FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

May 6, 2025 

  

Contact:  

  

Carla Bamesberger, PR & Marketing Manager 

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

 

Denise M. Abbott, Chief Communications Officer 
(310) 430-0496 | Dabbott@ppld.org  
               
 
 

 
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS IN MAY 

Local Authors Showcase at Mountain of Authors, Summer Adventure Reading Program Coming Soon, and Authors Honored at the Friends of PPLD’s Annual Literary Award Luncheon 

  
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: 

 

  

Community to Connect with Local Authors at Mountain of Authors 

Local authors; local interest; literary event 

Sat., May 17, noon to 4:30 p.m. 

Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.) 

More info: ppld.org/mountain-of-authors  

Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) 19th annual Mountain of Authors will take place on Sat., May 17 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Library 21c. It is an opportunity for the community to meet local authors and learn about the craft of writing and publishing. The day will consist of a Local Author Showcase, a keynote speaker presentation with a prominent Colorado author, and a publishing industry discussion. Local authors from around the Pikes Peak region and along the Front Range will participate in an author showcase where visitors can get to know them and their work. The authors will be available for book sales and signings.   

This year’s keynote speaker is Colorado author, photographer, and documentarian Pete McBride, who has done work for the National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian, the Nature Conservancy, and more. The day will also feature a discussion with publishing agent Michael Covington about the publishing industry.  

Schedule of Events for Mountain of Authors, Sat., May 17:  

  • Noon - Doors open  
  • Noon - 1 p.m. - Showcase Authors, book sales, and signings  
  • 1 - 2 p.m. - Publishing Realities Talk with Michael Covington   
  • 2 - 3 p.m. - Showcase Authors, book sales, and signings  
  • 3 - 4 p.m. - Keynote Speaker Pete McBride  
  • 4 - 4:30 p.m. - Keynote book signing, Showcase Authors, book sales, and signings   

The Library Gears up to Support Literacy and Learning with its Annual Summer Reading Program 

District-wide annual program; literacy and education 

June 2 – July 31 

All Library locations 

More info: ppld.org/summer  

Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) annual summer reading program, 2025 PPLD Summer Adventure presented by Friends of Pikes Peak Library District, returns for its 51st season. The program kicks off on Mon., June 2 at all Library locations and runs through Thu., July 31. This year’s theme is Color Our World. People of all ages can read, explore, and create their way to prizes this summer. Last year, 18,302 people registered for the program, which was a 27% increase from the prior year. 

Anyone ages 0 – 18 participating in this year’s Summer Adventure program will receive a book for registering and can earn another prize when they complete the program. Studies have shown that having books at home increases literacy and learning for kids and teens, and that students who read over summer break retain more of their learning and have a stronger start when school resumes in the fall. Participants ages 19 and up will receive one entry into the grand prize drawing when they register. Everyone of all ages will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for complete 30 days of reading, creating, or exploring. 

Registration opens on Mon., June 2. Participants can find activity ideas at ppld.org/summer

Author Peter Heller to Speak at Friends of PPLD Literary Awards Luncheon 

Literary awards; Local author 

Sat., June 7 at 11:30 a.m. 

Doubletree Hotel (1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.) 

Tickets: $60 per person or $450 for a table of 8 

More info: Linda DuVal, linduval@comcast.net 

Journalist, outdoorsman, and novelist Peter Heller will be the keynote speaker at the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District’s annual literary awards luncheon on Sat., June 7 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel (1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.).  

The Library support group annually bestows the Golden Quill Award to a local author for outstanding literary achievement. The co-honorees for 2025 are P.J. Anderson and Patrick Anderson for Cheyenne Mountain: Here’s Looking at You, about this local landmark that is often overshadowed by Pikes Peak. This well-researched, heavily illustrated work covers the history of Cheyenne Mountain spanning an era beginning with its geologic period through its recent cultural history.  

The Frank Waters Award recipient for 2025 is Peter Heller, recognizing a body of work that ranges from articles for National Geographic Adventure to several best-selling novels, including Dog Stars, The River, and The Last Ranger. He has won many accolades, including a Colorado Book Award. 

The cost to attend the luncheon is $60 per person or $450 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets online. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Fri., May 30. 

Media Note: Peter Heller is available for interviews. To arrange one, contact Linda DuVal, linduval@comcast.net.