As part of Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Facilities Master Plan, we have been working with a consultant since summer 2023 to evaluate PPLD’s current operations and community needs. The goal is to improve PPLD's offerings to its community and to plan for a sustainable future for the Library District.
During the June 19, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting, our consultant presented their preliminary findings based on extensive data collected through multiple means of data collection, including public input through a series of public input sessions, visual dot-board meetings at outreach and Library events, a Community Survey, and input sessions with community leaders. Various options were presented by the consultants, including select branch closures, service hours adjustments, self-service options, and seeking voter approved funding increases. No decisions are being made on any of the recommendations presented at this time.
When the final Facilities Master Plan report is ready, the Board will assemble a committee to discuss the findings and recommendations. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) supports a diverse community throughout El Paso County, and we strive to be good stewards of Library resources to provide the best resources and services to our community as we can.
The following three recommendations were presented to the Board based on different levels of funding:
Option 1 - Level Funding: Maintain current funding levels without change. Operational and capital funding stays at $51 per capita. Average household impact is about $134 per year.
Short-Term:
- Adjust service hours across Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain libraries
- Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries and reduce hours once adoption has occurred
- Close Rockrimmon Library at end of lease or after a short extension
- Close Ruth Holley Library at end of lease or after a short extension
Mid-Term:
- Add materials pickup lockers
- Open a new location along the Powers corridor
- Expand High Prairie Library location (15,000 square feet)
Long-Term:
- Shift Monument Library to a new and larger owned location
- Light renovations to East Library
- Upgrades to Sand Creek Library
Option 2 - Modest Increase: Increase funding to bring PPLD halfway up to the Colorado average. Operational and capital funding would increase to $61 per capita. Average household impact would be $161 per year.
Short-Term:
- Adjust service hours across Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain libraries
- Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries
- Seek voter approval on funding increase
- Add materials pickup lockers
Mid-Term:
- Shift Ruth Holley Library to a new Powers corridor location
- Expand the High Prairie Library location (15,000 - 20,000 square feet)
- Upgrades to Sand Creek Library
Long-Term:
- Shift Monument Library to a new and slightly larger owned location
- Fuller renovation to East Library
- Shift Rockrimmon Library to an owned location
Option 3 - Higher Level Increase to match the Colorado average funding level. Operational and capital funding would increase to $74 per capita. Average household impact would be $195 per year.
Short-Term:
- Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries
- Seek voter approval on funding increase
- Add materials pickup lockers
Mid-Term:
- Add new Powers Corridor outlet
- Expand High Prairie Library location (20,000 SF)
- Shift Monument Library to a new and larger owned location
Long-Term:
- Full renovation to East Library
- Shift Rockrimmon Library to an owned location
- Shift Cheyenne Mountain Library to an owned location
You can view the presentation of the preliminary report at youtube.com/watch?v=qDWR6NHrBfI and skip to timestamp 29:13.