HYBRID ACCESS LIBRARIES = Your Library at Your Time!
Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) hybrid-access model will extend hours of operation to the community at select Library locations through a mix of staffed and unstaffed hours.
With this new format, a branch will offer hours from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., seven days a week EXCEPT for PPLD holidays and closures. A location may be staffed for a few hours during the day, with the other hours being unstaffed. Eligible patrons who complete required training will be permitted to access the location and its resources during those unstaffed hours —even on days when the location is completely unstaffed, e.g. Sundays.
The Library District plans to transition the branches listed below to hybrid access in 2026:
- Palmer Lake Library – August
- Calhan Library – September
- Ute Pass Library – December
Quick Links
Why Offer Hybrid-Access Libraries?
The community has been asking PPLD to extend daily hours, close later, and open on Sundays. Hybrid-access libraries give PPLD a way to satisfy the community’s wishes with minimal impact on the District’s budget.
Hybrid-access libraries:
- Give the community what they asked for — more access to PPLD’s resources, materials, and services at times that are more convenient for their lifestyles.
- Provide access to the locations for 112 hours per week.
- Alleviate some of the strain on PPLD’s budget for additional staff and benefit provisions.
- Offer Library resources and materials at less busy times for studying, a more peaceful atmosphere, and fewer sensory distractions.
Libraries across the United States and Colorado are increasing access with unstaffed models.
How Does the Hybrid-Access Model Work?
Access to the Library will be available from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., seven days a week EXCEPT for PPLD holidays and closures.
- Some of those hours may be staffed, and others will be unstaffed.
- Patrons will be required to complete training for their selected location and then apply for a hybrid-access badge.
The badge will only be good for the location they have chosen, after they have completed the training, received their confirmation letter, and activated their badge. If someone desires to use another hybrid-access location, they will need to take the training for that location. Access to the additional location will then be programmed onto their existing badge.
What Can Patrons Access?
- During unstaffed hours, patrons can:
- Use computers and WiFi
- Print, copy, or fax
- Access study rooms and meeting rooms
- Pick up holds
- During hours when the Library District is open, patrons will be able to contact staff for assistance via a special intercom system located inside the location.
- After hours, when the Library District is closed, calls will connect to the Security Operations Center (SOC).
- The Security Operations Center will monitor the locations during all accessible hours, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. each day.
Rules for Hybrid Access
To access the location during the unstaffed hours, patrons must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a 400 level PPLD library card.
- Have a library card that has been active for at least 90 days.
- Be in good standing with the Library District
Non-transferable
The hybrid-access badge is non-transferable — patrons cannot apply for access and then transfer that access or give their badge to another person. Everyone will need to apply for their own badge.
Guests
Patrons may bring guests with them, i.e., children, family members, friends, or in the case of a meeting room event — the attendees for the event. HOWEVER, the patron whose badge allowed everyone to gain access will be responsible for all individuals who entered under their name.
Code of Conduct Violations
A violation of the PPLD Code of Conduct by the patron and/or any of their guests will result in revocation of the hybrid-access badge and suspension from Pikes Peak Library District.
- Patrons may appeal their Library District suspension, but they cannot appeal their hybrid-access suspension. Once lost, it is lost permanently.
What do I do if I lose my badge?
If a badge is lost, please immediately notify the District so we can ensure the safety of the patrons and the security of the building is not compromised.
What if my badge stops working?
If your badge stops working, please contact the Security Operations Center via the exterior intercom.