Library happenings in June 2023

Summer Adventure begins, Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium, Patrons of Influence discussion panel, Peggy Shivers portrait unveiling, and celebrations for Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Immigrant Heritage Month 

  
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: 

Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado starts June 1

PPLD partners with D11 for annual Free Summer Lunches program 

District-wide seasonal program 

June 1 – July 31 

All Library locations 

More info: https://ppld.org/summer-adventure  

Pikes Peak Library District is kicking off its 2023 Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado reading program on Thu., June 1. This annual program encourages participants ages 0 – 18 to stay engaged throughout the summer by reading, moving, and imagining their way through books and activities while school is out to prevent the loss of learning known as “summer slide” and help them retain more of what they learned over the school year. The program runs from June 1 – July 31. 

Participants use a printed game card or the Beanstack app to log their reading and participation in different activities throughout June and July to reach 30 days. Activity examples include many forms of reading, attending Library programming, creative crafting, trying a new recipe, and more. The Library offers special programming throughout the summer that kids and teens can participate in which count toward their 30-day challenge. Registration opens today, Thu., June 1. Participants earn a prize for registering, and another prize for completing the program. 

Toward the end of July, the Library will host outdoor celebrations for the end of this year’s Summer Adventure. For more details and to register, visit ppld.org/summer-adventure.  

During Summer Adventure, School District 11 will provide free lunches for ages 0 – 18 from June 1 – July 28 (no lunch on Tue., July 4) at East Library every weekday. D11 will also provide a basket of age-appropriate books that kids and teens can take with them. The Summer Food Service Program, funded by USDA, provides nutritious meals to children and teenagers ages 0 – 18. There are no income or registration requirements. 

20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium 

Annual event 

Sat., June 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

East Library 

More info: https://ppld.org/history-symposium 

The 20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium returns to PPLD this June, exploring this year’s theme, “Art, Artists, and Entertainers.” This year’s program is split into three parts, with a Short Film Program that occurred in May, and an in-person and a virtual event in June. The in-person program takes place at East Library on Sat., June 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and features presentations from academics, researchers, and history enthusiasts examining art, artists, and entertainers who have left a rich legacy in the Pikes Peak region. A virtual program will follow on Mon., June 12 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. featuring presentations about the Colorado Springs Civic Players, artist Ernestine Parsons, and Colorado Springs jewelers from 1895 – 1910.  

Patrons of Influence: El Paso County’s Diverse Voices 

Pride Month community event 

Wed., June 14 from 10 – 11 a.m. 

Penrose Library 

More info: https://ppld.org/El-Paso-Pride  

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and Citizen-Powered Media invite the community to join them for Patrons of Influence: El Paso County’s Diverse Voices, celebrating Library patrons who are providing positive influences in the areas of culture, business, and leadership in El Paso County. The panelists include Dr. Lynn Vidler, Ph.D., Professor and Dean of LAS, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; EmRhys Jenkins, student at Colorado College; Shawna Kemppainen, Director of The Place; and Dominique Robbins, Gospel singer, writer, and producer. These local leaders will discuss their shared interests and experiences on how diverse voices strengthen organizations and communities.  

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions during a Question & Answer session following the panel discussion.

This is an in-person event. Registration is not required but strongly recommended. Registration is required for the livestream offering.  

Portrait Unveiling for Music Legend and Philanthropist Peggy Shivers 

Special honorary event 

Tue., June 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. 

Library 21c 

More info: https://ppld.org/peggy-shivers  

PPLD will honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist, Peggy Shivers, with the unveiling of Kevin Johnson’s portrait of Ms. Shivers at an appreciation receptionon Tue., June 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Library 21c, the permanent home of this special art piece. Registration is required to attend this event.  

Peggy Shivers and the late Clarence Shivers created the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, which supports the Shivers African American Historical and Cultural Collection at PPLD. The fund creates educational and cultural opportunities for young people through scholarships and programming. It also provides opportunities for our community to celebrate culture, history, and the arts.

 PPLD Celebrates Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Immigrant Heritage Month 

District-wide celebrations 

In June, the Library is celebrating Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Immigrant Heritage Month with special programming, online resources, and items for patrons. In recognition of each national initiative, the Library has a special Storytime series planned, celebrating inclusion, diversity, and history. Storytimes include Rainbow Storytime (multiple sessions, registration required), Immigration Storytime (multiple sessions, registration required), and Juneteenth Storytime (Sat., June 17 at 2 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library, registration required). Visit the Library’s website for information about special programming, booklists, web resources, and other information to help families celebrate.