CO150 - USA250
In 1776, the United States declared its independence and became a country. In 1876, Colorado joined the 100-year-old country as the 38th state.
These historical moments are converging in 2026 to celebrate the joint milestones of Colorado’s 150 years of statehood and 250 years since our nation’s founding. Over the years, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) played a strong role in serving the entire community, from the establishment of our first public library in 1887 (before PPLD officially formed!), to the opening of the Carnegie Library where Penrose Library now stands in 1905, to its newest location, Calhan Library, which opened in 2019.
PPLD is joining the national – and statewide – celebration with open houses and an invitation to visit all 14 Library locations, Regional History & Genealogy, and our three bookmobiles to win prizes, learn more about each branch, and celebrate as a community.
So let’s make history…together.
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Commemorative Library Card
Celebrate CO150-USA250 every time you use your library card with a special commemorative library card. The image featured on the card was selected from the over 30,000 historic photographs available from PPLD Digital Collections. The card is a 1907 photograph titled “Kiowa Street Looking West” and features the 1905 Carnegie Library which is now home to the PPLD’s Regional History & Genealogy department. These library cards will be available at all PPLD locations in 2026.
Passport Program
Visit multiple Library locations and explore different services offered by PPLD, including Regional History & Genealogy and Mobile Library Services, with our Passport Program. Track your visits online with a virtual passport through Beanstack and attend any of our Open Houses to receive a commemorative passport highlighting each location, including historical facts and information.
Visit each location to receive a stamp in your passport. Receive a special CO150-US250 prize when you receive your seventh stamp. Celebrate with bragging rights and another special CO150-USA250 prize when you complete your passport with all 16 stamps.
Sign up starting Thu., Jan. 1. Check back for more details soon!
Open Houses
During 2026, PPLD is inviting the public to fun-filled events that highlight the unique character of each of our locations. Meet Ruby the giant day gecko at Monument and contribute to a community quilt. Play history games and learn about notable events that shaped our region with Regional History & Genealogy. Visit our District’s three historic Carnegie libraries in downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs. Play games, make crafts, win prizes, or become part of a community-wide art project. It’s all happening this year at PPLD.
Open House Calendar
Sat., Jan. 24 | 3 - 5 p.m. – Regional History & Genealogy (Carnegie Library at Penrose Library)
Tue., Feb. 24 | 3 - 5 p.m. – Monument Library
Wed., Feb. 25 | 4 - 6 p.m. – Manitou Springs Library
Sat., March 7 | 2 - 4 p.m. – Fountain Library
Sat., March 28 | 3 - 5 p.m. – East Library
Fri., April 24 | 3 - 5 p.m. – Palmer Lake Library
Sat., May 9 | 2 - 4 p.m. – Library 21c
Fri., June 12 | 10 a.m. - noon – Ruth Holley Library
Thu., Aug. 13 | 3 - 5 p.m. – Penrose Library and Mobile Library Services
Sat., Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. - noon – Cheyenne Mountain Library
Thu., Sept. 24 | 3 - 5 p.m. – Ute Pass Library
Sat., Oct. 3 | 2 - 4 p.m. – Sand Creek Library
Fri., Oct. 16 | 3 - 5 p.m. – High Prairie Library
Wed., Nov. 4 | 3 - 5 pm. – Calhan Library
Mon., Dec. 7 | 4 - 6 p.m. – Old Colorado City Library