Contact:  

Carla Bamesberger, PR & Marketing Manager 

(719) 412-2646 | Cbamesberger@ppld.org  

Denise M. Abbott, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer 
(310) 430-0496 | Dabbott@ppld.org  
 
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS IN APRIL 

Libraries receive support on Library Giving Day, Library Card Design Contest winners unveiled, stage two of Penrose Library updates finish, technology and creativity meet during All Pikes Peak Makes, local homeschoolers find resources at the Homeschool Resource Fair, teen volunteers needed, and the winners of the Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest celebrated 
 

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: 

Communities Support Libraries On National Library Giving Day 

National campaign; Community interest; Funding opportunity 

Tue., April 1 

More info: ppld.org/library-giving-day  

The 7th annual Library Giving Day is on Tue., April 1 this year. People across the U.S. come together for this national campaign to support local libraries. Libraries fill vital roles in communities by providing access to learning resources, computers, Wi-Fi, reading and research materials, technology classes, enriching and educational programs, homework help and tutoring, early literacy resources and information, and more. Anyone who would like to support communities throughout El Paso County that use Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) can donate to the PPLD Foundation to help support funding for the programs, resources, and services the Library District provides. 

Winning Library Cards to be Revealed at the Library Card Design Contest Unveiling Ceremony 

Award ceremony; Contest results; Community interest; Art 

Sat., April 5 at 10:30 a.m. 

East Library (5550 N. Union Blvd.) 

More info: ppld.org/library-card-contest 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will unveil new library cards featuring art made by members of the community during its Library Card Design Contest Unveiling Ceremony on Sat., April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at East Library (5550 N. Union Blvd.). The new cards were selected from the 814 submissions for the contest in January this year. Refreshments will be provided, winners will receive their prizes, and attendees will be able to get one of the new library cards. The Library will also launch a gallery of all submissions on its website that morning. The new cards will be available at all Library locations starting Mon., April 7. For anyone with an existing PPLD card who wants one of the new designs, the cost of replacing their prior card is $1 and they will receive a new library card number.   

Penrose Library Completes Stage Two of Three-part Renovation Project 

Community interest; Modernization project 

Tue., April 1 at 9:30 a.m. 

Penrose Library (20 N Cascade Ave.) 

More info: ppld.org/penrose-story 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) recently implemented the second phase of its updates project at Penrose Library (20 N Cascade Ave.). The Children’s area and Computer Lab, which were closed for about two months during construction, will officially reopen on Tue., April 1. An informal ribbon cutting celebration will take place in the Children’s area at 9:30 a.m. that morning followed by a regularly scheduled Toddler Time.  

During this phase of the project, the Children’s area became its own enclosed section to make it distinct from the rest of the Library. Shelves were shortened to match the rest of the shelving throughout the building, and a new row of shelving was added toward the front of the section. Additionally, a new mural painted by a Colorado artist now decorates one wall.  

In the Computer Lab, new desks were added that provide more privacy and space for computer users. Charging station desks were also added, creating space for Library users to use with their own laptops or a borrowed Chromebook. The wall that created a computer classroom was replaced with an accordion wall so that the space can be better utilized when no class is occurring. The addition of a new Chromebook kiosk allows users to check out Chromebooks without staff assistance and use them anywhere inside of the building.  

There is a planned third stage of the project that will continue to modernize Penrose Library.  

Art and Innovation Collide at All Pikes Peak Makes 

Annual program; Science; Art; Technology and innovation 

Sat., April 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.) 

More info: ppld.org/APPM  

Makers and tinkerers will gather to celebrate innovation, creativity, technology, and problem-solving at this year’s All Pikes Peak Makes on Sat., April 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.). This highly anticipated all-ages event provides an opportunity for community members to get together and celebrate the creative world of making. Making is an umbrella term most often associated with making things in a makerspace, but it can include a variety of other innovative projects, from woodwork and sewing to robotics and model trains. Tables will be set up throughout Library 21c where makers will share projects like 3D prints, LEGO builds, cardboard creations, whittling work, cosplay, and other creative projects, and spend the day learning about science, engineering, and making with other passionate creators. 

Homeschool Families Find Resources and Information at the Annual Homeschool Resource Fair 

Education; Homeschool; Education resources 

Fri., April 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.) 

More info: ppld.org/homeschool-resource-fair  

Homeschool families and families interested in starting homeschooling are invited to Pikes Peak Library District’s annual Homeschool Resource Fair on Fri., April 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.). A wide variety of local exhibitors will be in attendance offering educational and extracurricular opportunities for homeschool families. The Library currently anticipates around 100 vendors to participate. Attendants will have an opportunity to learn more about local homeschooling services and support, including arts and science activities, sports groups, enrichment programs, tutoring, support groups, and more. There will be engaging hands-on activities for kids in the atrium. 

Summer Volunteer Opportunity for Teens at the Library 

Community interest; Teens; Volunteering 

Applications open now through Thu., May 1 

More info: ppld.org/Teen-Summer-Volunteer  

Teens ages 13 - 18 can earn volunteer hours for school or for college applications with the Library this summer by being a 2025 PPLD Summer Adventure presented by Friends of PPLD volunteer. This opportunity is both fun and engaging for teens, who will help with program registration, prize distribution, summer programs, and other activities as needed. Teens can submit volunteer applications for this program now through Thu., May 1. 

Winners of the Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest Celebrated 

Annual contest; elementary education; Literature 

Sat., April 19 at 10:30 a.m. 

Penrose Library (20 N. Cascade Ave.) 

More info: ppld.org/poetrycontest  

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will celebrate the winners of its Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest on Sat., April 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Penrose Library (20 N. Cascade Ave.). The annual contest encourages 4th and 5th grade students living in El Paso County to explore poetic forms and submit a poem based on that year’s theme. Students this year explored the theme of Poems of Belonging: Home, Community, and Origins. Winners will each receive a book and a $50 cash prize. The contest continues teacher Jean Ciavonne’s legacy of connecting children with poetry and writing.