Classical Music Live for kids is coming to East Library on Wed., June 14 at 9:30 a.m.! Families with children ages 2 – 12 will enjoy live music and opportunities to learn about classical music from professionals. Colorado College Summer Music Festival Fellows, pre-professional musicians from around the world will perform classical music pieces from their current study. There will be time to ask questions and visit with the fellows.
The musicians will also give a preview of the free Children’s Concert, Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf, which will take place in the Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For kids ages 2 – 12 with their families.
The concerts at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 are free, but tickets are required. Visit their website to reserve tickets.
Pikes Peak Children's Museum Discount Day is cancelled
The Pikes Peak Children's Museum has let us know that they won't be able to be open on Fri., June 30 for the planned discount day. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Library card holders can enjoy discounted admission at several local attractions this summer thanks to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program. Grab your PPLD library card and take advantage of special discounted admission to several cultural attractions in the Pikes Peak region!
During Culture Pass Discount Days, between June 14 and August 4, library cardholders can visit a different Culture Pass partner for special discounted admission by simply showing their library card or card number.
Our mobile library will be at each Discount Days event in the morning. Join us for a special craft activity, a game, or story time. You can also sign up for a library card for discounted admission and check out materials while you’re there.
We are excited to team up with our Culture Pass partners so families can experience many of the great cultural attractions that are right in our backyard. With a new place to visit each week there’s something for everyone, and it can even count towards an activity for Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Weekly Culture Pass Discount Days Schedule
Be sure to check Culture Pass partner websites for hours of operation and to plan your visit.
| Date/Time | Location | Discount |
| Wed., June 14 | Rock Ledge Ranch | $4 admission |
| Fri., June 23 | Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College | FREE admission |
| Fri., June 30 | Cancelled – Pikes Peak Children’s Museum | 50% Off |
| Fri., July 7 | The Money Museum | FREE admission |
| Mon., July 10 | U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center | $8 admission |
| Wed., July 19 | Space Foundation Discovery Center | 50% Off |
| Wed., July 26 | ProRodeo Hall of Fame | 50% Off |
| Fri., Aug. 4 | U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum | 50% Off |
The Culture Pass Program recently added two new local attractions, the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum and US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and now offers 10 local attractions in El Paso County and Denver for library cardholders to visit by checking out a no-cost pass. Learn more and get started at ppld.org/culturepass.
Juneteenth, occurring annually on June 19, honors the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On that date, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and freed enslaved people who had not been liberated following President Abraham Lincoln’s ruling. Celebrate this important history with the Library!
Programs
- Hand fans for Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Library by picking up a hand fan to keep you cool and commemorate this celebratory American holiday. - Juneteenth Family Storytime
Sat., June 17 from 2pm – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library - Take and Make: Juneteenth Recipe Postcards
Celebrate Juneteenth by picking up recipe cards at your favorite PPLD location! Recipes come from books in our collection and from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). - Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild Trunk Show
Join the Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild for an informative program on the traditions of African American quilting. Registration required. Intended for ages 18+. – Sat., June 24 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Penrose Library
Booklists
Resources
- Basic Search - Gale In Context: U.S. History
Use the search word “Juneteenth” to explore the history of this holiday. - Basic Search: EBSCOhost (available for in-library use, or sign in with your library card if the card number starts with a 4)
Use the search word “Juneteenth” to find articles about Juneteenth. - Gale in Context Elementary for kids
Elementary students and homeschoolers can use the search term “Juneteenth” to learn more about this historic holiday.
Websites
- Lifetime Biography of Opal Lee for adults
Watch this Lifetime video and learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. - Kids activities for Juneteenth
Discover free activities and lesson plans for kids exploring different elements of Juneteenth. - Happy Toddler Playtime
Enjoy a selection of fun, easy crafts and activities for kids. - Juneteenth for Kids video
Kids will enjoy this video from Seed of Melanin Kids! exploring history in an accessible, fun way.
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Month in June. Join us in celebrating individuality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Pikes Peak region with programming and resources on this page. Explore booklists, LGBTQIA+ history, Library programming, and more.
Programs
- Pride Flag Painting
Show your LGBTQIA+ Pride! During this program you will paint a flag of Colorado with your choice of Pride flag colors on a canvas board. We'll include images of Pride flags you can reference! - Rainbow Storytime
Join us in celebrating inclusion, diversity, and positivity at this interactive storytime for Pride Month. All ages are welcome; stories are geared towards preschool-aged children and older. Registration required.- Thu., June 8 from 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Library 21c
- Fri., June 9 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Ruth Holley Library
- Sat., June 10 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Manitou Springs Library
- Mon., June 12 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Monument Library
- Fri., June 16 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
- Sat., June 24 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library
- Sat., June 24 from 11 a.m. - noon – East Library
- Fri., June 30 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
- Patrons of Influence: El Paso County’s Diverse Voices
The Library and Citizen-Powered Media celebrate local leaders who are providing positive influences in the areas of culture, business, and leadership in El Paso County. Panelists will discuss their shared interest and experiences on how organizations and communities are strengthened by diverse voices.
There will be a Question and Answer session following the panel discussion.
This is an in-person event. Registration is not required but strongly recommended. There is a Livestream option for this event (registration required).
Virtual Teen Programs
- Teen Tech: Ziggy Stardust 3D Designed Earrings - Learn basic 3D modeling and celebrate bisexual icon David Bowie with a 3D-modeled Ziggy Stardust earring.
- Teens Read: Books for Pride
Discover books centered around Pride in this video.
Booklists
Regional History and Genealogy Resources
-
The Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival Records (archival collection MSS 0342)
Colorado Springs has a fascinating and often tumultuous history with the LGBTQIA+ community. When the Lavender Film Festival began in 2000, it was the only LGBTQIA+ film festival in the state of Colorado. The material in this collection provides valuable insight into this groundbreaking event.
The collection includes VHS tapes and DVDs of the films shown at the festival. Newspaper clippings provide a glimpse at how the event was promoted and, in turn, viewed by the local community. The opening remarks of the event give us an understanding about why the organizers felt the festival would help bring awareness and educate people about LGBTQIA+ issues and filmmaking. Various budgets and meeting minutes provide a detailed look into the work involved in bringing this innovative event to the community.
-
Colorado Springs Pride Center Records (archival collection MSS 0461)
The Colorado Springs Pride Center was one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States. Founded in 1978, the Center offered assistance and support programs to people across the Pikes Peak region. In 2014 alone, more than 8,400 people contacted the Center for help. Topics covered in this collection include – but are not limited to – Amendment 2, marriage, hate crimes, local news, and legal cases. News releases, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks show the highs and lows of what was happening in the community. This nonprofit organization served as a much-needed medium for marginalized voices in the Pikes Peak region.
Experience interesting research and knowledge about our local history at the 20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. This year’s theme is Art, Artists, & Entertainers. Presenters, selected from proposals submitted by academics, researchers, and the general public, will explore the artists and entertainers that have left a rich legacy in the Pikes Peak region.
Artists and their creativity are at the heart of a region’s culture. The Pikes Peak region, with plentiful natural beauty, serves as a rich well of inspiration. Artists and entertainers are motivated by a variety of reasons: producing something beautiful, communicating a message, eliciting an emotional response, creating the reality they feel, or enjoying the creative process.
Film Festival and Symposium
Join us as we kick off this year’s Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium with a film festival featuring three short films that tell the story of local artists and their impact on the Pikes Peak Region.
Films include:
- "Boardman Robinson: The Teacher"
- "Henry A. Clausen: The Danish American Wonder”
- "Not Quite Hollywood: The Alexander Film Company’s 'Anatomy of a Psycho'”
Sat., May 20 from 11 a.m. - noon – Penrose Library
In-person Symposium
Explore the history of our region’s creative heart through these live presentations. The in-person portion of this year’s Regional History Symposium will be at East Library, and a question and answer session will follow.
Sat., June 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m – East Library
Virtual Symposium
Part of this year’s symposium will be presented in a live virtual session. Learn about the Colorado Springs Civic Players, the Jaz Age in Colorado, and historic jewelers.
Mon., June 12 at 7 p.m. – online
Registration is required for the virtual presentation. A Zoom link will be sent to you once you register.
May 31- July 31, 2024
Read and explore all summer and earn prizes! More information on our 2024 Summer Adventure program will be coming soon.
Right now, we are looking for teen volunteers for Summer Adventure!
Be in the know: Sign up!
Receive a reminder email at the start of Summer Adventure and throughout June and July for summer programs, activities, and more. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has selected the 2023 recipients of the Frank Waters Award and the Golden Quill Award. These literary awards will be presented at a luncheon on Sat., June 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The luncheon is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the Friends of the PPLD website.
The 2023 Frank Waters Award will be presented to a husband-and-wife duo who have authored dozens of books together, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. The award recognizes excellence in writing that explores the spirit of the West through people, culture, and landscape.
Author Barbara Nickless, known for writing best-selling crime novels, will be presented with the 2023 Golden Quill Award. This literary award honors local authors who exhibit excellence in writing and storytelling.
For the first time, the Friends will also give the Best Friend Award to music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers, who has been a longtime, dedicated supporter of the Library District, including donating a large collection of books by Black authors and about Black history to its collection.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends, which supports Library programming and needs.
Celebrate Colorado authors with Pikes Peak Library District at the 17th Annual Mountain of Authors program! This annual event is a great opportunity to explore the world of publishing and writing and also to get familiar with Colorado authors to add to your reading list. Meet local authors at the author showcase and take part in opportunities for book signings and purchases. You will also hear from keynote speaker Alan Prendergast, author of Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan.
Sat., May 6 from noon – 4:30 p.m. at Library 21c
Schedule
- Noon - Doors open and Local Author Showcase begins
- 1 p.m. - Panel Presentation featuring Patricia Raybon, Marc Cameron, and Randi Samuelson-Brown
- 2 p.m. - Local Author Showcase
- 3 p.m. - Keynote Address by Alan Prendergast, followed by Audience Q&A
- 4 p.m. - Book signing and Local Author Showcase
For more information, as well as bios about presenters, visit the event page.
Look who’s got a new Library Card!
It’s our favorite soccer star, Ziggy, the mascot for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks!
Get your special limited-edition library card featuring Ziggy just in time for Summer Adventure. Stop by your nearest library beginning Thu., June 1 to get yours. Hurry! These cards won’t last long.
PPLD is a Ziggy Kids Club sponsor, a program designed to connect kids with soccer and have fun all season long!
Limited-edition Ziggy library cards
Bikes are a unique vehicle that open opportunities for commuting, exercise, and exploration. Whether you bike for your primary mode of transportation or for recreation, celebrate your ride with the Library during Bike Month this May!
Resources
- Bike Safety from NHTSA
Explore bicycle safety with excellent videos suitable for all languages and children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. - Bike Safety from NSC
Find out how to enjoy your bike ride safely with resources from the National Safety Council. - Kids on Bikes
Not sure where to head next? Explore these biking maps:
Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) in honoring and celebrating our military community members in May for Military Appreciation Month. We thank military service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force, and National Guard and their families for their service and commitment. Below is one way that PPLD is celebrating our military community.
Programs
- Postcard for Patriots
A postcard may be a little thing, but the impact of receiving one can be heartwarming. For National Military Appreciation Month, enjoy the simple yet profound act of sending a postcard to the Military Member in your life or community. Stop by your local Library location during the month of May to pick up a no-cost postcard to share with the patriot you respect and honor (while supplies last).
May 1 – May 31
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Pikes Peak Library District! Explore the resources on this page recognizing the culture, experiences, and contributions of the Jewish American community.
Resources
- Hoopla
Explore Jewish stories and experiences in eBooks, music, movies, and more. - American Jewish Desk Reference
Learn more about Jewish heritage with this reference book from the American Jewish Historical Society. - Kanopy
Discover films and documentaries celebrating Jewish Americans on Kanopy.
Regional History and Genealogy Resources (18+)
- Archival Collections:
- Colorado Springs Jewish History Project Records, 1920-2013 (Archival Collection MSS 0419) The Colorado Springs Jewish History Project records consist of oral history interviews, photographs, and a documentary film.
- Mohl Family Papers, 1905 - 1997 (Archival Collection MSS 0415) and Mohl Family Photographs (Digital Photograph Collection)
Leo and Hertha Mohl were long-time residents of Colorado Springs, small business owners, dairy farmers, and world travelers. They were also some of the first European war refugees to live in Colorado Springs.
Hertha Mohl was born in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a dressmaker until, after almost getting caught passing out anti-Nazi literature, she smuggled herself into England. While living in London, Hertha served in the British Air Raid Precaution Service. Also born in Vienna, Leo Mohl served as secretary of the trade union movement. Leo was taken to concentration camps in Dachau and Buchenwald for his political activities. In 1939, he was released and immigrated to England, where he met Hertha.
The Mohls immigrated to the United States in 1940, eventually making their way to Colorado Springs. They raised dairy cows on farmland that is now owned by the Air Force Academy, operated a bookstore called The Book Home, and owned a reweaving shop called Master Weavers of America.
- Various Photographs (from PPLD’s Digital Photograph Collection) Photographs of the Colorado Springs Jewish Community.
- Books from Regional History and Genealogy (Books from Regional History and Genealogy)
- Exploring Jewish Colorado by Phil Goodstein
- A Colorado Jewish family album, 1859-1992 by Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society
- A history of Jewish life in Colorado Springs (DVD – also available for checkout)
- Getting started in Jewish genealogy by Gary Mokotoff
- L'chaim: a guide to Jewish genealogical research by Zoe Henry
- Dr. Charles David Spivak: a Jewish immigrant and the American tuberculosis movement by Jeanne E. Abrams
- Jewish women pioneering the frontier trail: a history in the American West by Jeanne E. Abrams
- A guide to the Jewish Rockies, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming by Amy Shapiro
Websites
- Jewish American Heritage Month – Library of Congress
- Jewish American Heritage Month – National Archives
- Jewish American Heritage Month – National Parks Service (National Register of Historic Places)
- Jewish Americans - PBS.
Watch clips and outtakes from the 3-part PBS documentary series The Jewish Americans. This collection includes resources for further investigation, lesson plans for high school educators, and opportunities to share your own story. Recommended for high school and older. - Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Go on a virtual tour of many of the fascinating exhibits now available online.
What’s better than cheering on your local soccer team? Cheering them on with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), of course!
The Library will join the Switchbacks at Weidner Field on Fri., July 14. Library card holders may receive special discounted $15 tickets at the gate in advance or that night (limited quantities available). Stop by and take a commemorative photo with Ziggy in the Fan Zone before the game or meet us in the Kids Zone after the game starts.
Weidner Field: Fri., July 14. The fun begins in the Fan Zone at 5 p.m.
Fri., June 2 is PPLD Night at the Switchbacks. Join the fun! Show your library card (or card number) for special discounted $15 tickets to the June 2 game (sorry, the June 2 game is now sold out, but you can purchase 4 discounted tickets at the box office for the June 10 and July 14 games by showing your PPLD card. Quantities are limited so get your tickets today.) Kids will also have the opportunity to get a limited-edition library card with Switchbacks Mascot Ziggy on it (more information below). We hope to see you at the match!
Weidner Field: Fri., June 2. The fun begins in the Fan Zone at 5 p.m.
Look who’s got a new Library Card!
If you’re going to the June 2 game, you can meet Ziggy and get the kiddos a limited-edition special Ziggy Library card just in time for Summer Adventure! We’ll be in the Kids Zone during the game, stop by to say hello and get a Ziggy card. These special library cards will also be available at PPLD locations beginning June 1, while supplies last.
PPLD is a Ziggy Kids Club sponsor, a program designed to connect kids with soccer and have fun all season long!
Limited-edition Ziggy library cards
Throughout May, the Library is celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognizing the cultures, experiences, and contributions of the AAPI community. Join us in celebrating with the book lists and resources on this page.
Programs
- Library Explorers: Fun with Chinese Calligraphy
Our Library Explorers are invited to practice writing Chinese Calligraphy for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the calligraphy practice sheets found in the Library Explorer kits in May. Learn more about the Library Explorers program here.
Booklists
Resources
- Kanopy
Enjoy films and documentaries by or celebrating AAPI people. - Hoopla
Explore Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with movies and TV shows on Hoopla. - CultureGrams
Experience the world through cultural information on more than 200 countries with CultureGrams and other resources in our Countries & Cultures Guide. In CultureGrams, explore all the U.S. states in colorful, engaging reports. - Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute
Learn about opportunities to connect with Chinese culture here in Colorado Springs with the Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute. - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources for Teachers
This collection of lessons and resources for grades K – 12 social studies, literature, and the arts will help educators explore AAPI heritage with their students. - National Park Service
Planning a vacation? Take in some of these historical sites from the National Park Service. - Asian Art Museum
Find activities for kids and families and explore AAPI heritage in creative ways. - Hmong flute/qeej
Learn about Asian and Pacific Island Instruments in this video. - Japanese taiko drumming
Watch professional Japanese taiko drummers perform. - Traditional Korean music
Jump into the world of traditional Korean music with this video from the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels.
Regional History & Genealogy Resources:
- Books from the Carnegie Library - Special Collections (Some titles are available for checkout from other library locations)
- Voices from Colorado: perspectives of Asian Pacific Americans by Nestor J. Mercado
- Asian American genealogical sourcebook by Paula K. Byers
- Asians in Colorado: a history of persecution and perseverance in the Centennial State by William Wei
- Chinaman's chance: the Chinese on the Rocky Mountain mining frontier by Liping Zhu
- The road to Chinese exclusion: the Denver riot, 1880 election, and rise of the West by Liping Zhu
- Chin Lin Sou: Chinese-American leader by Janet L. Taggart
Join Pikes Peak Library District as we welcome UCCS Theatreworks for Free-For-All PERICLES, directed by Max Shulman.
In May, June, and July of 2023, Free-For-All shares a 75-minute PERICLES, a fast-paced journey of heroes, villains, shipwrecks, pirates, jousting, and more in a sweeping adventure that was Shakespeare's most popular play for over 100 years!
Presenting an exciting, sensory-friendly announcement!
We have published short Sensory Tour Videos for each Library location on our website. These videos offer a sensory-friendly way for children with autism and sensory processing needs and their families to preview each of our libraries and prepare for a successful visit. Each video makes our libraries more accessible and enjoyable for children with sensory needs.
You will find these videos on each library’s location page on our website.
In each video, our friendly Family & Children’s Services staff discuss how to identify Library staff members, request sensory accommodation kits, return materials, and anything else you might expect when you visit that library. Children will enjoy visiting the children’s section through the comfort of their screen before visiting in person.
Everyone is always welcome at the Library!
After a unanimous vote during a special public board session on Tuesday afternoon, April 4, Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Board of Trustees appointed Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs as the permanent head of the Library District. Shainidze-Krebs officially assumes the role of chief librarian and CEO on Mon., April 24.
Since April 1, 2022, Shainidze-Krebs has operated as the chief librarian and chief executive officer for the Library District after the departure of John Spears, who held the title for six years. Prior to her appointment, Shainidze-Krebs was the deputy chief librarian and chief public services officer where she led library services before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. She started her career with PPLD in 2007 in the adult education department as a part-time ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor. Years later, she became the director of adult education where she expanded public services for those seeking education and job opportunities to improve their lives.
“Teona Shainidze-Krebs has been a staunch leader over the past year while serving as the Chief Librarian,” said Aaron Salt, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “She has upheld our core values and gone beyond previous administrations to promote neutrality, while ensuring all patrons are welcome. Mrs. Shainidze-Krebs has worked diligently to build community partnerships and engage our civic leaders. The PPLD Board of Trustees is excited to appoint Teona to lead our organization for years to come.”
“The Library gives me a profound sense of pride in this country. Not every community in the world has the same tools and resources to help people better their lives and adjust to the circumstances thrown their way,” said Shainidze-Krebs. “However, our local libraries are that space where people can choose resources and tools to connect them to opportunities that allow them to thrive. I am honored to lead the PPLD staff toward the betterment of our community.”
Shainidze-Krebs is currently pursuing her master's degree in library science from Emporia State University and is expected to graduate later this year. She already holds a B.A. in foreign language (English), along with two master’s degrees – one in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and another in communication. Shainidze-Krebs speaks Georgian, Russian, and English.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Shivers Concert Series. These concerts benefit the Shivers Fund, which contributes to the African-American collection at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), awards grants and scholarships to students, and encourages young people to pursue their interests in the arts.
The Spring Concert, the first of three concerts this year, features soprano Leberta Loral, baritone James Alston, and violinist David Siegel, accompanied by pianist Susan Grace. Join us for this celebration of the arts and support the Shivers Fund in providing opportunities for our community to celebrate diversity in history, culture, and the arts. This concert takes place on Fri., April 21 at 7 p.m. at Ent Center for the Arts.
Since the end of April 2023, the OverDrive company has discontinued their OverDrive app and has transitioned to the Libby app. Everyone who uses the OverDrive app on mobile devices will need to transition to Libby in order to continue accessing eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks. Don't worry, switching is easy (and you'll even be able to keep your book wish lists from OverDrive)!
Click here to learn more about the transition to Libby
What will be the same:
- The OverDrive website will still be available
- Most of the content in Libby is the same as in OverDrive
- Your loans and holds will transfer to Libby
- Your wish list can be imported to Libby
- Loan periods are the same in Libby as in OverDrive
- You will still get hold notifications in Libby
What to be aware of:
- Your reading history from the OverDrive app will not transfer to Libby
- Reading progress for your current loans will not transfer to Libby
- You can search for titles not yet in PPLD's collection and indicate your interest using the Notify Me feature.
- At the end of April, OverDrive discontinued the "Recommend to Library" feature. This was the method that allowed users one purchase request to the library each month.
This feature has been replaced with Notify Me tags in Libby. Users may tag any items of interest, to be notified if the library purchases the title. When notified, users may place a hold on the item.
Libby for Kindle
Download Libby App
Announcing the launch of our new Toy Library! This collection opens opportunities for young children to explore toys that help develop their motor skills.
Pikes Peak Library District’s six Family Place Libraries (Cheyenne, East, Fountain, Penrose, and Sand Creek libraries, as well as Library 21c), will begin checking out toys beginning in April. Family Place Libraries promote the importance of play through their library play spaces and playgroups, and this new collection allows us to continue to grow in this area. This is an opportunity to expand our services and emphasize the importance of play while accommodating our library patrons in their homes.
The Toy Library offers large motor skill toys available for families with children ages 0 - 5 to check out with their library card. Large motor skills toys support child development and are important because they help young children learn how to coordinate and control their body movements. These motor skills help lay the foundation for the development of fine motor skills such as writing.
We recognize that young children need to practice their large motor skills daily, and through the Toy Library, families will have access to these types of toys for three weeks at a time. Children grow rapidly in the first few years of life, so the ability to swap out toys by borrowing them through the Toy Library will help children practice their large motor skills at various stages of development.
Check out information and procedures
Toy Library items:
- Check out for 3 weeks (21 days)
- Not available for holds or renewals
- Only available at these libraries:
- Cheyenne Mountain Library
- East Library
- Fountain Library
- Penrose Library
- Sand Creek Library
- Library 21c
- Must be returned to the location where they were checked out
Checkout information
- One item at a time from the Toy Library may be checked out to patrons who:
- Are age 18+
- Have a valid Library account in good standing – user privileges are not blocked or expired (ACCESS cards and PowerPass are not eligible)
- Have a completed and signed Toy Library Waiver on file
Learn more about checking out toys from the Toy Library here.
Throughout history poetry has inspired cultures around the world. April is National Poetry Month, celebrating poetry in all of its forms. This diverse art form imaginatively conveys human emotion and experience, captures both epic and quiet moments in concise snapshots, and creates a channel for us to understand the world around us in new and meaningful ways. Songs, poetry epics, haiku, pastoral poems, sonnets, and limericks are just a few poetic forms that you might already be familiar with and enjoy. Discover new poems, poets, and poetic forms while exploring the resources on this page, and don’t miss the special poetry events we have coming up in April!
Programs
Poetry Summit – Sat., April 22, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The 2023 Pikes Peak Poetry Summit theme is: "Art is a Bridge to New Perspectives." This year we are celebrating poetry across Colorado with features from all over the state. Join our summit and open yourself up to new ideas through powerful artistry.
April is National Poetry Month, and this summit is the perfect way to celebrate whether you are a seasoned poet, exploring the art form, or just a lover of poetry. Get inspired, improve your craft, share your words, and learn more about poetry locally and across the state. Engage with our poetry workshops, share your work on the open mic, and experience amazing poetry and music performances.
Workshops include:
- How to Rhyme?: Songwriting 101 with Dominique Robbins
- Poetry, Pop Culture, and Social Justice with Michael Ferguson
- Building Community, Building a Poem with Poetry Heals
- Becoming Poetry writing workshop.
Shop our art market to support local poets, authors, and artists. The poetic experience in the Pikes Peak Region is phenomenal and we look forward to celebrating with the community. Be curious about the bridge poetry will create for you. All ages are welcome!
The workshops are provided at no cost. All workshops are 45 minutes in duration. Please be aware that you will need coins for the metered parking.
Registration opens soon for all workshops.
Enjoy celebrating Poetry Month with the Library!
Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony – Sat., April 29, at 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the winners of Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest, who wrote on this year's theme: "Be the Hero: Empowered and Impactful." Please RSVP to Christa Funke, cfunke@ppld.org, by Tue., April 25.
For 4th and 5th graders and their families and friends
Booklists
- Children's Poetry and Novels in Verse
- Poets to Read for National Poetry Month
- Poetry Books for Teens
Resources
- Poetry and Shorty Story Reference Center
A full-text database containing thousands of classic and contemporary poems, short stories, and more. It also includes high-quality videos and audio recordings from the Academy of American Poets. - PPLD Literature LibGuide
A starting place for discovering literature resources within our collection at Pikes Peak Library District, including information on poetry and poets!
Recommended Website
- Shell Silverstein website
Lots of fun for Shel Silverstein fans, including videos of his poems and activities to try! - The Children's Poetry Archive
Listen to poems read aloud, some by the poets who wrote them. Discover a new favorite poem and learn all about different poets who write for children. - StoryBlocks
Poetry for the very young! Find all sorts of songs and nursery rhymes in multiple languages to share with your child. - The Poetry Archive
The internet’s largest collection of poets reading their work. - Poetry Foundation
The website of Poetry Magazine includes learning resources for multiple age groups, information on poems and poets, and a large variety of podcasts for connecting with poetry. - Writer's Digest University's Write Better Poetry
Looking for inspiration for your next poem? Writer’s Digest has a variety of challenges, writing prompts and articles to help you get started.
We are excited to announce that library card holders can now access no-cost passes to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. These two local attractions are the latest to join our Culture Pass program!
Use your library card to check out passes to visit the museum for an immersive, universally accessible look into the journey of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes through interactive exhibits and innovative displays. Or, check out a pass for the training center and take an inspiring guided tour through this elite facility where Team USA athletes train.
Each attraction offers two daily passes, each for two adults and four children 12-years-old and younger.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center rejoins the Culture Pass program after temporarily suspending its participation in 2020 to abide by COVID-19 safety measures to protect Olympic athletes during the pandemic.
These Colorado Springs attractions join current Culture Pass partner organizations, including:
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
- The Money Museum
- ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame
- Pikes Peak Children’s Museum
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site
- Space Foundation Discovery Center
- Western Museum of Mining & Industry
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
These passes are available for checkout, similar to how you would check out an eBook or other electronic resource. Log in to the online reservation page and book a pass up to 30 days in advance. Reserve your pass today at ppld.org/culturepass!
Getting money smart can help you take control of your life and have confidence in the future. Money Smart Week from April 14 - 21 puts a focus on learning life skills to help you manage your personal finances. Learn how to save for your future with programs from the Library and visit other resources on this page to learn more about financial planning for yourself and your family.
Programs:
How To Prepare for Retirement When You’re in Your 20s and 30s
If you consider yourself financially illiterate, you are not alone. It does not matter if you have just started earning an income or have been earning for a long time, every day is a chance to reflect upon your spendings and improve your finances. April is Financial Literacy Month. Join us for this class with Nick Naseman and feel confident about handling your financial future.
- Tue., April 11 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. – Rockrimmon Library
- Sat., April 29 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. – Penrose Library
Booklists
- Business Essentials (Includes titles on Personal Finance) - Overdrive
Resources
Website Links
- Money Smart Week.org
Visit the Money Smart Week page to learn about family budgeting, debt relief, employer retirement plans, and other topics in free virtual sessions. - Want to Teach Your Kids About Money?
It’s never too early to teach kids about money. Parents can listen to this news story or read the article from NPR that discusses how families can talk about financial literacy at home. - 9 Tips for Teaching Kids About Money
Here is some advice from Charles Schwab to help teach kids about money management. - Schwab Moneywise hands-on activities
Here are some activities to do with kids to teach them about successful money habits - Colorado Springs Money Museum
Use your library card to check out no-cost entry passes to the Money Museum right here in Colorado Springs! Through the discovery of money, America’s largest museum dedicated to numismatics brings culture to life. The museum explores art, history, science, and much more to promote the diverse nature of money and related items. Reserve a pass today!
Anime Fan Fest 2023 will highlight programs happening at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to celebrate the anime and manga fandom! Check out our social media for recommendations and resource highlights, or look below for more information about in-person programs at different Library locations. Scroll to the bottom of this page for some featured videos from PPLD's YouTube channel.
Origami Bookmark
All locations will have a special Anime Fan Fest Take and Make available for teens. The Take and Make is a simple Origami Bookmark. Available while supplies last.
- link to instructions PDF -
T&M - origami.pdf
Anime Fan Fest Programs
Celebrate Anime Fan Fest at your local library! Activities vary by location; see links below for more information.
Light-Up Cosplay Bracelet Cuffs
- Tues., April 4 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at Rockrimmon Library
- Wed., April 12 from 4 - 5:00 p.m. at Manitou Springs Library
- Fri., April 28 from 2 - 4:00 p.m. at Fountain Library
Manga/Comic Gift Bags and Button Making
- Fri., April 7 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
- Sat., April 22 from 2 - 3 p.m. at Sand Creek Library
Teen Anime Club
- Mon., April 10 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Library 21c
- Thur., April 20 from 4 - 5 p.m. at Rockrimmon Library
Anime Fan Fest: Microwave Mochi
Have you ever wanted to try making mochi but been intimidated by the long process? Today, we're testing out a microwave daifuku mochi recipe from Namiko Chen's Just One Cookbook! You can find her written instructions here.
Learn To Draw Miyazaki Sidekicks
Learn to draw your favorite Miyazaki sidekicks with the help of Penrose Library's very own Young Adult Librarian, Mikaela!
Note: The characters in this lesson are all the intellectual property of Studio Ghibli.
Make Your Own Sailor Moon Tiara
Find out how to make your own budget-friendly Sailor Moon Tiara with Annie!
Note: The costume designs in this video are all intellectual property of Naoko Takeuchi.
Freedom of Information Day celebrates public access to government information and the public’s right to know. This annual event takes place on March 16, James Madison’s birthday. James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution and was a vocal advocate for transparency in government. The Freedom of Information Act, passed on July 4, 1966, outlines the public’s right to access information.
The American Library Association celebrates Freedom of Information Day with the James Madison Award and the Eileen Cooke State & Local Madison Award, both of which recognize individuals or groups who have championed, protected, and promoted public access to government information.
Resources
- Government Resources Guide
Our Government Resources guide offers a great starting place for finding information about our local, state, and federal governments. You will find historical information; details about the federal, state, and local branches of government; voting information; and other resources. - (U.S.) History in Context
Learn about themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-Colonial times to the present. - History Collection from Gale eBooks
Search this database for books about the Freedom of Information Act and James Madison, as well as more unfamiliar events from U.S. history.