FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 1, 2026 

Amy Gillentine, Director of PR, Marketing, & Promotions (719) 482-5422 | agillentine@ppld.org 

Piper Vaughn, Social Media & PR Manager (719) 412-2646 | pvaughn@ppld.org 

Library Events and Happenings Library Card Sign-Up Month, All Pikes Peak Reads Author Visits, PPLD Foundation Pickleball, New Hybrid-Access Model at Calhan Library. 

Colorado Springs, Colo. — Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is highlighting several major initiatives and events this September, including the launch of expanded hybrid access at Calhan Library, Library Card Sign-up Month, All Pikes Peak Reads author visits, and the PPLD Foundation's Pickleball for a Cause fundraiser. 

PPLD Highlights No-Cost Services During Library Card Sign-Up Month During Library Card Sign-Up Month, Pikes Peak Library District is highlighting no-cost services, entertainment, classes, and programs. Budget-savvy residents can discover new programs like All Pikes Peak Reads author visits, craft and educational classes, makerspaces for creativity, and educational assistance for students of all ages, as well as its collection that includes books, music, movies, and other materials. In September, PPLD is encouraging the community to get a library card and discover the ways they can save money at the Library. Patrons can get a library card at any PPLD location or sign up online. Go to ppld.org/your-library-card-is to learn more about PPLD’s services. 

All Pikes Peak Reads Brings Community, Authors Together PPLD is hosting a series of featured author talks and book discussions as part of All Pikes Peak Reads. The 2026 lineup includes: Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Juvenile). Set in 1889, the novel follows a family traveling from Texas to Oklahoma to pursue freedom, land ownership, and a place to call home amid the dangers of the Oklahoma Land Rush. The discussion will take place Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. 

I'll Be Waiting for You by Mariko Turk (Young Adult). The story follows a teenager spending the summer at a supposedly haunted hotel in Estes Park, leading her to question whether the hotel’s ghost stories might be true. Join us on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at Library 21c. 

Before I Lived Here (Picture Book). The book traces the history of the land beneath a child’s home in modern-day Colorado Springs. Jensen lived in Colorado Springs during the writing process and conducted her research at PPLD. Jensen will have Storytime and an author visit on Saturday, Sept. 26. at 11 a.m. at Library 21c. She will also lead a writing workshop about creating picture books at 12:30 p.m. 

Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine (Adult). Set in 1930s Denver, the novel follows Luz Lopez, whose visions reveal the stories and secrets of her Indigenous Chicano ancestors. Join PPLD on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. at Library 21c. 

All Pikes Peak Reads is a community-wide reading initiative that brings readers together through shared books, author events, discussions, and programs designed to encourage conversation and a passion for reading throughout El Paso County. For more information go to ppld.org/appr. 

Cheyenne Mountain and Ute Pass libraries Host Open Houses To commemorate Colorado 150th and United States 250th anniversaries, PPLD invites the community to celebrate with two upcoming open houses featuring family-friendly activities, local history, crafts, and food. Community members of all ages are invited to explore Cheyenne Mountain Library and participate in a building-wide scavenger hunt, get a temporary tattoo, and take part in a community craft project. Later in the month, PPLD will celebrate the sesquisemiquincentennial at Ute Pass Library, which once served as a schoolhouse for children in Cascade. Visitors are invited to paint rocks, visit the fire truck next door, and play lawn games. 

Open House dates and times: 

10 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Sept. 12, at Cheyenne Mountain Library 

3 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Ute Pass Library Go to ppld.org/open-house for more information. 

PPLD Foundation Invites Community to Pickleball for a Cause The PPLD Foundation hosts its second Pickleball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Springs Pickleball - East at 2975 N. New Center Point. Pickleball for a Cause is designed to welcome everyone — from beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to experienced players ready for friendly competition. 

Prizes will be available for players at all levels. The event offers a fun opportunity for players to connect with the community while raising funds to support PPLD's programs and services. Those unable to attend can still make a difference by supporting the PPLD Foundation with a donation. More information is available at ppld.org/pickleball.

LENA Start Program Supports Early Childhood Development Studies show that early and frequent communication with babies gives them a head start in developing strong literacy and language skills. Pikes Peak Library District offers a program to help parents listen, talk, and engage with their babies, aged 0 - 3 years old through its LENA Start program. 

Families attend weekly online sessions for eight weeks, use LENA technology to track communication, and receive personalized feedback from trained staff. Participants who complete the program receive a $20 gift card and eight children’s books. Registration is open through Monday, Sept. 14. There is no cost to participate in LENA Start. For more information, visit ppld.org/kids/LENAStart. 

###

 Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) provides everyone with access to resources and opportunities so people can thrive and connect. The Library cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities via 14 facilities, mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources. It is an internationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of nearly 700,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo. Learn more at ppld.org