FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 3, 2025
Contact:
Carla Bamesberger, PR & Marketing Manager
(719) 412-2646 | cabamesberger@ppld.org
Amy Gillentine, Director of PR, Marketing & Promotions
(719) 482-5422 | agillentine@ppld.org
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS IN NOVEMBER
PPLD Cares Food Drive; November Brings New Author Visits; Shivers Concert Supports Local Arts; Applications Open for Homeschool Learning; PPLD Foundations Hosts Philanthropy for Kids
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:
PPLD Cares Food Drive Fights Food Insecurity in the Pikes Peak Region
Food drive; Community interest
Nov. 3 – Dec. 15
All PPLD locations
More info: coming soon
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is teaming up with Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado to supplement local food banks in need through the PPLD Cares food drive. From Nov. 3 – Dec. 15 the community can bring non-perishable food donations to any PPLD location. The most needed items include canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, canned meat or tuna, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, pre-packaged snacks, and boxed dinners.
Young Adult Novel and Graphic Novel Authors to Speak as Part of All Pikes Peak Reads Program
Annual program; Community interest; Author talks
Meg Long: Sat., Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at East Library (5550 N Union Blvd)
Jonathan Case: Sat., Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr)
More info: ppld.org/appr
The next two author visits in Pikes Peak Library District’s popular All Pikes Peak Reads series take place in November at the Library. Each highly anticipated event will be followed by audience Q&A sessions and book signings. The featured books can be purchased from Poor Richard’s Bookstore during the event.
Meg Long, author of the young adult novel Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves will speak at East Library on Sat., Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Long will talk about her novel, drawing inspiration for setting and creating new worlds from our environment, and what it is like to write with ADHD.
Jonathan Case, artist and illustrator of acclaimed graphic novel Little Monarchs will speak at UCCS on Fri., Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. (1250 N. Campus Heights) and at Library 21c on Sat., Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Case will discuss the intersections of nature, science, and creatively connecting with our world. He will also give participants a look into the process of making a graphic novel, including a live drawing demonstration.
All Pikes Peak Reads provides residents with the opportunity to feel connected with their community by reading the same book together. The annual program focuses on celebrating literature, improving community connections, and fostering dialogue across social, cultural, and generational lines. Information about the visits with each of the authors, as well as supplemental programs related to this year’s nature theme, can be found on the Library’s website at ppld.org/appr
The Shivers Concert Series Continues Legacy of Supporting Local Arts and Culture with its Fall 2025 Concert
Live music; Community interest; Fundraising
Fri., Nov. 21 starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Antlers Hotel
More info: ppld.org/shivers-concert-series-2025
The Shivers Concert Series presents its fall concert on Fri., Nov. 21 at The Antlers Hotel (4 S. Cascade Ave.) with social hour starting at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person, include dinner, and can be purchased online or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6234.
The Shivers Concert Series has been raising funds to support local culture and arts for 32 years. These concerts benefit the Shivers Fund at PPLD, started by Peggy and Clarence Shivers, which contributes to the African American collection at Pikes Peak Library District, awards grants and scholarships to students, and encourages young people to pursue their interests in the arts. The fall concert features special guests Susan Grace (collaborative pianist), Madelyn Brene (soprano), Colin McAllister (guitar), and Christina Wilson (flute).
Registration Opens for Annual Hands-on Learning Opportunity for Homeschool Students
Homeschool; Education; Literacy
Registration opens Fri., Nov. 7
More info: ppld.librarymarket.com/event/homeschool-book-blast-502459
Registration for the annual Homeschool Book Blast at Pikes Peak Library District will open on Fri., Nov. 7 for homeschool students in grades K – 12. Homeschool students may read any book and prepare a book report project to present at the Library in a science fair style event. This literary event encourages homeschool students to improve their reading skills and showcase their comprehension skills through a creative project. There is no limit to the type of project students can create based on their book. The Library District has seen students create elaborate LEGO builds, board games based on the book’s plot, comics exploring pivotal scenes, detailed dioramas, and even short skits. This year’s event will take place on Fri., Dec. 19 at East Library.
PPLD Foundation to Host Hands-on Philanthropy Learning Opportunity for Children
Education; Philanthropy; Children’s events
Sat., Nov. 22 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Library 21c
More info: ppld.org/i-can-be-a-philanthropist
Pikes Peak Library District Foundation, in collaboration with Give! Pikes Peak, will host a philanthropy event for kids called I Can Be a Philanthropist on Sat., Nov. 22 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Library 21c. The event is designed to inspire kids ages 7 and older, along with their families, to explore the joy of giving back and making a difference in their community.
Children will enjoy an engaging Storytime presenting concepts of philanthropy in a fun accessible way, followed by hands-on activities. As part of the activities, children will meet local nonprofit organizations to learn what they do, and will then have the opportunity to “donate” pretend money to the organizations based on what they learn. There will also be volunteers and youth philanthropists in attendance for children and families to speak with and learn more about giving back to the community.
There is no cost to participate. Light refreshments will be provided.