Calhan Library (CA)

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to bring you Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Join us and hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to decluttering your home. Whether you are an avid or occasional reader, there is nothing quite like listening to insightful talks by authors you have read or new ones you are just discovering. You never know what will catch your interest. Attend these events at no cost from the comfort of home. 

In November, join us on Thu., Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. for a discussion with Navajo Ranger Stanley Milford, Jr. as he chats about the chilling and clear-eyed memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland. In The Paranormal Ranger, Milford recounts the stories of these cases from a law enforcement officer’s clinical and deductive perspective. Register for the access link. 

Next, tune in on Sat., Nov. 9 at noon (en Español) or Thu., Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. (English) to hear from New York Times bestselling author Javier Zamora as he chats with us about his riveting tale of survival and perseverance as told in his award-winning memoir Solito. The book provides an immediate and intimate account of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, as well as the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. Register for the access link (above). 

For the last Virtual Author Visit in November, you’re invited to join us on Wed., Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. as Mona Susan Power chats about her newest novel, A Council of Dolls. This conversation highlights how her work explores Native Rights and Native American culture, using an important symbol that anchors comfort and companionship in Native life: dolls. Mona Susan Power weaves a spell of love and healing that comes alive on the page. Register for the access link. 

Learn more and see upcoming authors on our Virtual Author Visits page or check out past Virtual Author Visits here!

More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits 

• Wed., Dec. 4 at noon: Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post
• Wed., Dec. 11 at noon: On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries: A Conversation with Laura Dave

Homeschoolers, get ready to tell the world about your favorite book! Prepare a creative book report at home and present it informally to other families in a science fair-style format. What you create to represent your book is up to you. Build a diorama, design a game based on the plot and characters, or make a poster for the movie version. Or you might create a book in a bag project, make a clothes hanger mobile, or draw the story in a comic book format. The possibilities are endless! For homeschool students in grades K – 8. 

Registration opens on Fri., Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Register here to be a book presenter. Please make sure that each participating student registers separately.

If you aren’t ready to present a book report yourself, drop by to support other homeschoolers by browsing the projects and discover your next favorite book!

When: Fri., Dec. 13 from 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: East Library

Need ideas to help you get started? Take a look at our idea file. 

Back to school season is upon us. As students prepare for academic success this year, they should keep Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) in mind as an essential tool. We have a wide variety of resources to support you in your education journey this year! Check out our Homework Resource Guide or read below to see how the Library supports students of all ages. 

First stop: get your card.

A library card is your key to access a world of homework help and academic resources. You can access the resources on this page from any PPLD location, but a library card will allow you to use them from anywhere. Anyone of any age can sign up for a card.

• Stop by your nearest or favorite Library location to sign up or print out an application ahead of time to bring with you. 
  OR 
• Apply for a card online! 
  • You must live within the Pikes Peak Library District, which is most of El Paso County, except for Security/Widefield. Residents of Security/Widefield and other counties can still obtain a Colorado Library Card to access PPLD resources but might not be able to access many of our resources outside of a Library location. See our Library Card Policy for more information.
  • You will need proof of your current address and a photo ID.
  • If you're 15-years-old or younger, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with the documentation listed above or an existing PPLD card.

Brainfuse

If you’ve ever felt like you were bad at science or could use some homework help, check out HelpHow from Brainfuse. This database offers live homework help and skills building online with expert tutors in math, science, social studies, and English, plus writing and reading assistance. Students of all ages will benefit, as this resource is designed for kindergarten through adult students. Tutors are available online daily from 2 – 11 p.m. 

Peterson's Test Prep

Students preparing for college or studying for standardized tests will benefit from Peterson's Test Prep. This database provides study guides and timed practice tests for all major college entrance exams and standardized tests, plus college planning, scholarship search, and career exploration tools. 

Databases

Library databases are a great place for learning for all ages. We have databases for kids to explore as they learn and develop internet search skills at the same time, and databases where older students can find references for essays, book reports, and other projects. Here are some of our databases that students will find useful (visit our databases page for more): 

• Academic Search Premier: Great for research, essays, and other projects, this database contains more than 2,000 journals, including more than 1,550 peer-reviewed titles. This multi-disciplinary database covers virtually every area of academic study.
• Consumer Health Complete: Students researching health-related topics will find many resources in this database. Find comprehensive full-text articles for consumer-oriented health content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic, and integrated medicine.
• CultureGrams: Explore countries and cultures around the world and find information about the diversity and history of each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Designed for upper elementary-aged children.
• Gale Virtual Reference Library: Search our entire collection of Gale eBooks on a variety of subjects, including history, science, government, and more. For elementary schoolers, use Gale In Context: Elementary.  
• CustomGuide: Learn the basic technology skills you need for academic success. In this database you will find interactive online training for Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Windows, and Word.  
• LinkedIn Learning: Dive into a world of infinite possibilities. LinkedIn Learning offers online video tutorials to help you learn creative, computer, and professional skills. You can also find videos for helpful topics like essay writing.
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context: Explore current events and controversial issues by researching multiple sides of a topic. This database aids students in writing argumentative essays and developing analytical thinking skills.
• Poetry & Short Story Reference Center: Get a head start on English Language Arts classes with essays analyzing poems and short stories, as well as access to hundreds of poems and short stories. This database also helps with understanding themes, poetic forms, movements, and more.  
• Science Reference Center: Get easy access to hundreds of science articles. Designed to meet every student researcher's needs, Science Reference Center contains full text for more than 700 science encyclopedias and reference books, periodicals, science videos, and other sources. 

Mango Languages 

Ready to expand your horizons by learning a new language? Mango Languages features 70 language options, including 21 options for those learning English as a second language. Explore languages from Arabic to Yiddish in the comfort of your own home or download the app to learn on the go! Students can go at their own pace. 

Workforce Readiness Training

Get ready to get a job or go to college! Work your way through modules focused on professionalism, communication, social skills, and goal setting to prepare yourself for the next big step in your life. Individuals under age 15 are encouraged to focus on the “basic” training while older youth might find the “intermediate” training more appropriate. 

The Homeschool Hub

Our Homeschool Hub has a wealth of resources and tools to support homeschoolers. Click on “Resources” to find information on getting started; Colorado homeschool law, online courses, concurrent enrollment, and enrichment programs; tutoring; extracurricular activities; support organizations; and more. You can also sign up for our homeschool newsletter to find out about upcoming homeschool programs at the Library such as Homeschool Book Blast and Homeschool Science Fair. 

For Fun AND Learning!

eLibrary: More than Books!

Of course, the Library has books, music, movies, and more, both physical and digital, that students can access for school and fun. Browse Libby by OverDrive (eBooks and comics, eAudiobooks, eMagazines), Hoopla (music, TV shows and movies, eBooks and comics, eAudiobooks), AudioBookCloud (eAudiobooks), Freading (eBooks), Freegal (music), Kanopy (movies, TV shows, documentaries), Tumblebooks (eBooks for young readers), and more. 

PPLD Kids

Looking for more learning resources for kids? You can find plenty of PPLD resources on our PPLD Kids page! Explore: 

• Homework (search by subject to find databases, recommended websites, and more),
• Read (access booklists by grade level, genre, online resources, and more),
• Create (hands-on activities and websites),
• Parents & Educators (curated information source for adults).

PPLD Teens

Get homework help, book recommendations, virtual programs, research resources, and more on our PPLD Teens page!