Library Happenings in February 2024

The annual Winter Adult Reading Program kicks off, submissions open for All Pikes Peak Makes, students to present projects at the Homeschool Science Fair, and the Library surpasses 3 million digital checkouts

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) presents many options to engage people of all ages and interests across El Paso County. Here are some upcoming opportunities this month:

Annual Winter Adult Reading Program engages community members at the Library

20th anniversary, District-wide program

Feb. 1 – March 31

More info: ppld.org/winter-reading

The annual Winter Adult Reading Program at Pikes Peak Library District kicks off its 20th year of engaging adults throughout El Paso County with reading and activities. Participating adults ages 18 and up can use the challenge to build healthy reading habits and try new skills and activities. In 2023, 4,061 participants signed up for the program, surpassing registration from prior years. The Library District is optimistic that they will surpass their registration numbers again this year. The 2024 program kicked off on Thu., Feb. 1 and runs through Sun., March 31. Participants who log 30 days of activities (including reading and participation in activities listed at ppld.org/winterreading) can earn this year’s limited-edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug and chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (while supplies last) and will be entered into the grand prize drawing.

Submissions open for All Pikes Peak Makes exhibit

Call for submissions

Open now

More info: ppld.org/APPM

Submissions are open for the Library’s annual All Pikes Peak Makes event, taking place this year on Sat., April 27 at Library 21c. All Pikes Peak Makes is a celebration of creativity and ingenuity where tinkerers and crafters can introduce the community to new crafts, technology, problem-solving, and the world of “making.” In the past, exhibitors have helped kids build and launch paper rockets (which are stuck in the ceiling at Library 21c); inspired people with elaborate 3D printed creations; shown people how to make a working light using a watch battery, magnets, and a small LED bulb: introduced people to sewing square marshmallow plush animals from scrap fabric; and much more. Anyone interested in exhibiting should submit their application to ppld.org/APPM.

Homeschool students present their learning at the annual Homeschool Science Fair

Homeschool education

Fri., Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.

Library 21c in the Venue

More info: ppld.org/homeschoolsciencefair

Local homeschool students (grades K – 12) will present a showcase of science projects at Pikes Peak Library District’s annual Homeschool Science Fair. The event is on Fri., Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. at Library 21c. This annual event provides homeschoolers with an enriching scientific environment to showcase their experiments and discoveries. Students were able to choose the topics they wanted to explore with their projects. Other families are invited to browse and chat with students about their presentations.

Pikes Peak Library District surpasses digital checkouts milestone

Major milestone achieved for the first time

More info: company.overdrive.com/2024/01/11/2023-million-digital-checkouts/

Pikes Peak Library District reached the major milestone of 3 million digital checkouts through Libby and OverDrive in 2023, a first-time achievement for the Library District. Earlier in 2023, the Library District reported reaching 2 million digital checkouts by Sept. 6, nearly a month before they had reached that same milestone the year before. An article from OverDrive shows that Pikes Peak Library District is one of only 23 library systems across the U.S. to reach this milestone in 2023. Library cardholders use the platform to check out eMagazines, eBooks, and eAudiobooks.