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Reuse your old biodegradable packing peanuts and make a craft! You can tell they are biodegradable because the texture will be somewhat “cheeto” like and if you put water on 2 pieces they will stick together.
Make a fun pattern out of your packing peanuts and then dab a little water on the pieces you want to stick together. Hold for a few seconds while they dry.
You won’t be able to paint them because any liquid will cause them to melt.
Have fun finding out what you can make.
How to enter the contest, visit: https://www.education.com/contests/
When you love learning, there's no limit to what you can achieve! Apply to the Limitless Learners Contest to win money for college, plus a donation for your elementary school or local library.
Win $500 for college plus $1000 for a school or library!
Pikes Peak Library District is celebrating babies and new parents the month of September with our 3rd Annual Bumps 'n Babies Resource Fair!
Babies ages 0-12 months can get a free board book during the month of September, while supplies last. Visit your favorite Library to get yours!
Live Programs
*All live programs require registration.
In-Person Baby Time is Back!
Click here to find your local library’s calendar for dates and times.
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Baby & Me Yoga*
- When: Thu., Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Library 21c
- Click here to register. Registration opens Mon., Aug. 30.
A gentle class taught by a registered yoga teacher for caregivers and infants they love (4 weeks to crawling).
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Q&A Session: Get Ready For Baby Care, Development, and Sibling Prep*
- When: Thu., Sept. 9 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual.
- Click here to register. Registration opens Sun., Aug. 1.
Do you have questions about how to care for your baby, how they will grow and change, or how to prepare siblings graduating to “Big” Sister or Brother status? Ask our local community experts in this Zoom program!
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Q&A Session: Busy Babies: What Can You Do?*
- When: Thu., Sept. 23 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual.
- Click here to register. Registration opens Sun., Aug. 1.
Are you looking for some fun activities to help your baby learn and grow? Join us for a virtual Zoom Meet ‘n Greet with a variety of local organizations, classes, and groups.
Virtual Programs
Check out our Bumps 'n Babies programs on PPLDTV! Videos are available for viewing anytime after they premiere.
Tummy Time
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
- Tummy Time Basics for Babies
Fri., Sept. 10
Why is tummy time important for babies, and how can you get started, even if your baby doesn’t seem to like it? - Tummy Time: Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play!
Fri., Sept. 17
What is early literacy for babies, and how can you do it during tummy time? Watch the practices in action! - Tummy Time in Action!
Fri., Sept. 24
Watch a full tummy time demonstration session with a baby!
DIY Craft for Babies
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
DIY toys for your baby! Join us each Wednesday in September to learn how you can make a simple educational toy for your baby using items you have around the house.
- Sept. 1: Touch & Feel Box
- Sept. 8: Ball Drop
- Sept. 15: Baby Sensory Play with Ice
- Sept. 22: Tug & Pull Toy
- Sept. 29: Sensory Bottle/Bags
Best Books & Toys
Fri., Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Want to know about some awesome books and toys you can use with your baby? Watch a presentation from librarians SarahEllen and Alanna. They also give tips on how to share books and toys to get your baby off to the start in life!
Learn more about our LENA Start program.
Summer is a wonderful time to look at the stars in the sky! Check the link below for star book recommendations.
Have a box? Why not create something for your child? A train station? Oven? Castle? The sky's the limit!
Roxanne Lingle, The Maker in Residence for September/October 2019, is a mixed media artist and teacher. She has been teaching for many years and loves to inspire her students and see them “come alive” when they realize they can do something they never thought possible. She loves mixed media art and all its variety of color, texture, and amazing avenues for creativity. Roxanne has taught many types of mixed media classes in the Pikes Peak region as well as across the United States.
Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.
Celebrate our 2019 Summer Adventure theme, A Universe of Stories, with these stellar offerings about outer space. Scroll down for picture books to share together, chapter books for independent readers, and nonfiction titles to satisfy curious minds. Click on the link below for booklist.
Supplies:
- Round-ish rocks
- Feathers or paper cut in the shape of wings and tail
- Googly eyes or paper and markers
- Glue
- Yellow or orange paper (or use markers to color white paper.)
- Scissors
How to:
- Wash your rocks if you’ve gathered them from the roadside like we did and allow to dry.
- Glue on feathers for wings and tail.
- Glue on googly eyes.
- Fold a scrap of orange or yellow paper in half, snip a triangle out from the fold, and glue on for a beak.
Need a fast Mother’s Day card? Make one with what you have at home!
Supplies:
- White paper (or paper bags)
- Colored paper (or magazine pages)
- Pencil with eraser
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Fold a piece of colored paper in half. Draw a bubble shaped M. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. You can turn it over and hide the lines. Cut 2 Ms at once on the folded paper.
Trace your hand in the middle of your white paper to make a sun. Color it with markers or crayons and add eyes and mouth. Write your special message underneath. Glue or tape your Ms onto each side of the sun.
Mom will love it!
Enjoy these titles with photo illustrations! Compare them. This will help your child see the world in many different ways:close up and far away; in nature and in the home; of people, animals or things. For fun, have your child create a story from photos that you take together. Click on the link below to see booklist.
Pikes Peak Library District is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest for Children:
Colin Bevan - "Bahamas"
Mayah Bolenbaugh - "The Essence of Warmth"
Eva Goroski - "Bioluminescent Beach at Night"
Brody Karr - "Papayalulu Paradise"
Sally Peterson - "The Mystical Land"
Jana Yuschalk - "Darkling Dwabidisador"
Bahamas
By Colin Bevan
Fisherman rip tonight’s dinner from the ocean
Bloody hands filet the dead fish
Smells of fresh fish turns my head
Salt fills the air rusting old boats
Charcoal beach fires cook todays catch
Warm water surrounds my feet
Small birds run from the waves
Boats dot the horizon for miles
Paradise, I hope I never leave
The Essence of Warmth
By Mayah Bolenbaugh
Firewood receives the spark
Steam rises from the bread, fresh from the oven
Soft snuggle from a purring kitten
Sip a large mug of cider under a changing tree in the fall
Enter a cabin to kick off winter’s freeze
Submerge in hot springs as the snowflakes dance
Comfort and serenity, as the shower pours through your hair
Earth is nourished by the elements
Now the sand takes in the sun
The day’s last hour bathed in dark orange sunshine on a summer’s day
Bioluminescent Beach at Night
By Eva Goroski
Twilight creeps up the coast
Waiting for the moon to come with a gleam
Shells adorn the beach like jewels
Stars twinkle and glimmer like diamonds
Tide pools shine with a radiant beam
The ocean has an eerie glow
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates show off in a chain of lights
Papayalulu Paradise
By Brody Karr
I dream of a land called Papayalulu
It’s a tasty paradise for me and you-you
It’s hard to get to - this is true-true
First you must make a papaya canoe-noe
Row your canoe-noe to the end of the sea
And soon Papayalulu you will see
As papaya trees sway in the papayamint breeze
You can paddle down to the Papaya Juice River with ease
You can even lean over and take a sip
But better take care - your canoe-noe might tip
Look out! What’s that I hear?
It’s Papaya Juice Falls - better stay clear!
Safe at last upon the shore
What’s that sound I cant ignore?
It’s the singing papaya birds high in the trees
A song so sweet my ears it does please
I think I’ll stay a while in this land
Papayalulu is oh so grand!
The Mystical Land
By Sally Peterson
I know a place, not far away
It glistens and it gleams.
I go there every time I sleep
It’s called the “Land of Dreams.”
So when I sleep I don’t count sheep
Or toss and turn in vain.
I just fly to the “Land of Dreams”
In my one-man twinbed plane.
Each night I fly right out the door
And pass the moon and sun.
I’m going to the “Land of Dreams”
To have some dream like fun.
And when I land on snow white sand
A lovely sight I see.
A wondrous civilization is
Stretched out in front of me.
A mountain looms above you
If you look to the west.
On the east there is a river
And a town where you can rest.
There are bubbles in the air
That are floating in the breeze.
You can smell the scent of honey,
And hear the rustling trees.
Then my views were interrupted
By a woman clad in white.
She was the noble Queen
Of this land of truth and right.
“Welcome” she said. “Welcome
Won’t you come to my estate”
And she pointed to a castle
With a shiny marble gate.
“Of course” I said, “how gracious,
How could I refuse?”
We started towards the castle
And she told me all the news.
We walked into the town
Where the buildings stand so tall.
Everything is vibrant
From the big to really small.
The people there wear brilliant robes
Of many different hues.
There are feathers on their hats
And feathers on their shoes.
Aromas that are new
Are wafting towards my face.
I wonder what the food is like
In this amazing place.
We came to a kiosk
Where a man was selling food.
The food was shaped like balls
Some were red and some were blue.
They tasted sweet and juicy,
And suddenly I knew!
They were little berries,
And in the fields they grew.
A woman selling flowers
Gave me a bouquet.
It smelled just like sweet roses
In my wildflower spray.
The red flowers were the largest.
The blue flowers were large, too.
The yellow flowers were tiny.
My favorites were the blue.
We entered a cute clothes shop
Filled with rows of silk,
They were soft and they were comfy,
And smooth and cool like milk.
I chose a robe with red, blue, and yellow
For they would match my blooms.
I got nice shoes and a fine new hat
With fluffy little plumes.
Next we went to a pet shop
And saw a little dog.
He was not like mine at all, though.
My dog is brown like a log.
But this dog had new colors.
This dog was so bright!
So were all the other dogs.
It was a crazy sight!
I thought the cats were normal
Until I heard them speak.
They spoke such perfect English
I fought the urge to shriek!
A bird screeched in the background
And I turned in surprise.
The bird that was behind me
Had creepy human eyes.
The castle was our last stop
And it was getting late.
I was getting pretty tired
When I walked up to the gate.
The gates were swiftly opened.
We ran to a bench and sat.
It was nice to calmly sit there
And hear the robins chat.
Said the Queen “Oh heaven help us.
The feasts about to start”
We raced inside the castle
And I couldn't calm my heart.
I changed my clothes and entered
The room of the great feast.
There were many fruits and veggies
And for meat they had roast beast.
Many fancy people
Were invited here to dine.
Some were very famous.
All were very fine.
They all told me hello
Then sat and ate and ate.
I listened to their stories
As I cleaned off my plate.
A toast was to be done.
I lifted my cup.
Then “beep” went my alarm clock
And quickly I woke up.
Darkling Dwabidisador
By Jana Yuschalk
To bed I went on that ordinary night,
Not knowing in the morning what I may fight.
I woke up on a pile of hay,
Wondering what would fill my day.
Surprised and frightened, I immediately felt.
Suddenly, I wished I could just melt.
It seemed so sunny without any rain.
Smells of sweat hovered over the plain,
From jumping creatures who seemed insane.
The so-called “Dwabis” had a mane.
No animals were there.
Not even a bear.
I was informed, this was Dwabidisador.
Wow, I really need to study by geography more!
The Dwabi’s legs were awfully long.
They jumped then fell, I am not wrong.
The sound of jumping pounded the ground.
Their favorite hobby was jumping. That I found.
The language they spoke was also Dwabidisador.
At least I don’t need to study my languages much more!
“Dwabi fell down,” they said over and over again.
“English without pronouns,” I thought. Until then,
A young Dwabi who was probably only four,
Came up and said, “Why don’t you enter that door.”
I did as he commanded only to find,
A Dwabi whose name was Filabind.
He bought me a cupcake with sprinkles on top,
The smell was so sweet I thought I would pop!
All that was better than the taste, was the smell.
It looked and smelled like sweet caramel.
The taste was Dwabilicious.
Red velvet without mush.
After I finished my delectable cupcake,
I was sure Dwabidisador wasn't fake.
Then we departed and walked a long ways.
We entered a place called “Dwabi’s Good Maze”.
Since Filabind was my guide, he led me through,
A portal that said, “How do you do?”
Filled with wonder and awe, I heard a loud, “MOO!”
Before I knew it, I was back home on our farm.
Lying in my bed was my noisy alarm,
Trying to wake me up from my-dream?
What it was, it filled me with gleam!
Supplies:
- Tape
- Glue
- Scissors
- Yarn or Twine
- Different colors of copy paper, construction paper or use paper from old magazines
- Cut strips of paper 1 inch wide.
- Roll your paper into a circle to make the center of the flower. Tape shut.
- Make more circles or shapes and glue or tape onto center circle.
- String them up around the house to decorate for Spring.
The Teen Art Contest is for teens and by teens. Teens create the art, and teens determine the winners.
The theme for our 2019 Teen Art Contest was "Opposites Attract! "
All of the artwork will be displayed at either Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c during the month of April.
Here are this years winners, which you can also view below!
Best In Show
“Poseidon’s Goldfish” by Cole R.
High School - First Place
“Opposites Attract” by Isaiah R.
High School - Second Place
“A Spectrum” by Preston S.
Middle School - First Place
“Steamy” by Teddy K.
Middle School - Second Place
“Concrete Jungle” by Ava K.
Coordinator’s Choice - High School
“Calm Before the Storm” by Lydia M.
Coordinator’s Choice - Middle School
“Strong and Courageous” by Chloe H.
You can view the winners here:
April is the Month of the Military Child. Here are some picture books that relate to Bravery, Separation and Deployment for children. Click on the link below:
March brings spring snow so make a colorful, spring-like snowflake!
Supplies:
- Large coffee filter
- Newspaper or cardboard to protect table
- Dot markers or regular markers
- Scissors
- Glitter glue
On newspaper or cardboard, dot the entire coffee filter, let dry. Fold in half, in half again, and in half again so that it looks like a slice of pie. Cut point off, cut designs on all sides. Unfold and decorate with glitter glue or glitter and glue.
Supplies:
- White or yellow paper
- Googly eyes or white paper and Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Fork
- Cup to use to trace circle
- Orange paint or use catsup and/or mustard!
- Paper plate for paint
Trace circle onto the piece of paper by drawing around an overturned cup with a marker.
Draw the lion face. Make paper eyes with your scissors and glue or glue googly eyes on the drawing. Dip the flat tines of a fork in paint that you squirted onto a paper plate (or use mustard and/or catsup). Place the fork on the paper around the circle to make a mane. Let dry!
Pikes Peak Library District sparks development, opportunity, and inspiration for everyone across El Paso County. Whether you've got a young one who's learning to read, or you're a lifelong learner looking for a new skill, the Library has something for you.
We are excited to share stories of how the Library positively impacts the lives of our patrons.
To tell your story, click here to take our short survey or use the hashtag #shareyourspark on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
INSPIRATION
PPLD sparks inspiration. In this video, hear Price Strobidge's story about how the Library helped him become Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak Region.
OPPORTUNITY
PPLD sparks your opportunity. In this video, hear Allan's story about how the Library helped him improve his English language skills and provide him with GED test preparation. Read more about Allan's personal growth and development through the Library in this article from The Gazette.
DEVELOPMENT
PPLD sparks your development. In this video, learn about how our children's areas are free, safe places that encourage development and growth.
Stay tuned to learn how PPLD can spark your opportunity and your inspiration.
Shirley Dale, PPLD's Maker in Residence for March/April 2019, has been creating in one way or another since childhood, applying this creativity in many different endeavors and careers. The joy of creating and the belief that everyone has the ability to create art have been constants throughout her life. Shirley has worked with many different mediums as a teacher and artist, always finding exciting, creative possibilities with whatever art materials are at hand. She is currently working with acrylics for monotype prints as finished pieces, and also for use in mixed media collage pieces.
Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.
Love ooey, gooey slime? This is a great recipe to do at home. Click on the link below to see the directions to this cool project.
Missing Spring? We have some weeks to go but in the meantime, try making this mixed media spring art. Mixed media only means using different art supplies to make a picture.
Supplies needed:
- Markers (I used a black sharpie)
- Color paper scraps
- Glue
- Scissors
- White printer or construction paper
- Make a fun, crazy garden by cutting out your colored scrap paper pieces.
- Imagine your garden by placing pieces, then glue down.
- Add fun drawings to complete your garden.
Happy Spring!....soon.
What does the Fox say? I love you!
Supplies:
- 1 Large heart - orange
- 1 Medium heart – white – cut in half
- 2 small hearts – orange
- 3 small black circles or a black marker
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut the white heart in half.
- Glue to the large orange heart.
- Turn 2 small hearts upside down and glue on the back for ears.
- Glue on black circles for eyes and nose or make eyes and nose with a black marker.
- Write a love note on the back.
What does the fox say?
I love you!
Todd Parr, children's author, shows how he makes a book on his website, www.toddparr.com. He's given permission to share his material too. He's not only famous for great children's books, but valentines too.
Have you heard about auto-renewals? Beginning Mon., Feb. 11, 2019, PPLD will save you the step of renewing your checkouts.
The day before items are due, the library’s system will automatically renew them if there are no holds and they haven’t already been renewed twice.
There are some exceptions to the materials that can be automatically renewed, including:
- Rapid Read, Rapid View
- eBooks, eAudios
- Equipment
- Interlibrary Loans
Patrons will receive an email notice letting them know what, if anything, was renewed as well as the new due date.
Supplies:
- White or light colored paper
- Markers or crayons
Directions:
- Fold any size piece of paper in half. Fold one side up to meet the first fold.
- Create a picture of an animal or person on the folded paper. Make sure to put the mouth of the creature at the fold.
- Then open up the picture and make your creature look scary!
- Fold it back up and show the folded picture your friends and family. Say, “Isn’t it cute?” Then open up your picture quickly for a fun joke.
February is “Random Acts of Kindness” month. Click the link below to see great reading suggestions.