Pikes Peak Library District Announces Summer Reading Program, Regional History Symposium, Palmer Lake Library Town Hall, and more. Colorado Springs, Colo. — Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is highlighting several upcoming events and services in June, including the Summer Adventure reading program, Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium, LENA Start for parents, Ruth Holley Library’s Open House, and the Manitou Springs Library Summer Lawn Concert Series. PPLD Hosts Final Town Hall to Discuss Vision for Library Hybrid locations, budgets, and improved access are the topics that will be discussed at the Palmer Lake Library Town Hall on Wednesday, June 3 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. This is the last of three town halls that Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is holding to provide information about the state of the Library District. PPLD CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs will also explain the hybrid library concept during the presentation. The new model will offer increased access to select libraries outside the location’s traditionally staffed operating hours. It will significantly expand access, making Library space and its resources available from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. seven days a week. Patrons can register to attend and submit questions until Tuesday, June 2 at ppld.org/town-halls. Summer Adventure Program Launches El Paso County residents are invited to Unearth a Story™ this summer with the Summer Adventure reading program, presented by Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). The two-month event combines activities to create, opportunities to read, and ideas to explore to earn prizes during the summer, offsetting the typical loss of learning that happens during the months students are out of school. The program encourages participants of all ages — from young children to adults — to engage in reading and do a variety of hands-on activities. By completing 30 days of reading, exploring, or creating during the program, participants can earn prizes and entries into grand prize drawings, including an overnight stay for two at The Broadmoor Cloud Camp and VIP passes and discounts to Pikes Peak Region Attractions. Other prizes are available just for signing up and for completing the program. Activities may include traditional reading, attending Library events, crafting, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. Instead of the traditional Summer Adventure parties at the end of the program, the Library is celebrating reading all season long with nine concerts throughout Summer Adventure at libraries across the District. Go to ppld.org/summer for more information. 2026 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium Celebrates 150 Years of Colorado Statehood The 2026 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium will mark the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood by exploring the region’s lasting impact on state history. The two-part program starts with a film festival on Saturday, June 6 from 1 – 4 p.m., and finishes with the symposium on Saturday, June 13 from 1 – 5 p.m. Both events are at East Library. This year, the history symposium takes on some of the biggest questions in Colorado history and shows how those answers were shaped right here in the Pikes Peak region. The program features a day of films and a day of lectures from students, filmmakers, and scholars, offering fresh perspectives on pivotal moments and figures — from Gen. William Jackson Palmer and Zebulon Pike to the Cripple Creek miners’ strike, the 1992 Amendments 1 and 2, and the fight for water in Colorado Springs. Additional presentations highlight Evergreen Cemetery’s overlooked historical figures and the legacy of Margaret Reid and Pikes Peak Library District. Student documentaries, including award-winning 2026 History Day films, will be showcased alongside original work from regional filmmakers. Together, these programs examine some of Colorado’s most important historical questions, and the central role of the Pikes Peak Region in shaping the state’s story. Go to ppld.org/history-symposium for more information or to register. Pikes Peak Library District Launches LENA Start Program to Support Early Childhood Development Registration is now open for the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) LENA Start program, an eight-week program designed to help parents and caregivers of children ages 0 – 3 build strong early language skills that lead to literacy gains as children grow. The program focuses on increasing parent-child interaction through simple, everyday conversations to support brain development in young children. Participants attend weekly sessions online, use LENA technology to track communication, and receive personalized feedback to monitor progress. Parents who finish the program receive a $25 gift card and eight books to start their children’s libraries. Registration is open through Monday, June 15, with a required in-person orientation before online classes start. Space is limited to the first 30 families who register. The Summer 2026 session runs Wednesday, June 24 – Wednesday, August 12. For details or to register, visit ppld.org/kids/LENAStart. The Library Connects Community with Live Music Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is bringing back a perennial summer favorite – the Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series. Concerts will take place on the front lawn of the Manitou Springs Library every Wednesday from June 3 – July 22 starting at 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend these performances. This year's lineup includes: • Wednesday, June 3 – Roma Ransom • Wednesday, June 10 – Crystal and the Curious • Wednesday, June 17 – The Mitguards • Wednesday, June 24 – Manitou Strings • Wednesday, July 1 – Patchwork Jack • Wednesday, July 8 – Academy Jazz Ensemble • Wednesday, July 15 – Jeremy Facknitz • Wednesday, July 22 – Grapefruit Moon PPLD Hosts Ruth Holley Library Open House Learn more about Ruth Holley Library from 10 a.m. - noon on Friday, June 12, during an open house that celebrates the sesquisemiquincentennial, the combined anniversaries of Colorado’s 150th birthday and the 250th year since the founding of the United States.The community is invited to create a chalk masterpiece, play giant Connect 4, and make an artistic mark on Ruth Holley Library by participating in a community art project. There will also be retro games, light refreshments, and a chance to play Colorado Springs trivia. Go to ppld.org/co150-usa250 to learn more about how PPLD is celebrating this historic milestone. Teen Maker Camps Start in June Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to explore, design, and create at Maker Camp, an immersive, week-long creative program that takes place in three PPLD locations: Library 21c, as well as East and Sand Creek libraries. Teens can learn foundational skills using makerspace equipment while bringing their ideas to life through hands-on projects. During the week, teens will gain practical experience in 3D printing, sewing, laser cutting, and designing custom 3D models using online CAD software. By the end of the program, participants will complete a comprehensive final project that showcases their newly developed skills. Maker Camp inspires creativity while introducing teens to emerging technologies that are shaping the world around them. In addition to building technical skills, participants will gain valuable experience that can enhance resumes and college applications. Each location below has a week set aside for Maker Camp: • Sand Creek Library: June 22 – 26, 1 – 4 p.m. Registration opens June 8, at 1 p.m. • Library 21c: July 6 – 10, 1 – 4 p.m. Registration opens June 22, at 1 p.m. • East Library: July 20 – 24, 1 – 4 p.m. Registration opens July 6, at 1 p.m. Registration is required, and space is limited. Participants who register will be automatically enrolled for the full week of sessions at their chosen location. For more information, visit https://ppld.org/maker-camp PPLD and D11 Provide Free Summer Lunch Program In partnership with Colorado Springs School District 11, PPLD is offering free lunches for children and teens at East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd., through Friday, July 31, excluding July 3. Meals will be served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – noon through the school district’s mobile unit. Adults may purchase lunches for $5. Free books will also be available for children and teens to take home. The program is part of the USDA-funded Summer Food Service Program and is open to youth ages 0 - 18 with no registration or income requirements. ### 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