Mountain of Authors, PPLD Night at the Switchbacks, Pikes Peak Poet Laureate extension, Sensory Tour videos, and annual literary awards recipients announced
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:
Mountain of Authors
Annual event
Sat., May 6 from noon – 4:30 p.m.
Library 21c
More info: tinyurl.com/PPLD-Mountain
Pikes Peak Library District will host the 17th Annual PPLD Mountain of Authors event on Sat., May 6 from noon – 4:30 p.m. at Library 21c. Local Colorado authors will participate in an author showcase following a keynote speaker presentation by Alan Prendergast, author of Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan. This annual program provides the community with an opportunity to hear from and network with local and notable authors and learn more about the world of writing and publishing.
PPLD Night with the Switchbacks
District-wide event
Fri., June 2 at 7 p.m. and Fri., July 14 at 7 p.m.
Weidner Field (111 W Cimarron St.)
More info: ppld.org/PPLD-night
The Library, in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC soccer team, invites library cardholders to PPLD Night with the Switchbacks on Fri., June 2 and Fri., July 14. Library patrons can show their library card at the box office in advance or on the night of these two games for discounted tickets ($15 entry). There will be fun activities at the June 2 game, and children will be able to sign up for special library cards featuring Ziggy, the Switchbacks mascot (while supplies last).
Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Project Term Period Extended
Update to program function
More Info: https://ppld.org/ppplp/about
The term period for the Pikes Peak Poet Laureate is increasing from two years to four years. This increase will allow the Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Project to better achieve its mission while working with each poet laureate. The current Pikes Peak Poet Laureate, Ashley Cornelius, who was named Poet Laureate in 2023 will now serve until 2025 under this term extension. The Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Project builds a literary arts community through poetry by developing an appreciation of written and performance poetry and inspiring and celebrating poetry and poets in the Pikes Peak Region with dynamic programs of engagement, advocacy, and education.
Sensory Tour videos added to Library website for increased accessibility
New online resource
Access at: https://ppld.org/library-locations
Pikes Peak Library District recently added Sensory Tour videos to its website. Each of the Library’s location pages that show the hours and other details of individual libraries now have their own Sensory Tour videos. The videos provide a way for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory needs to preview the library and prepare for a successful, low-stress visit. Each video introduces viewers to individual libraries, showing how to identify Library staff, request a sensory accommodation kit, find quiet places to sit, and explore the children’s department.
Friends of the PPLD name Frank Waters & Golden Quill award recipients
Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District
Sat., June 3 at 11:30 a.m.
Doubletree Hotel
More info: call (719) 531-6333, x1461
Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District have named a husband-wife writing team and a local best-selling author as recipients of its two annual literary awards, which will be presented at a luncheon Sat., June 3 at 11: 30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The event is open to the public and W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear will be the keynote. Find information about reservations and tickets on the Friends of PPLD website.
W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear have authored dozens of books and will receive the Frank Waters Award. The award, established in 1993, recognizes excellence in writing that explores the people, culture, landscape, and spirit of the West. The Gears have received numerous accolades for their work.
Barbara Nickless, author of a series of best-selling crime novels, will receive the Golden Quill Award, reserved for local authors who exhibit excellence in writing and storytelling. She also has been the recipient of many other awards.
NOTE: This event is sponsored by the Friends of PPLD, not the Library itself. Friends is a separate, nonprofit group that supports the Library District.