View Colorado Springs through the lens of homelessness, tax season support at the Library, and author Barbara Nickless speaks at annual Friends of PPLD meeting
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) presents many options to engage people of all ages and interests across El Paso County. Here are some upcoming opportunities this month:
The We Have a Story photo project captures Colorado Springs through a new lens: homelessness
Gallery opening reception
Sat., Jan. 20 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
East Library
More info: ppld.org/We-Have-a-Story-Reception
The reception for the We Have a Story: Homelessness in Colorado Springs exhibit is on Sat., Jan. 20 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at East Library.
This documentary photo project captures the historic perspectives of people experiencing homelessness, a perspective that is often left out of regional history archives. The exhibit showcases Colorado Springs through the lenses of young adults experiencing homelessness and of a case worker who serves them. Over the course of a month in the summer of 2023, participants took photos around the city capturing their distinct perspectives and experiences. They met with a professional photographer to learn digital photography skills and critique their photographs and met with a historian to conduct oral history interviews. The exhibit presents the photos they selected as their best work alongside accompanying artist stories.
The participants have been invited to the reception, along with others involved in the project, including Nikki Flemate (PPLD's community resources specialist), Brian Tryon (digital photography instructor), and Regional History & Genealogy department staff members involved in the project. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tax season support for El Paso County residents at PPLD
Community resource
Starting mid-January through early April
The Hall at PPLD, East Library, High Prairie Library, Calhan Library, Library 21c, and Fountain Library
More info: ppld.org/taxes
The Library is partnering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) to offer no-cost tax preparation services to help El Paso County residents prepare and file their 2023 tax returns. These services are available by appointment only. Starting mid-January, anyone can reserve a no-cost appointment with IRS-certified volunteers for services beginning in February. Appointments are available at The Hall at PPLD, East Library, High Prairie Library, Calhan Library, Library 21c, and Fountain Library. Information to make an appointment is available on the Library’s website at ppld.org/taxes.
VITA services (for individuals who earned less than $60,000 in 2023) will be at:
- The Hall at PPLD
- Every Fri. from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Feb. 2 – April 12
- East Library
- Every Fri. from 2 – 5 p.m., Feb. 2 – April 12
- High Prairie Library
- Sat., Feb. 24 from noon – 3 p.m. and Sat., March 30 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Calhan Library
- Sat., March 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services will be at:
- Library 21c
- Feb. 6 – April 11
- Every Tue., and Thu., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Every Wed., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Fountain Library
- Every Wed. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Feb. 7 – April 10
- Sat., Feb. 3 and Sat., Feb. 17
- Sat., March 2 and Sat., March 16
- Sat., April 6 and Sat., April 13
Author Barbara Nickless to speak at Friends of PPLD’s annual meeting
Friends of PPLD annual meeting
Sat., Jan. 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Library 21c
More info: (719) 531-6333, x1461
Bestselling author Barbara Nickless will be the keynote speaker at the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District’s annual meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 27 at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Drive).
Nickless, who lives in Colorado Springs, is the author of popular crime novels and the 2023 winner of the Friends’ annual Golden Quill Award, reserved for local authors who exhibit excellence in writing and storytelling. She also has been the recipient of many other awards.
Nickless is the author of the Sydney Parnell series and recently published the next book in her Dr. Even Wilding series, Play of Shadows.
Reservations are not required and the public is invited to attend at no cost. The event will include a brief update from the Friends Board and branch members.
Nickless’ books will be available for purchase at the event and she will sign copies after her talk.
For more information, call (719)531-6333, x1461.