FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Sept. 4, 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 SEPTEMBER 

The Library celebrates belonging, All Pikes Peak Reads announces book selections, Peak Legacies highlights the history of a local photographer, and summer concerts return to Palmer Lake Library 


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: 

You Belong: The Library District Dives into Library Card Sign-up Month 

Community interest; Belonging; Resources 

District-wide initiative 

More info: ppld.org/you-belong 

In a time of social isolation and tight budgets, Pikes Peak Library District reminds everyone that they belong at the Library. The Library District invites the community to come sign up for a free library card during Library Card Sign-up Month this September. Current library cardholders are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to come sign up for a library card as well. 

“Libraries are hubs where anyone can come to learn something new, solve a wide range of problems they may be dealing with, and spend time without having to spend money,” says Carla Bamesberger, the Library District’s PR & marketing manager. “That’s one of the things that drew me to a career in libraries to begin with. I like supporting people and providing them with access to resources. Everyone deserves a library card.” 

Last year, the Library District registered 3,438 new library cards and renewed 1,661 during its Library Card Sign-up Month campaign in September, surpassing its 2018 record for most library card sign-ups in a single month by more than 500 cards. More information can be found on the Library’s website at ppld.org/you-belong 

The Library Announces Book Selections for Annual Community-Wide Reading Program 

Annual program; Community interest; All ages 

All PPLD locations 

More info: ppld.org/appr 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) announces the 2025 selections for All Pikes Peak Reads, its annual community reading program. This year, the Library District has returned to choosing one book for each age group as it has done in the past. The four selections include: 

  • Fuzz by Mary Roach (adult) 
  • Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long (teen) 
  • Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case (juvenile) 
  • Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross! By Rosemary Mosco (juvenile) 

All Pikes Peak Reads provides residents with a unique 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. Each year, PPLD selects titles that focus on timely topics and plans a variety of community-wide programs and activities to pair with the book. This year’s titles all relate to nature, whether it is exploring the surprising world of butterflies, surviving in the winter wilderness, learning about monarch butterfly migration, or reading about human-wildlife interactions. 

The Library District will host author visits with each author as well, providing enriching literary experiences for the community. 

As part of its promotions for this program, the Library District will host a Reading Flash Mob from 1 – 2 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 27 near the Kraemer Library at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs campus as part of the Cool Science Carnival. The community is invited to attend and read with the Library during this unique outdoor community experience celebrating reading and All Pikes Peak Reads. 

Information about author visits with each of the authors, as well as supplemental programs can be found on the Library’s website at ppld.org/appr 

Peak Legacies Brings Pikes Peak Region and Colorado History to Life 

Regional history; Community interest; Presentations 

Sat., Sept. 20 from 3 – 5 p.m. 

Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.) 

More info: ppld.org/peak-legacies 

Historical figures of the Pikes Peak region and Colorado will be highlighted in a new program series from Pikes Peak Library District: Peak Legacies. The inaugural event featuring photographer Myron Wood will take place on Sat., Sept. 20 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.).  

India Wood, daughter of renowned local photographer Myron Wood, shares stories and insights from her trek across Colorado—literally corner to corner—and how the journey deepened her understanding of her father’s life and his work in the state. The discussion is part of PPLD’s Regional History department’s new series Peak Legacies, which highlights individuals with a prominent place in PPLD’s archives and in Colorado history. A concurrent display at Library 21c will feature a selection of Myron Wood’s photographs. Registration is required.  

The Popular Outdoor Concert Series Returns to Palmer Lake 

Live Music; Community Interest; Family Events 

Aug. 29, Sept. 5, and Sept. 12, 6 – 7 p.m. 

Palmer Lake Village Green 

More info: ppld.org/palmer-lake-library-concert-series 

The Palmer Lake Library Village Green Concert Series returns to Pikes Peak Library District this August and September for three no-cost summer concerts. This popular, well-attended concert series provides everyone in the community with outdoor enrichment for all ages to wrap up the summer. All the concerts are on Fridays from 6 – 7 p.m. in late August and early September. The concerts will be held outdoors at the Palmer Lake Village Green & Gazebo, located next to Palmer Lake Library at 66 Lower Glenway St. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to lounge on as they enjoy the performances. In the case of adverse weather conditions, a concert may be relocated to Palmer Lake Town Hall or canceled.  

  • Fri., Aug. 29: Peak Big Band, a dynamic ensemble known for performing a variety of big band music from Duke Ellington to Guns N’ Roses. 
  • Fri., Sept. 5: Ricky Sweum, an award-winning musician, composer, educator, and music producer known for many things, including jazz performances. 
  • Fri., Sept. 12: Some Sweet Day, an acoustic band playing “rockin’ mountain music, fiery old time/grass fiddle tunes from Appalachia, song and ballads mixed with some modern folk, and country music.”