Categories
What’s better than cheering on your local soccer team? Cheering them on with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), of course!
The Library will be with the Switchbacks at Weidner Field on Sat., June 1.
Start your summer reading adventure! Sign up for Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado and get a free book! Stop by our booth in the Fan Zone just outside of Weidner Field from 5 - 7 p.m. or in the Kids Zone upstairs on the west side of the field from 7 - 9 p.m.
Library cardholders may purchase up to four discounted tickets at a special price of $15 tickets each for the June 1st game at the gate in advance or that night (Act fast! Limited quantities available).
PPLD library cardholders may also purchase up to four discounted tickets at $15 each for the July 28, Aug. 3, and Sept. 14 games by showing your PPLD library card at the box office. (Quantities are limited, so get your tickets today!)
Weidner Field: Sat., June 1. The fun begins at 5 p.m. in the Fan Zone!
PPLD Night with the Switchbacks
The fun continues with Ziggy and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks with PPLD Night with the Switchbacks on Sat., Sept. 14. Don't miss the fun as the Switchbacks take on the Charleston Battery at 6 p.m.! Join PPLD in our very own cheering section. Show your PPLD library card (or card number) to purchase up to four discounted tickets at $15 each for the Sept. 14 game. (Act fast! Limited quantities available.) We hope to see you at the game!
Short stories and poems contain layers of depth and meaning. Casual readers may enjoy the emotions and concepts explored, while literary scholars and enthusiasts can take deeper dives into themes, academic interpretations, and even examinations of writers’ bodies of work. No matter which type of reader you are, there is a lot to explore in the Literary Reference Center and the Poetry & Short Story Reference Center. Use your PPLD library card to access these databases to explore full text poems and stories, articles, and author information for thousands of classic and contemporary writers. Students will also find these databases useful.
The Literary Reference Center offers thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals, and author biographies covering work from all genres and time periods. For high school and college students, the Research Guide tab on the Literary Reference Center home page is a useful tool where you can find handouts and guides to assist with research steps, essay organization, developing thesis statements, and more. You will also find full-text classical novels, short stories, and poems that you can read.
In the Poetry & Short Story Reference Center, you will find thousands of full-text classic and contemporary poems and short stories. Each poem or short story includes information such as author details, poetic form, themes, techniques used, literary genre and movement, subject, and other key information. Essays, reviews, analyses, and author biographies in this database allow you to explore these and other works more in-depth. Additionally, you can discover high-quality videos and audio recordings from the Academy of American Poets. For educators, there is an extensive selection of lesson plans to help bring these literary works into your classroom.
Access these databases at any Pikes Peak Library District location, or El Paso County residents can access remotely from anywhere (must have a resident library card, which starts with a 4).
Free Comic Book Day on Sat., May 4 wasn’t the only way for you to enjoy comics at no cost. Use your library card to access hundreds of comics, graphic novels, and manga on Hoopla! From superheroes and literary adaptations to kid favorites, both new and long-time comic and manga readers can find something to enjoy in this digital collection. Check out what’s available from anywhere using the Hoopla app or by visiting Hoopla using your internet browser.
Hoopla’s digital comics collection is always growing. They added manga in 2023 and continue to add new content each month. The collection offers comic issues, comic volumes, graphic novels, manga, and audiobook adaptations of some graphic novels.
Hoopla’s digital comics collection is always growing. They added manga in 2023 and continue to add new content each month. The collection offers comic issues, comic volumes, graphic novels, manga, and audiobook adaptations of some graphic novels.
Whether you’re new to comics or a longtime fan, Hoopla’s comics section is easy to navigate. You can search for a comic by title or enjoy browsing a wide variety of categories to help you find what you like to read. If you aren’t sure what you want to read, browse through categories like Popular Comics, Featured, Media Tie-In, Fantasy, Historical, and other categories. There’s something for everyone.
Help celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Team USA with a limited-edition U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) library card! This beautiful commemorative card will be available starting Fri., May 31 just in time for Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) 2024 Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado reading program.
The card features artwork by LeRoy Neiman, the official painter for five Olympic Games, and now PPLD cardholders can enjoy his artwork on their library card.
As a special bonus, the limited-edition library card can be used this summer for free children’s admissions at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. From May 31 – July 31, Library cardholders may present the limited-edition card upon entry at the museum for free admission for a child 12 years of age and younger with a paying adult. The card will be available on a first-come basis, while supplies last.
Don't miss this special library card that will help get you in the spirit of the games this summer!
The Shivers Concert Series has been raising funds to support local culture and arts for 31 years. These concerts benefit the Shivers Fund started by Peggy and Clarence Shivers, 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 baritone Shyheim Hinnant, mezzo soprano Stephanie Brink, and violist Solomon Leonard, as well as a Tuskegee Airman reenactment by John Thomas. 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., May 17 at 6 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Durthy Washington will be selling and signing her books at the event.
Thank you to the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College for hosting this event. Also, at the Fine Arts Center right now is the Clarence Shivers: Experiments with Form exhibit, showcasing more than 30 works of paintings, prints, and sculpture that offer an expansive view of Clarence Shivers’ prolific career.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to learn more about and recognize the importance of taking care of our mental health and well-being. With so much focus on physical health, it’s easy to forget that our minds require love and attention, too. This month also serves as an important reminder for everyone to check in with friends and family who may need additional support.
Booklists
PPLD Resources
- Tough Topics guide for teens: Mental Health and Suicide
The resources in the Tough Topics guide are organized into a page for youth seeking support, as well as parents and caregivers. - Tough Topics Bookmark
A printed resource for teens available at Library locations. These bookmarks have book call numbers that can help anyone find books on the shelves dealing with mental health-related topics. Phone numbers for local resources are also listed. - Community Resources at PPLD
We have all found ourselves in a difficult situation and we aren’t always sure where to turn. Pikes Peak Library District offers community resources information across the District. Our Community Resources Specialists are here to help you navigate and connect with services by providing referrals and information to get the help you need for your specific situation. Please note that these are not mental health services. - Helping Hands El Paso County Community Resources
Discover mental and behavioral health resources available in El Paso County. - Psychology & Behavioral Sciences database
This database contains full text information from more than 560 journals. It covers topics on emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry and psychology, mental processes, anthropology, and observational and experimental methods. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location.)
Websites
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. - Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention
The mission of Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership is to unite the community in addressing suicide in the Pikes Peak region through education, intervention, and postvention. - Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential, and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists, available 24/7/364 by calling 844-493-8255 or texting TALK to 38255. - May is Mental Health Awareness Month (American Hospital Association)
As Mental Health Awareness Month, May is a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways that mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, providers, families, and our society at large. - National Alliance on Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. - Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Visit their Taking Good Care of Yourself page for tools to aid you in your mental health journey. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. - National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health is dedicated to transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Visit their Caring for your Mental Health page for helpful tips and tools for caring for your mental health.
In 1890 and 1891, prospectors in the Pikes Peak region discovered the rich gold ore that touched off the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Rush. With the modern comforts we enjoy today, it can be difficult to imagine what the gold rush was like for people living it. For an authentic gold rush experience of your own, visit our Pikes Peak Culture Pass partner Victor Thomas Lowell Museum in Victor, Colorado. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can check out a no-cost entry pass to this piece of regional history through the Culture Pass program.
Located in the heart of the town of Victor, the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum features displays exploring the historic gold mining days, as well as the miners and pioneers, some of them millionaires, who made the town famous. Victor’s history is one of exploration, ranching, gold mining, and railroading. The museum showcases two floors of artifacts, books, exhibits, and photographs depicting life in Victor from its beginnings to the heyday of gold mining. Among the exhibits you will find a diamond dust mirror, a large collection of mining artifacts, themed-rooms, and an old-fashioned doctor's office!
The 1899 building the museum calls home is a historic experience of its own, boasting its original wood floors, tin ceilings, and many fixtures dating back to the gold rush era.
While you are there, be sure to check out the newly renovated Lowell Thomas room. The exhibit is dedicated to sharing the life of famous journalist, author, and world traveler Lowell Thomas after whom the museum was named.
Victor Thomas Lowell Museum joined our Culture Pass program in June 2023 to increase awareness about the museum, the Town of Victor, and life in the gold rush era among PPLD patrons. What a great opportunity for library cardholders to experience a taste of the gold rush while enjoying a short drive out west!
Patrons can check out a Culture Pass to the Victor Museum in the summer months, and some weekends in the fall, weather permitting. Victor Thomas Lowell Museum will celebrate its 65th anniversary on June 26, 2024. Learn more about the celebration and the museum on their website.
Announcing an upcoming gallery exhibit at the Library! The exhibit will be at Penrose Library for the month of May, starting on Fri., May 3.
On the day that the gallery opens, join us for a workshop with Asay from 4 – 5 p.m. at Library 21c. During the workshop, Asay will explore his inspiration, his career as a cartoonist, and the pieces featured in the gallery. Asay, who worked at the Taos News, the Colorado Springs Sun, and briefly for The Denver Post, was the featured political cartoonist for The Gazette for more than 20 years, from 1986 to 2007. He retired from The Gazette in March of 2007.
After his retirement, Asay’s art and commentary lived on in syndication for six more years, reaching audiences worldwide through hundreds of newspapers. In 2013 Asay put aside his pens, pencil, and paper after drawing a final cartoon in his lauded style announcing his full retirement in June of that year.
Colorado Springs entrepreneur Jon Medved and the Medved Family Charitable Fund approached the Library about bringing Asay’s art to the Pikes Peak region. The exhibit highlights his work, applauds his talent, and fosters discussion about the artist’s commentary as a retrospective on the time nearly 40 years ago.
The exhibit will feature more than 30 of Asay’s cartoons through the end of March in the galleries at both Library 21c and East Library. It will be on display at Penrose Library later in 2024.
Stop by to browse the exhibit, and view much of Asay’s work online in our Digital Collections. Over the last few years, Pikes Peak Library District has worked with The Gazette to digitize more than 10,000 cartoons that Asay drew for the paper, archiving them in our digital photo archive housed by our Regional History & Genealogy department.
Experience interesting research and knowledge about our local history at the 20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in Pikes Peak Regional History.” Presenters, selected from proposals submitted by academics, researchers, and the general public, will explore the narratives that have shaped our region. This unique event serves as a platform for history enthusiasts and newcomers alike, providing a welcoming space to discover the story that created the Pikes Peak region we know today.
Launched in 2004 as a day-long celebration of local history, the Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium is a pivotal event that explores history in the Pikes Peak region. The Symposium has evolved over time to match shifting resources and community needs, and now showcases local history through a compelling three-part series over three days. It starts with engaging short documentaries, followed by traditional in-person presentations, and concludes with a "virtual symposium," which was introduced during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
The Symposium is sponsored by the Helen and James McCaffrey Fund for Regional History, the Friends of PPLD, and the PPLD Foundation.
Film Festival and Symposium
Featuring short films by acclaimed local filmmakers Jim Sawatzki and Steve Antonuccio, the festival showcases documentaries from High School History Day competition winners. It concludes with the world premiere of 4K footage of the iconic Cologne tank battle from World War II.
In-person Symposium
The Pikes Peak region, with its rich tapestry of people, institutions, and landscapes, offers compelling stories of triumph, trouble, and transformation. Come discover the watershed moments that made us who we are today during the in-person portion of the History Symposium featuring engaging presentations exploring this history.
Virtual Symposium
The virtual portion of this year’s History Symposium will feature presentations exploring turbulent moments in Colorado’s pre-territorial past, the many names of our regions throughout the years, and the evolution of the labor and socialist movements in the Pikes Peak region.
This part of the History Symposium will be over Zoom. Click here to join.
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 booklists and resources on this page.
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
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.
Programs
Getting Started with Jewish Genealogy
Get started on your Jewish genealogy! Attend this in-person class to learn how to work with the unique challenges and advantages associated with tracing Jewish ancestry. Complimentary coffee will be provided, and an optional guided tour of the Regional History & Genealogy department resources will follow the class. Register here.
- Penrose Library: Sat., May 11 from 1 – 3 p.m.
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:
- 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.
- Mohl Family Photographs (Digital Photograph Collection)
- 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.
PPLD is teaming up with Muse Comics & Games to offer Free Comic Book Day comic issues for teens on Sat., May 4. This annual nationwide initiative strives to put comics into the hands of both long-time and new comic fans alike. Comics are available at all PPLD locations during this one-day event while supplies last.
Free Comic Book Day is an excellent way for teens to discover new comic series to fall in love with. Comic stores across the U.S. celebrate by giving out special Free Comic Book Day issues of comics, which can range from being the first issue of a comic series or short one-off stories of larger series. As a public library, we know that not all teens have a nearby comic store that they can visit for free comics. We are happy to connect teens in our community with free comic issues to add to their personal libraries.
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to bring you Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Join us and hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to decluttering your home. Whether you are an avid or occasional reader, there is nothing quite like listening to insightful talks by authors you have read or new ones you are just discovering. You never know what will catch your interest. Attend these events at no cost from the comfort of home.
In May, join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Brunt, about instant bestselling debut non-fiction work The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. Register for the access link.
Next, you are invited to join Nina Simon online as she chats about her lighthearted whodunnit that follows a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. Register for the access link.
For the last Virtual Author Visit in May, we welcome you to register for a thrilling conversation with Rebecca F. Kuang (R.F. Kuang) as she talks about her New York Times bestselling novel, Yellowface. The book grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. Register for the access link.
Learn more and see upcoming authors on our Virtual Author Visits page or check out past Virtual Author Visits here!
More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits
- Mon., June 3 at noon: For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet with Smithsonian Curator Matt Shindell
- Thu., June 13 at 6 p.m.: Psychological Thrillers and the Queen of Twists– An Author Talk with Freida McFadden
- Thu., June 20 at noon: Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System with Tiffany Jewell
On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans participated in the first Earth Day to increase awareness about environmental issues around the world. That movement has grown into Earth Month throughout all of April to continue spreading awareness locally and internationally. Learn about Earth Month, environmental issues, and ways to make your life more environmentally friendly through upcycling and recycling with the resources on this page.
Booklists
Adult Books for Earth Month
Earth Month Books for Kids
Resources
- Earth Month Displays at the Library
Colorado Springs Utilities is sharing information about wise water usage and conservation with informative displays at several Library locations. You’ll find information about utilities, energy rebates, water-wise planting, water and energy usage tips, and more! Stop by East, Cheyenne, Monument, Old Colorado City, Penrose, and Rockrimmon libraries, as well as Library 21c to learn more. - Green Living
A curated guide of resources to help you adapt to living a greener lifestyle. - Learn to Make Reusable Bags at PPLD
Struggling with Colorado’s new single-use bag fee? This video has instructions on how to upcycle a t-shirt into a reusable shopping bag. (All ages) - Create: Bee Gardens
Learn some techniques to start your very own bee-friendly garden, including planting native wildflowers that attract pollinators, and making a bee bath out of polymer clay. (All ages) - Create: Visible Mending
Ripped shirt... throw it away? No way! In this video, you'll learn about visible mending, a technique for fixing up damaged clothes with a little extra flair. (All ages)
Recommended Websites
- Earth Day – National Archives (all ages)
A collection of Earth Day resources from the National Archives - Earth Day - Smithsonian (All ages)
Learn about Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson and explore exhibitions, resources, and Podcasts that highlight Smithsonian efforts to advance sustainability.
Nonprofits make a difference in their communities. If you are involved in a nonprofit or are considering starting one, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has a variety of helpful resources available to support your efforts.
We have many resources available through the Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center located at Penrose Library. Here, you will find our nonprofit collection with a variety of helpful books and materials to support your nonprofit. Our strategic services librarian is also available to help connect you with helpful information.
Your PPLD library card also gets you access to several databases to support your research and grant writing efforts. Use the Colorado Grants Guide for information and assistance for nonprofit grant writing or explore Foundation Directory Professional (available at Library 21c) for trusted tools from a national nonprofit service.
For more resources, you can visit our Nonprofit Subject Guides and find information about education and training, grant writing, financial sponsorship, getting started, and more. Each guide offers useful insight to help you reach your nonprofit goals.
Arab American Heritage Month highlights and celebrates the rich culture and achievements of Arab Americans and Arab-speaking Americans throughout U.S. history. In 2017, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative, which Congress recognized as a National Initiative in 2022. Celebrate by exploring the booklists and web resources on this page!
Booklists
- Children’s Arab American Month Booklist 2023
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Booklist
- Arab Americans (Hoopla)
- Overdrive
- Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Children’s, Adult Fiction, and Adult Nonfiction booklists
Website Links
- Arab American Heritage Month (History Channel)
Commemorate Arab American heritage with the History Channel and take a look at historic Arab immigration to the U.S., as well as information about things you can do to celebrate. - Arab American National Museum
The first and only museum dedicated to telling the Arab American story. - Celebrate American Heritage Month (PBS)
Watch documentaries and programs that celebrate the diversity and history of Arab American communities. - Arab American Foundation
Learn the history of National Arab American Heritage Month being established as a nationally recognized heritage month. - Flags of Arabic Nations for Kids
A printable graphic for learning the flags of Arabic nations. - Arab American History and Culture (The Smithsonian)
Explore photos and articles in the Smithsonian archives to learn more about Arab American history and culture. - Arab American Institute (AAI)
The AAI supports programs that promote greater awareness of Arab Americans in the United States, demographic research, and international outreach.
For anyone considering a major purchase such as a new vehicle, a comfortable mattress upgrade, or new appliances, a subscription to the Consumer Reports database is a good place to start. You will find unbiased ratings and reviews, performance scores, shopping advice, how-to videos, and the latest product news, among other helpful information. Consumer Reports can help you save money, shop smartly, and live better.
With your PPLD library card, you don’t need a subscription to access Consumer Reports. This database is available at any Library location. El Paso County residents (with a library card that starts with a 4) can use their library card to access this database from home.
If you aren’t quite sure what products to consider such as what mattress or crib to purchase, peruse articles reporting on the best of that type of product. If you already have several possibilities in mind, you can search them in the database to find and compare product specifications, rating, safety, and cost information to help find the best product for your needs. This database goes beyond product information with articles exploring ways to keep your home up-to-date, travel tips, things to consider for insurance, starting a college savings plan, getting better sleep, and more.
If you’re on a hunt for a new vehicle, visit the Cars section to find exclusive test results and survey findings to help you choose the best vehicle for you. You can explore by vehicle type, make, model, and year if you already have some options to consider, or peruse lists of the most reliable or cost-effective vehicles to find a good starting point. Road tests, overall scores, features lists, and pricing breakdowns offer key insights.
In addition to product information for items you are considering, you will find interesting articles with tips for updating and improving different areas of your home. Browse the Home & Garden section for a wide variety of products, including bed and bath, home improvement, kitchen, lawn and garden, and tools and power equipment. Learn how to furnish your bedroom for a more restful sleep, get expert tips on staining decks, read up on the Right to Repair movement, and more.
There are even sections with information you can use beyond making purchasing decisions. The Babies section, for example, supports parents making safer and smarter choices for new family members. Explore articles about electronics and internet safety, financial planning, travel tips, and much more. You will even find articles on using privacy features of popular social media apps like Facebook. With more sections to explore, there is a lot more to discover in Consumer Reports.
Explore diverse, varied experiences across the autism community with Pikes Peak Library District during Autism Acceptance Month this April. Below, you will find related booklists, resources, and websites.
Booklists
- Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Adult Nonfiction and Adult Fiction booklists
- Childrens booklist
Resources
- Library Sensory Tour videos
Get a sensory-friendly preview of each of our Library locations, complete with information about sensory accommodations available at each.
Websites
- Autism Acceptance Month (Autism Society)
Read about Autism Acceptance Month and learn more about the autistic community. - Autism Society Colorado
Discover a wide range of resources in Colorado and nationally, and learn about the autistic community. - Autism Resources (Colorado Department of Education)
Learn about resources and strategies for adapting and thriving on the autism spectrum. - World Health Organization
Find key facts about autism and find news and stories centering around the autistic community.
Transition can be hard for our military families and their children. Moving multiple times for military service can be challenging for the children of military families, who often face the disruption of starting over at a new school and with new friends multiple times. This April, Pikes Peak Library District honors the Military Children in our community by celebrating their unique experiences.
Booklists:
Resources
- Military & Veterans Resource Guide
PPLD provides military, veterans, and their families with access to free resources such as books, audiobooks, eBooks, and online databases, as well as events, workshops, and classes tailored to their unique needs and interests.
Website Links
- Sesame Street For Military Families
Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression. - Babies on the Homefront
Babies on the Homefront provides military and veteran parents ideas for enhancing everyday moments with their baby or toddler. - Veteran Training – VA Resources
The VA's parenting program provides resources and support for military and veteran parents, including information on child development, parenting skills, and managing the challenges of military life. - MCEC – Military Child Education Coalition
MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. - U.S. Department of Defense
While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Each year, the Department of Defense (DoD) joins national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make. - Military OneSource
The Month of the Military Child recognizes the unique challenges children in military families face —such as long separations and frequent moves — and honors their service to the military community. Use these free resources to support your children, youth, and teens and power up your parenting.
With a Pikes Peak Culture Pass, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can get no-cost entry passes to the ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame. It is only museum dedicated to both the history of professional rodeo and the ProRodeo Clown Association, as well as western heritage in the Pikes Peak region.
A unique and popular summer exhibit brings to life the spirit of the rodeo through a livestock exhibition, bucking rodeo horses, and even the occasional bull! Few museums have live animals that guests can visit and learn about first-hand. While there, guests can stroll around a beautiful pond and waterfall as they take in the incredible statuary that captures the spirit of the west. This hidden gem has even served as a beautiful backdrop for weddings and special events.
Forty-five years ago, the ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame made Colorado Springs its permanent home after relocating here from Denver. The City of Colorado Springs reached out to the organization in 1978 and worked with them to help them secure the current property where the museum sits today just west of I-25 at Rockrimmon Boulevard. The building opened in August 1979 and has grown with the museum. Later additions, including a pavilion, make up the Hall of Fame as it is today.
To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the museum will host several activities in August 2024 with a rodeo clown reunion, demonstrations, and fun activities culminating with an open house celebration on Fri., Aug. 10.
The ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame is one of the original Culture Pass partners to invite PPLD patrons to be a “tourist in their own backyard,” connecting more with our local community and providing educational programs. Since then, the museum has partnered with PPLD to offer discounted admission during Summer Discount Days in 2023 and has hosted our mobile library to connect museum visitors with Library offerings.
Learn more about the museum on their website, or check out a Pikes Peak Culture Pass and enjoy your time exploring this cultural attraction in-person.
PPLD cardholders have made great use of the Culture Pass program, checking out 3,192 no-cost passes in 2023 alone! The ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame is one of 12 Culture Pass partners that you can explore. Use your library card to check out a pass today!
Do you know everything your Library has to offer? Visit one of our Library Open Houses during National Library Week from April 7 – 13 and discover everything you have access to with your library card!
We will have Open Houses at eight of our libraries where you can take a tour, enjoy local refreshments, participate in family fun activities, and win prizes. Enjoy a scavenger hunt and self-guided tour to help you explore what the Library has to offer. Each location will also offer unique prizes and activities for all ages, so feel free to join us for multiple Open Houses and get to know more libraries around the District.
After seeing all the great offerings of your Library District you’ll want to make sure to get a library card before you leave. The Friends of PPLD have cool swag for the first 25 people who sign up for a library card at each open house location.
Open House Schedules
- East Library – Mon., April 8 from 10 a.m. - noon
- High Prairie Library – Mon., April 8 from 4 – 6 p.m.
- Monument Library – Tue., April 9 from 6 – 8 p.m.
- Penrose Library – Wed., April 10 from 4 – 6 p.m.
- Cheyenne Mountain Library – Thu., April 11 from 5 – 7 p.m.
- Sand Creek Library – Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. - noon
- Fountain Library – Sat., April 13 from 2 – 4 p.m.
- Library 21c – Sat., April 13 from noon – 2 p.m.
Details about each open house are listed below!
East Library
Mon., April 8 from 10 a.m. - noon
Located at 5550 N. Union Blvd. (Colorado Springs, CO)
East Library is notably one of the best locations for working, studying, and reading with a view. Grand floor-to-ceiling windows in the reading bay provide a stunning view of Pikes Peak. This location also offers access to a park right behind the building that you are welcome to enjoy during your visit. Among this library’s features are a makerspace, a teen center, the Education Resource Center (ERC), meeting rooms, two computer labs, and a large children’s area. Near the entrance, you will find the Donald Stratton exhibit honoring U.S. Army service members, and one of the Friends of PPLD’s Library bookstores.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, East Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performance by Mountain Harmony in the reading bay
- Eclipse Viewing Party (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
- Guided and self-guided tours
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD), scavenger hunt (win a prize!), bookmark craft
- Children’s Area: Children’s scavenger hunt, passive art activity, Family Place play area,
- Homeschool Art Show (on display)
- Teen Center: Video games - Mario Kart/Super Smash Brothers on projector, Blue Spruce Award voting
- Makerspace: Button-making activity, laser engraver, and 3D printer in action
- Reading Bay: Puzzles, board games, bookmobile coloring sheet, PPLD Foundation, and popcorn!
Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas or one of three $50 gift cards at Muse Comics + Games.
High Prairie Library
Mon., April 8 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Located at 7035 Old Meridian Rd. (Peyton, CO)
High Prairie Library is a cornerstone of its community that connects people to the resources they need for work, school, and fun. Thanks to an environmental grant, there are geothermal tubes in the ground behind the building that heat and cool the building efficiently. A convenient drive-through window located on the south side of the building makes curbside pickup and book drop-off a breeze. This location also offers ample outdoor space for patrons to enjoy. Stop by and discover the meeting rooms, seed library, computers, and other resources this location has to offer.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performance by Falcon High School Jazz Band
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Refreshments
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- Self-guided tour
- Community art activity
- Seed Library display
- Library of Things and Discovery Kit display
- Friends of PPLD book sale
- Bookmark craft
- Children’s area: Rainbow scratch art, children’s scavenger hunt
Drawing for a chance to win a $30 gift card to La Mission Restaurant.
Monument Library
Tue., April 9 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr. (Monument, CO)
Monument Library, nestled on the north side of the Woodmoor Center shopping mall, offers literacy and resources where there used to be a hardware store. Inside, the library’s Madagascar Day Gecko named Ruby is ready to greet visitors alongside Library staff. Despite its smaller size, this location often lands third or fourth for overall checkouts among all Library locations. On good weather days, people enjoy stepping out behind the building to visit the geese and ducks in Serenity Pond. This location offers a meeting room, computers, art exhibits, and other resources.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performance by the Rose County Academy of Irish Dance
- Scavenger hunt (win prizes!)
Button-making activity - Board games for all ages
- Palmer Divide Quiltmakers Quilt tour
- Self-guided tour
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Paws to Read activity
- Bookmark craft
- Behind the Bookdrop: Processing holds
- Backdoor: Duck feeding station, sidewalk chalk
- Children’s area: Children's scavenger hunt, process art, bookmobile coloring sheet
Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a Dave & Busters Family Four-Pack of game cards totaling $100.
Penrose Library
Wed., April 10 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Located at 20 N. Cascade Ave. (Colorado Springs, CO)(There is paid parking. Library cardholders can get two hours of free parking in the parking lot by scanning their library cards at the parking kiosk.)
Penrose Library was recently closed for two months while we shortened and reconfigured the bookshelves. The Open House will include remarks from Library leadership commemorating its reopening. This library, located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, features a computer lab, study rooms, a teen center, a large children’s area, and a Law Collection. The attached historic Carnegie Library houses our Regional History & Genealogy department, as well as the Herbert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center with resources for small businesses and nonprofits.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, Penrose Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performances by Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius and Colorado Springs Conservatory
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- Community art project
- Mini-golf course
- Green screen photo activity
- Bookmark craft
- Teen Area: Coloring activity, Blue Spruce Award voting, Mario Kart video game (teen only)
- Children’s Area: Family Place toys, face painting, Name the Dragon activity
- Upper Parking Lot: Mobile Library Services, bookmobile coloring sheet
Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas or a $50 gift card to spend at Downtown Colorado Springs businesses.
Cheyenne Mountain Library
Thu., April 11 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1785 South 8th St., Suite 100 (Colorado Springs, CO)
Cheyenne Mountain Library is one of our shopping complex libraries. It is beloved by its patrons, who know that what it lacks in size, it makes up for with cozy vibes and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Stop by to learn about the meeting room, computers, art exhibits, and other resources that this location has to offer.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, Cheyenne Mountain Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments, visit our staff table where staff will tell you about our various programs and offerings, and the following activities:
- Performance by the Free Time Quartet
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Life-size Candy Land game
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- Self-guided tour
- Bookmark craft activity
- Nintendo Switch video games (all ages)
- Friends of PPLD mini book sale
- Children’s area: Family Place toys, bookmobile coloring sheet
Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Caffeinated Cow.
Sand Creek Library
Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. - noon
Located at 1821 South Academy Blvd. (Colorado Springs, CO)
We often hear people say that Sand Creek Library is much larger on the inside than it looks on the outside. This location is home to our state-of-the-art audio recording studio and one of PPLD’s three makerspaces. It also has a teen center, children’s area, meeting rooms, and a computer lab.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, Sand Creek Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Raza at 10 a.m.
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- Self-guided tour
- Bookmark craft
- Art Aloud art display
- Community resources info and Friends of PPLD info table
- Makerspace: 3D printer and laser engraver observations, lasered watercolor pages
- Studio 916: Karaoke, playing with instruments, experimenting with various equipment, and listening to music samples from Studio916 patrons
- Teen Zone: Comic book crafts, superhero trivia, LEGO activity
- Children's Area: Harrison School District 2 student art show, bookmobile coloring sheet
- Meeting Room A: Giant Connect 4, coloring and craft, giant Lincoln Logs
Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas.
Fountain Library
Sat., April 13 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Located at 230 South Main St. (Fountain, CO)
Fountain Library’s building was designed by Elizabeth Wright Ingraham, a well-known Colorado Springs architect and granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright. The History Wall inside offers a panoramic look at Fountain’s history dating back to its founding. Fountain Library also offers the only Community Room in the entire Library District that patrons can reserve before and after library hours. This location offers a children’s area, a meeting room, a teen center, art exhibits, computers, and other resources.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, Fountain Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:
- Performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Raza at 2:15 p.m.
- Library card sign-ups (The first 25 will receive special prizes)
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- Self-guided tour
- Friends of PPLD
- Reading Area: Refreshments, puzzles, chess
- Teen Area: Mario Kart Game (all ages), button-making activity
- Children's Area: Toy Library test-drive, window activities, bookmobile coloring sheet
- Display: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 art display
- Patio: Birdwatching, Library backpacks display
Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $50 Walmart gift card or a portable Bluetooth speaker from SCHEELS.
Library 21c
Sat., April 13 from noon – 2 p.m.
Located at 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. (Colorado Springs, CO)
Library 21c offers plenty of space for patrons to work and relax with a beautiful view of the Front Range, including Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. This location is home to a large event venue and PPLD’s test kitchen classroom. Its gallery hosts different exhibits each month. Library 21c also has the Library’s audio-video studio, a makerspace, and an edit bay for video projects. Stop by to discover the large computer lab, teen center, large children’s area, meeting rooms, gaming room, and other resources. (Check out a virtual tour of Library 21c on our website!) Right now, Library 21c is undergoing a process to replace the turf grass in an effort to create a lawn with more sustainable, water-friendly native grasses.
As one of our Family Place Libraries, Library 21c has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.
Enjoy refreshments made by the students of the Food Industry Training program and the following activities:
- Performance by students from Victoria’s School of Harp
- Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
- Staff guided tours
- Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
- PPLD Foundation info table
- Friends of PPLD
- Bookmark craft
- Family fun video games
- Cornhole lawn game
- Western Window Bay: Coloring and craft activities
- Teen Area: Board games
- Children’s Area: LEGO build, bookmobile coloring sheet
- Kitchen: Adult Education info
- Studio 21c: Green screen activity
- Make 1: Button-making activity
- Make 2: Watch the makerspace in action!
Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a Dave & Busters Family Four-Pack of game cards totaling $100 or a board game.
A big thank you to our sponsors!
Volunteer experience looks good on college applications and can make a job application stand out to potential employers as well. Pikes Peak region teens looking for volunteer hours won’t want to miss out on one of the most fun volunteer experiences of the year: Summer Adventure!
Our 2024 Summer Adventure Program presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado is our annual summer reading program where participants complete reading and activities to earn prizes. The program is packed with a wide variety of special summer events and programs for participants to enjoy as well.
Teen volunteers are an essential part of our summer program. They help people register for the program, pass out prizes, support programs, and complete other volunteer duties as needed. And yes, volunteers can register for the program as well!
Volunteer applications are open now through Wed., May 1. Learn about our teen volunteer requirements and submit your application on our teen volunteer page.
Deaf History Month in April recognizes the contributions of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the U.S. now and throughout history and recognizes the achievements of the Deaf community in a variety of fields. Originally, the American Library Association (ALA) and National Association of the Deaf (NAD) designated March 13 to April 15 of every year as Deaf history Month. In 2022, NAD changed Deaf History Month to the full month of April. Celebrate this history through the resources and websites on this page.
Resources
- Kanopy: Search “deaf” to find a selection of documentaries exploring Deaf history
- Accessibility at PPLD
Biographies
Explore Deaf history through these biographies featuring several well-known deaf people in the Biographies in Context and U.S. History in Context databases. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access this resource outside of the Library.)
- U.S. History in Context — Gallaudet University: Explore journals, biographies, articles, recordings, news stories, and more about Gallaudet University, the only higher education institution in the world where all programs and services are designed with the needs of the Deaf community in mind.
- Biography in Context database — Marlee Matlin: Read about actor Marlee Matlin, who lost her hearing at age 18 and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987.
- Biography in Context database — King Jordan: Learn about the history of the first deaf president of Gallaudet University.
- Biography in Context database — Nyle DiMarco: Discover biographies, magazine articles, and more exploring the life of Nyle DiMarco, an actor, model, and activist known for being the first deaf person to win America’s Next Top Model
- Biography in Context database — Lauren Ridloff: Delve into the life of deaf Black Latina actress Lauren Ridloft through an archive of magazine and newspaper articles.
- Biography in Context — Thomas Edison: Explore the life of prolific inventor Thomas Edison, who lost much of his hearing at age 12.
Websites
- National Association of the Deaf
- World Federation of the Deaf
- Deaf Historical Resources page from Gallaudet University’s National Deaf Life Museum website
- Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center from Gallaudet University
- Deaf Women in History
- The Daily Moth Deaf news briefs
Learn American Sign Language (ASL)
- Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind ASL signs of the month: Learn a few signs in American Sign Language with videos from the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. They also offer paid classes that you can register for.
- American Sign Language University YouTube: Bill Vicars is a university ASL Instructor in California and has a robust YouTube playlist of his classes from beginner to advanced.
- Handspeak: An ASL Visual Dictionary run by Jolanta Lapiak.
Penrose Library will be completing the first stage of updates planned for 2024 and reopening to the public on Wed., April 10 at 4 p.m. This is the only stage that requires closing the building to complete, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the Library is open.
During National Library Week, April 7 – 13, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be hosting open houses throughout the Library District to celebrate libraries and what they bring to our communities. When Penrose Library reopens at 4 p.m. on April 10, this will serve as that location’s Open House and everyone is invited.
Penrose closing for security updates starting February 2024
Published Jan., 8th, 2024
Updates are coming to Penrose Library in early 2024. In a concerted effort to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Library leadership has determined that a significant investment in the systems, structures/facilities, and resources in use at Penrose Library is paramount. Staff and community members have asked that the Library District address this location specifically, and leadership has listened to that feedback. After careful evaluation, the Library District determined the most efficient updates that are financially feasible for PPLD and that provide the biggest return on time and funds invested.
Although Penrose Library will not need to be closed for the majority of the plan implementation (predicted to take most of 2024 to complete), the beginning stages of the plan do require closing the facility. Penrose Library will be closed for approximately two months starting Thu., Feb. 1 in order to complete this stage of updates. During the closure, bookshelves will be shortened and reconfigured to increase shelf space, brighten the area, and increase visibility and accessibility. This process requires removing all of the books, disassembling the shelving units, sending them out for modification, and then reassembling them in their new configuration before reshelving the books. Only this stage will require closing the building, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the building is open. Other elements of this project will require the closure of smaller sections of Penrose Library for shorter periods of time in the coming months. Here are the planned changes that will not require a building closure to complete:
- Moving the lockers currently located along the wall near our Regional History & Genealogy department to the west entrance and installing another set of lockers at the east entrance for patrons to store belongings during their visit.
- Installation of boulders in the outdoor areas around the windows of the Children’s section.
- Interior stairwell fencing installed below the main and west stairwells.
- A visually appealing steel fence (resembling the one around the Carnegie Garden next to Penrose Library) installed around the premises.
- Creation of a permanent structure in the back parking lot in which people with large belongings may store their items short-term during their visit.
- Remodel of the computer lab.
- Replacing existing tables and chairs with more functional furniture.
- Removal of outlets and installation of a charging station near the front entrance.
- Repositioning staff desks to strategic locations throughout the building.
- Sectioning off the Children’s area to make it its own distinct room.
- Updating all security hardware throughout the building, including the installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant speakers.
PPLD is excited to update Penrose Library to improve safety and security for all patrons and staff. Penrose is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area, and the Library is proud to continue to be a contributing part of this thriving community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Accessing Regional History & Genealogy
While Penrose Library is closed, limited Regional History & Genealogy resources will be available.
Virtual assistance
When needed, patrons can schedule a virtual meeting with Regional History & Genealogy staff for one-on-one help to address specific research needs.
Microfilm
While Penrose Library is closed, Microfilm may be requested from Regional History & Genealogy, in advance, to be sent and viewed at East Library. Patrons will need to give four-days’ notice before the film will be available to them. East Library staff will contact patrons when their film is ready to view. Patrons must view the film at East Library (items do not circulate outside of the library). Microfilm requests from Interlibrary Loan during this time will also be available from East Library.
Database Access
Certain PPLD databases that are only available at Penrose Library are currently available at other locations while Penrose Library is closed.
- Westlaw: Available at East Library
- Foundation Directory Professional: Available at Library 21c
Call for art! It's time to get creative!
Homeschoolers can submit one artwork (drawing, painting, sculpture, needlework, etc.) for this non-juried exhibit. Drop off your entry at the East Library Children's Department from Mon., March 18 – Thu., March 28, 2024.
Artwork will be displayed throughout the month of April. Grades K - 12. Contact jfleishhacker@ppld.org for more information.