Library Happenings in May 2024

The annual summer reading program supports literacy for all ages, partnership with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum brings a new limited-edition library card, a presentation by bestselling author Hampton Sides, and two local authors to be honored by the Friends of PPLD

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 in May:

The Library gears up to support literacy and learning with its annual summer reading program

District-wide annual program; literacy and education

May 31 – July 31

All Library locations

More info: ppld.org/summer

This year, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its annual reading program with the launch of 2024 Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado. The program kicks off on Fri., May 31 at all Library locations and runs through Wed., July 31. In celebration of 50 years of summer reading, the Library is opening the program to all ages including adults for the first time. This year’s program will take on a sports theme, celebrating Olympic City USA, as Colorado Springs and the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Anyone ages 0 – 18 participating in this year’s Summer Adventure program will earn a book for registering and can earn another prize when they complete the program. Studies have shown that having books in their home increases literacy and learning for kids and teens. Ages 0 – 18 will receive a prize when they register, and ages 19 and up will receive one entry into the grand prize drawing when they register. Everyone of all ages will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for completing the program.

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

Limited-edition library card; summer event

Launches May 31

All Library locations

More info: kmelchor@ppld.org

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 free children’s admissions at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. From May 31 – July 31, Library patrons may 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.

Celebrated author Hampton Sides to present at the Library

Author visit, local interest

Sat., May 4, 3 – 4 p.m.

Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave.

More info: tiny.ppld.org/hampton-sides

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will welcome bestselling author Hampton Sides for an author presentation on Sat., May 4 from 3 – 4 p.m. at Penrose Library. Sides will discuss his new book The Wide Wide Sea, followed by a Q&A and book signing. The book explores the complexities of the Age of Exploration, offering readers a view into fast-paced exploration on the high seas. Author presentations like this one connect members of the El Paso County community with enriching literary opportunities they might not have access to otherwise, which they can attend at no cost. Representatives from Poor Richards will be at the event for book sales.

The Friends of PPLD honor two local authors with literary awards

Local authors; literary event; awards

Sat., June 1, 11:30 a.m.

Doubletree Hotel, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.

More info: friendsofppld.org

Two local authors will be recipients of the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District’s annual literary awards - The Golden Quill and The Frank Waters Award. The honors will take place at the Friends of PPLD annual awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., June 1 at the Doubletree Hotel, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Tickets are $50 per person or $360 for a table of eight. To buy tickets, visit friendsofppld.org.

The Golden Quill honoree for 2024 is Donna Guthrie, an esteemed children’s book author, playwright, documentary filmmaker, and podcaster. The award is given to an author from the Pikes Peak region who has achieved excellence in their published work.

The Frank Waters Award recipient for 2024, Mark Lee Gardner, also received the Golden Quill award in 2010. Gardner’s accomplishments since then have merited this additional recognition. Gardner is a local author with a national reputation, and a lifelong historian whose fascination with the American West has inspired his many books. The honoree for this award demonstrates writing excellence and produces work that reflects the people, places, culture, and spirit of the West.

Also to be recognized at the event are Jim and Mary Ciletti with the Best Friend award, given for the second time only to those who have made extraordinary contributions and support to Pikes Peak Library District. They own Hooked On Books, a local independent bookstore.