getting late.
I was getting pretty tired
When I walked up to the gate.
The gates were swiftly opened.
We ran to a bench and sat.
It was nice to calmly sit there
And hear the robins chat.
Said the Queen “Oh heaven help us.
The feasts about to start”
We raced inside the castle
And I couldn't calm my heart.
I changed my clothes and entered
The room of the great feast.
There were many fruits and veggies
And for meat they had roast beast.
Many fancy people
Were invited here to dine.
Some were very famous.
All were very fine.
They all told me hello
Then sat and ate and ate.
I listened to their stories
As I cleaned off my plate.
A toast was to be done.
I lifted my cup.
Then “beep” went my alarm clock
And quickly I woke up.
Darkling Dwabidisador
By Jana Yuschalk
To bed I went on that ordinary night,
Not knowing in the morning what I may fight.
I woke up on a pile of hay,
Wondering what would fill my day.
Surprised and frightened, I immediately felt.
Suddenly, I wished I could just melt.
It seemed so sunny without any rain.
Smells of sweat hovered over the plain,
From jumping creatures who seemed insane.
The so-called “Dwabis” had a mane.
No animals were there.
Not even a bear.
I was informed, this was Dwabidisador.
Wow, I really need to study by geography more!
The Dwabi’s legs were awfully long.
They jumped then fell, I am not wrong.
The sound of jumping pounded the ground.
Their favorite hobby was jumping. That I found.
The language they spoke was also Dwabidisador.
At least I don’t need to study my languages much more!
“Dwabi fell down,” they said over and over again.
“English without pronouns,” I thought. Until then,
A young Dwabi who was probably only four,
Came up and said, “Why don’t you enter that door.”
I did as he commanded only to find,
A Dwabi whose name was Filabind.
He bought me a cupcake with sprinkles on top,
The smell was so sweet I thought I would pop!
All that was better than the taste, was the smell.
It looked and smelled like sweet caramel.
The taste was Dwabilicious.
Red velvet without mush.
After I finished my delectable cupcake,
I was sure Dwabidisador wasn't fake.
Then we departed and walked a long ways.
We entered a place called “Dwabi’s Good Maze”.
Since Filabind was my guide, he led me through,
A portal that said, “How do you do?”
Filled with wonder and awe, I heard a loud, “MOO!”
Before I knew it, I was back home on our farm.
Lying in my bed was my noisy alarm,
Trying to wake me up from my-dream?
What it was, it filled me with gleam!
Comments: 0
The Teen Art Contest is for teens and by teens. Teens create the art, and teens determine the winners.
The theme for our 2019 Teen Art Contest was "Opposites Attract! "
All of the artwork will be displayed at either Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c during the month of April.
Here are this years winners, which you can also view below!
Best In Show
“Poseidon’s Goldfish” by Cole R.
High School - First Place
“Opposites Attract” by Isaiah R.
High School - Second Place
“A Spectrum” by Preston S.
Middle School - First Place
“Steamy” by Teddy K.
Middle School - Second Place
“Concrete Jungle” by Ava K.
Coordinator’s Choice - High School
“Calm Before the Storm” by Lydia M.
Coordinator’s Choice - Middle School
“Strong and Courageous” by Chloe H.
You can view the winners here:
Comments: 0
Limited positions available.
Locations still accepting applications are
- Cheyenne Mountain Library (until May 5)
- Fountain Library (until May 15)
- Manitou Springs Library (until May 12)
- Mobile Library Services
- Monument Library
- Old Colorado City Library
- Palmer Lake Library
- Penrose Library
- Rockrimmon Library (until May 15)
- Ruth Holley Library
- Ute Pass Library (until May 12)
Applicants must be ages 12 - 18 as of June 1.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
SUMMER ADVENTURE VOLUNTEER
Summer Adventure Volunteer Position Description
Duties:
- Register participants for the Summer Adventure and explain details
- Guide participants in earning Summer Adventure Badges
- Award prizes and log information
- Prepare materials for programs
- Assist with programs
- Other duties as assigned
Skills:
- Able to follow directions, assist with crowds, and provide excellent customer service
- Comfortable with technology
Time Commitment:
- Training session
- Volunteer hours as scheduled
READING BUDDIES VOLUNTEER
Reading Buddies Volunteer Position Description
Duties:
- Help children retain and improve reading skills over the summer
- Listen to a child read aloud
- Read with a child
- Assist children in selecting reading materials and share your enthusiasm for reading
Skills:
- Ability to communicate with children and adults and follow directions
- Excellent reading skills
Time Commitment:
- Attend a training session
- One shift per week
Additional Considerations
If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please contact Young Adult Services at (719) 531-6333, x6087.
PPLD is collecting the information on the volunteer application for the sole purpose of recruiting volunteers. Please contact Young Adult Services at (719) 531-6333, x6087 if you have any questions or concerns. Please see our confidentially policy for more information.
Comments: 2
Pikes Peak Library District sparks development, opportunity, and inspiration for everyone across El Paso County. Whether you've got a young one who's learning to read, or you're a lifelong learner looking for a new skill, the library has something for you.
We are excited to share stories of how the Library positively impacts the lives of our patrons.
To tell your story, click here to take our short survey or use the hashtag #shareyourspark on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
INSPIRATION
PPLD sparks inspiration. In this video, hear Price Strobidge's story about how the library helped him become Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak Region.
OPPORTUNITY
PPLD sparks your opportunity. In this video, hear Allan's story about how the Library helped him improve his English language skills and provide him with GED test preparation. Read more about Allan's personal growth and development through the Library in this article from The Gazette.
DEVELOPMENT
PPLD sparks your development. In this video, learn about how our children's areas are free, safe places that encourage development and growth.
Stay tuned to learn how PPLD can spark your opportunity and your inspiration.
Comments: 0
Have you heard about auto-renewals? Beginning Mon., Feb. 11, 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:
- Rapid Read, Rapid View
- eBooks, eAudios
- Equipment
- Interlibrary Loans
Patrons will receive an email notice letting them know what, if anything, was renewed as well as the new due date.
Comments: 10
Overdue books? Fear not. Pikes Peak Library District will no longer charge you for being a little bit late on your returns.
The library will officially eliminate overdue fines Fri., Feb. 1, just in time for a county-wide celebration of Library Lover’s Month. Patrons will no longer be financially penalized for books that are late in returning to the library.
“Our mission as an organization is to eliminate barriers to information and resources, not create them,” said Director of Library Services Tim Blevins. “We had a trial run of eliminating overdue fines and didn’t see longer hold times for patrons, but did see a positive impact on borrowing. It makes perfect sense for us to permanently eliminate these fines.”
Fines, Blevins says, are particularly prohibitive for the community’s most vulnerable families. Plus, overdue fines accounted for less than one percent of the library’s overall revenue in 2017.
There will still be fees assessed for lost or damaged materials. Materials are considered lost if they are 21 days overdue.
Additionally, Pikes Peak Library District will roll out automatic renewals later on in Library Lover’s Month. The day before books are due, the library’s system will automatically renew them up to two times, so long as no other patron placed a hold on the material.
There are some exceptions to the materials that can be automatically renewed, like rapid reads, e-materials, and equipment checkouts.
“What we’ve seen here, and in library facilities across the country, is that by taking these steps to increase ease of access to materials, use of library resources and checkouts is positively impacted,” Blevins said. “We’re here to help people access the resources they need to achieve their goals. This is just one more way for us to do a better job of achieving that mission.”
Comments: 3
We want to celebrate your successes! Pikes Peak Library District is looking for stories about how our resources and staff have helped enrich minds, fuel learning and growth, spark imagination and ideas, build community and connections, and/or achieve goals.
Comments: 9
The 2018 Teen Fiction Anthology is here!
Click the link below to read the award winning stories from the 2018 Teen Fiction Writing Contest.
Comments: 0
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is pleased to announce the selected titles for All Pikes Peak Reads (APPR) 2018, which will run from September 10 - November 17.
For a complete list of events, click here.
Our selected adult title is The Newcomers: Finding Refuge, Friendship, and Hope in an American Classroom by Helen Thorpe. The book explores themes of diversity, multiculturalism, compassion, immigration, endurance, resiliency, and hope. PPLD will use these themes while planning programs of community interest. Our selections for teens and children titles also explore similar themes. (For a list of book club discussion questions for The Newcomers, click here.)
Our title for teens and young adults is Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh. Flying Lessons was published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books.
Our children's title is Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. Last Stop on Market Street was the 2016 Newbery Award winner.
This fall we will present a variety of programs to the community including author visits, film screenings, community discussions and panel presentations, theater productions, art installations and gallery exhibitions, and more. We will be undertaking many of these with our community partners.
We are delighted that our selected authors will be able to join us in the fall. Helen Thorpe will be visiting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2 at Library 21c. Matt de la Peña (who also wrote a short story included in Flying Lessons and Other Stories) will visit at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8 at Library 21c.
Comments: 4
The Teen Art Contest is for teens and by teens. Teens create the art, and teens determine the winners.
The theme for our 2018 Teen Art Contest was "Hidden Beauty." Teens were encouraged to show us where they have found hidden beauty in the ordinary, everyday world.
All of the artwork will be displayed at either Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c during the month of April.
Here are the winners!
Best In Show
Clear by Isabella Huhn
High School - First Place
Letting Go by Celine Hanlon
High School - Second Place
Masked by Elizabeth Ward
Middle School - First Place
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder by Connor Murdock
Middle School - Second Place
Beauty of the Mountain by Adyline Poirson
Coordinator’s Choice - High School
Color through Clutter by Rebecca Gearhart
Coordinator’s Choice - Middle School
A Shoe by Adia Byron
You can view the winners here:
Comments: 0
PPLD's Repair Café is in need of BIKE fixers! Fill out a volunteer application at ppld.org/repair-cafe or stop by your local library!
Repair Café is a neighborhood initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. At a Repair Café you’ll find the tools and materials needed to repair your broken items, as well as knowledgeable volunteers who will show you how to do it. Repair Trainers will offer a diagnosis and suggested remedy for broken items, repairing items when possible and otherwise explaining what parts you may need to obtain to complete the repair.
Comments: 0
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.
Comments: 4
Congratulations to the winners of our first All Pikes Peak Writes, PPLD's adult fiction writing contest. You can read the winning entries by clicking here.
1st Place
"I Don't Blame Him for Dying" bu Andrew Beasley
2nd Place
"Puddle" by Andrea Malcom
3rd Place
"The Photograph" by Jacqueline Peveto
Honorable Mention
"Apostrophe" by Ariane Peveto
Honorable Mention
"Dr. Luckwood" by Jill Long
Comments: 0
The Teen Art Contest is for teens and by teens. Teens create the art, and teens determine the winners.
The theme for our 2017 Teen Art Show & Contest was Transformation Teens were encouraged to show us how art impacts your life, or how it transforms the world around you.
All of the artwork will be displayed at either Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c during the month of April. Questions? Contact Becca Phillipsen at (719) 531-6333, x6336 or rphillipsen@ppld.org.
Here are the winners!
Best in Show
"Mirror Reflection" by Aleyah B.
High School
1st Place: "My Fantasy" by Elizabeth W.
2nd Place: "Summer Sunsets" by Kaylee T.
Coordinator’s Choice: "Hands of Time" by Mary R.
Middle School
1st Place: "Transportation through Time" by Liberty H.
2nd Place: "Evolution" by Mikayla R.
Coordinator’s Choice: "Coy Fish Pond" by Kristine B.
You can view the winning works here:
Comments: 1
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:
- State park pass hang tag for the rear-view mirror
- Guide to Your 42 State Parks
- Binoculars
- Leave No Trace™ card
- Colorado Wildlife Guide
- Activity ideas list
- Colorado Trees and Wildflower Guide
- Fishing Basics tip sheet
- Program evaluation card
Comments: 14
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.
Comments: 11
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!
Comments: 4
PPLD would like to wish all our students and parents a great school year. Here are some resources we offer to help with your studies:
- Homework Resources - Elementary School
- Homework Resources - Middle and High School
- Free live online homework help and tutoring in all subjects from Brainfuse (K-12)
- AfterMath: Free in-person math tutoring (K-12)
- Study Buddies: Free in-person homework help and reading practice (K-5)
- Homeschool Hub
And of course, you can always email us at Ask a Librarian for assistance.
Good luck out there!
Comments: 0
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!
Comments: 1