Library Happenings in June 2024

A limited-edition collaboration library card, the Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium opens windows to our region’s past, D11 provides free lunches for kids and teens, Mountain of Authors connects El Paso County with local authors, and local writers of all levels compete during All Pikes Peak Writes

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:

A new limited-edition library card connects people to the Olympic & Paralympic Movement and Library resources

Limited-edition library card; summer event

Launches May 31

All Library locations

More info: ppld.org/usopm-card

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is teaming up with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum to offer a limited-edition library card during the District’s 2024 Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado summer reading program starting on Fri., May 31. The card features artwork by LeRoy Neiman, the official painter for five Olympic Games, and now PPLD cardholders can enjoy his artwork on their library card.

As a special bonus, the limited-edition library card can be used this summer for a free children’s admissions at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. From May 31 – July 31, Library patrons can present the limited-edition card upon entry at the museum for free admission for a child 12 years of age and younger with a paying adult. The card will be available on a first-come basis, while supplies last.

20th Annual Pikes Peak History Symposium explores turning points in Pikes Peak region history

Local history event

Three-part event on June 1, June 8, and June 10

East Library (5550 N. Union Blvd.) and online

More info: ppld.org/history-symposium

The Pikes Peak region’s history comes to life at the Library during the 20th Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. Over three days, engaging research presentations and short films will delve into our region's history and the tapestry of people, institutions, and landscapes that shaped it as it is today. Due to increasing interest in this annual program, the history symposium has evolved into a three-part event consisting of a short film festival, an in-person history symposium, and a virtual history symposium. This year’s theme is “Turning Points,” exploring pivotal moments that have profoundly influenced the region and its people.

• Short Film Festival: Sat., June 1 from 2 – 4 p.m. at East Library
• Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium: Sat., June 8 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at East Library
• Virtual Symposium: Mon., June 10 from 7 – 9 p.m. online

D11 brings free lunches to kids and teens at the Library this summer

Community support; kids and teens

Weekdays 11 a.m. - noon (May 29 – Aug. 2; no lunch on Thu., July 4)

Outside of East Library (5550 N. Union Blvd.)

More info: ppld.org/summer-lunches-2024

School District 11 will provide no-cost lunches for kids and teens this summer. The school district will bring their mobile unit to East Library every weekday beginning Wed., May 29 through Fri., Aug. 2 (except for Thu., July 4). Meal service will be available outside of East Library from 11 a.m. - noon, Monday - Friday, along with a basket of age-appropriate books that kids and teens can take home with them. Lunches are provided at no-cost to kids and teens. Adult lunches are $5.25.

The Summer Food Service Program, funded by USDA, provides nutritious meals to all children and teenagers ages 0 - 18. There are no income or registration requirements for participation.

Local authors gather at Mountain of Authors

Local authors; local interest; literary event

Sat., June 22, noon to 4:30 p.m.

Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.)

More info: research.ppld.org/mountainofauthors

Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) 18th annual Mountain of Authors will take place on Sat., June 22 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Library 21c. It is an opportunity for the community to meet local authors and learn about the craft of writing and publishing. This year’s keynote speaker is Denver-based author and food historian Adrian Miller, author of Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue and other books exploring the history of Black food culture. Local authors from around the Pikes Peak region and along the Front Range will participate in an author showcase where visitors can get to know them and their work. The authors will be available for book sales and signings. There will also be an author panel featuring travel and outdoor guide writers Tanja Britton, Stewart Green, and Susan Joy Paul discussing the art of guide writing and of what it takes to be an author.

Schedule of Events for Mountain of Authors, Sat., June 22:
Noon — Doors open
Noon – 1 p.m. — Panelist and Showcase Authors, book sales and signings
1 – 2 p.m. — Author Panel Featuring Tanja Britton, Stewart Green, and Susan Joy Paul
2 – 3 p.m. — Panelist and Showcase Authors, book sales and signings
3 – 4 p.m. — Keynote Speaker Adrian Miller
4 – 4:30 p.m. — Keynote book signing, Showcase Author book sales and signings

El Paso County writers invited to compete in an annual fiction writing contest

Annual writing contest; local interest

Submissions open June 3 – July 26 at 9 p.m.

Winners announced in late August

Online

More info: ppld.org/appw

Residents of El Paso County ages 12 and older are invited to participate in Pikes Peak Library District’s annual fiction writing contest, All Pikes Peak Writes. Submissions open on Mon., June 3 and close on Fri., July 26 at 9 p.m. At the end of the contest, three winning submissions from each category will be collected into a digital anthology and made available through the Library’s website. All Pikes Peak Writes is an opportunity for both new and longtime writers of all ages to take on an engaging challenge and compete with other writers in their community. Submissions will be grouped into three categories: Ages 12 – 18, Ages 19 – 24, and Ages 25 and up. Winners will be announced in late August and first, second, and third place winners will receive prizes.