What's New: General

We are excited to announce that library card holders can now access no-cost passes to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. These two local attractions are the latest to join our Culture Pass program!  

Use your library card to check out passes to visit the museum for an immersive, universally accessible look into the journey of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes through interactive exhibits and innovative displays. Or, check out a pass for the training center and take an inspiring guided tour through this elite facility where Team USA athletes train.  

Each attraction offers two daily passes, each for two adults and four children 12-years-old and younger.  

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center rejoins the Culture Pass program after temporarily suspending its participation in 2020 to abide by COVID-19 safety measures to protect Olympic athletes during the pandemic.   
 
These Colorado Springs attractions join current Culture Pass partner organizations, including:

• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College  
• The Money Museum  
• ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame  
• Pikes Peak Children’s Museum  
• Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site  
• Space Foundation Discovery Center  
• Western Museum of Mining & Industry  
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science  

These passes are available for checkout, similar to how you would check out an eBook or other electronic resource. Log in to the online reservation page and book a pass up to 30 days in advance. Reserve your pass today at ppld.org/culturepass!  

Anime Fan Fest 2023 will highlight programs happening at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to celebrate the anime and manga fandom! Check out our social media for recommendations and resource highlights, or look below for more information about in-person programs at different Library locations. Scroll to the bottom of this page for some featured videos from PPLD's YouTube channel.

Origami Bookmark

All locations will have a special Anime Fan Fest Take and Make available for teens. The Take and Make is a simple Origami Bookmark. Available while supplies last.

• link to instructions PDF - T&M - origami.pdf

Anime Fan Fest Programs

Celebrate Anime Fan Fest at your local library! Activities vary by location; see links below for more information.

Light-Up Cosplay Bracelet Cuffs

• Tues., April 4 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at Rockrimmon Library
• Wed., April 12 from 4 - 5:00 p.m. at Manitou Springs Library
• Fri., April 28 from 2 - 4:00 p.m. at Fountain Library

Manga/Comic Gift Bags and Button Making 

• Fri., April 7 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
• Sat., April 22 from 2 - 3 p.m. at Sand Creek Library

Teen Anime Club

• Mon., April 10 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Library 21c
• Thur., April 20 from 4 - 5 p.m. at Rockrimmon Library

Anime Fan Fest: Microwave Mochi

Have you ever wanted to try making mochi but been intimidated by the long process? Today, we're testing out a microwave daifuku mochi recipe from Namiko Chen's Just One Cookbook! You can find her written instructions here.

Learn To Draw Miyazaki Sidekicks

Learn to draw your favorite Miyazaki sidekicks with the help of Penrose Library's very own Young Adult Librarian, Mikaela!

Note: The characters in this lesson are all the intellectual property of Studio Ghibli.

Make Your Own Sailor Moon Tiara

Find out how to make your own budget-friendly Sailor Moon Tiara with Annie!
Note: The costume designs in this video are all intellectual property of Naoko Takeuchi.

Freedom of Information Day celebrates public access to government information and the public’s right to know. This annual event takes place on March 16, James Madison’s birthday. James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution and was a vocal advocate for transparency in government. The Freedom of Information Act, passed on July 4, 1966, outlines the public’s right to access information.   

The American Library Association celebrates Freedom of Information Day with the James Madison Award and the Eileen Cooke State & Local Madison Award, both of which recognize individuals or groups who have championed, protected, and promoted public access to government information.  

Resources 

• Government Resources Guide 
  Our Government Resources guide offers a great starting place for finding information about our local, state, and federal governments. You will find historical information; details about the federal, state, and local branches of government; voting information; and other resources.  
• (U.S.) History in Context 
  Learn about themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-Colonial times to the present. 
• History Collection from Gale eBooks 
  Search this database for books about the Freedom of Information Act and James Madison, as well as more unfamiliar events from U.S. history. 
   

The Library supports homeschoolers and homeschool families throughout El Paso County in a variety of ways. We offer homeschool programs for enriched learning, provide access to books and research materials, and create spaces for homeschoolers to get out of the house. Right now, we’re preparing for one of our biggest events for families new to homeschooling or considering homeschooling: the Homeschool Resource Fair. 

Our annual Homeschool Resource Fair connects both current and interested homeschool families with resources and information. This event features a wide variety of local exhibitors offering educational and extracurricular opportunities for homeschooling families. Stop by and chat with representatives from organizations and businesses that offer homeschooling services and support, including arts and science activities, sports groups, enrichment programs, tutoring, support groups, and more.  

There will also be fun, hands-on activities for kids to enjoy in the atrium.  

• Library 21c: Fri., April 14 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Where else but the Library?

Where else but PPLD can you find unlimited access to information, lifelong learning, programs, and resources that transcend physical limitations, geographic barriers, ethnicity, age, and education? When you visit the Library, you have access to a diverse assortment of resources that will meet your various needs. In just one trip, you might find books to keep you entertained, make custom gifts in our makerspaces, and enjoy Storytime with your child. We provide essential resources for our community such as tax prep information, language learning and job prep classes and resources, eLibrary resources, research and regional history databases, homework help, activities and events that enrich our community, and more.  

April 4 is the fifth annual Library Giving Day! On that date, people across the country — including El Paso County —  will come together as part of a movement to strengthen and support our local libraries. 

Now through the week of Library Giving Day all gifts to support the Library will be MATCHED up to $20,000 — by generous donors. 

Will you make a gift that will be DOUBLED to support your local Library

With you by our side, the PPLD Foundation can continue to fuel life-changing spaces, programs, and services. This means fewer barriers to success and increased opportunities of all kinds for members of our community. Your gift today will make a difference in our ability to serve everyone in 2023 and beyond.

Because you love your local library, support it with a gift in honor of Library Giving Day and it will be MATCHED.

It’s time to get creative!

The Homeschool Art Show returns in April, giving local homeschoolers a chance to share art with the community.

Homeschoolers, grades K - 12, can submit one artwork (drawing, painting, sculpture, needlework, etc.) for this non-juried exhibit.
Choose a favorite piece and submit your art at the East Library Children’s Department between March 20 - March 30, 2023!

Artwork will be displayed at East Library throughout the month of April.

If you have any questions, please contact jfleishhacker@ppld.org.

March is Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions of women in the U.S. now and throughout history, and recognizing the achievements of women in a variety of fields. We are celebrating with special programs, book displays, reading lists, and more!  

Programs

Patrons of Influence – Women's History Month Panel 

Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and Sixty35 Media (formally Colorado Springs Business Journal) as we celebrate patrons that are providing positive influences in the areas of culture, business, and leadership in El Paso County. These local leaders will discuss their shared interest and experiences on how gender diversity and inclusion strengthen organizations and communities. 

Question and Answer will follow the panel discussion. 

This is an in-person event. Registration is not required but strongly recommended. Register Here for the Livestream Event. 

• In-person at East Library: Wed., March 15 from 10 – 11 a.m. 

Legendary Ladies Making History Come Alive!

Join us for an entertaining and surprising day with the “Unconventional Women of the West," presented by the Legendary Ladies. The Ladies will make history come alive by sharing tales of women who helped shape the West. Get ready for a little something different from a group of women who are sure to make you laugh, reflect, and appreciate the West. 

• Penrose Library: Sat., March 11 from 11 a.m. - noon 
• Library 21c: Sat., March 11 from 2 – 3 p.m. 

Booklists

• Books for Family Sharing 
• Biographies and Memoirs 
• Classics 
• Humor 
• Hoopla eBooks 
• Books on OverDrive
• Check out the curated book lists on Libby/OverDrive 

Resources

• Find biographies and reference information about notable women in history using one of PPLD’s databases. 
• Explore eBooks by women authors using Freading. 
• Enjoy videos and documentaries directed by women or about women’s history and current events on Kanopy. 
• Browse a selection of movies and TV on Hoopla. 

Websites 

• Women’s History Month (for all ages)
  The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. 
• National Women’s History Museum (for all ages) 
• National Archives (for all ages) 
• U.S. Census Bureau (for all ages) 

Find interesting facts and statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

• National Geographic Kids (an engaging resource for kids) 

Test results show minimal meth contamination affecting the Library

Colorado Springs (Feb. 28, 2023) -- This past weekend, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and its Board of Trustees received the results of the methamphetamine contamination testing that took place at Penrose Library the week of February 19. 

Samples taken from the walk-up pathways to the restrooms and in adjacent public spaces did not produce any actionable levels of contamination. The results were at or below the minimum level established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as acceptable. Simply put, the public areas of Penrose Library are not meth-affected.

During the initial testing two weeks ago, state certified consultant KEMWest identified several restrooms in Penrose Library that had been meth-affected. Additional tests in those rooms were conducted to determine exactly which surfaces are contaminated and at what levels the contamination exists.

The results from the restroom tests revealed that the only areas with actionable meth contamination above the acceptable limits are the exhaust system ductwork, fans, and vents in those spaces. Samples from all other surfaces in the restrooms did not result in any actionable contamination. 

Based on the results, KEMWest made the recommendation that Penrose Library and Mobile Library Services can reopen to staff and public. This decision was made in close coordination with El Paso County Public Health and PPLD, who support KEMWest's recommendation. As such, Penrose Library and PPLD's Mobile Library Services will resume operation on Wed., March 1 at their regularly scheduled times. 

“The safety of all Library patrons and staff is always a priority. I am grateful for Interim Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze Krebs and her dedicated team that worked around the clock to ensure all the testing was completed and proper precautions were in place,” said Board of Trustees President Aaron Salt. “PPLD leadership worked closely with El Paso County Public Health and KEMWest to understand the impact of the results and create a safe, thoughtful reopening strategy for Penrose [Library]. We are pleased to learn that Penrose is safe. Library leadership is executing a plan that will ensure our libraries maintain safe conditions for all, so this will not be an issue in the future. The Board of Trustees thanks you for your understanding during this time and we look forward to seeing you at the Library soon.” 

Penrose Library will reopen its restrooms as well. “Since airflow is moving away from occupied areas of the Library, the potential for people in the building to be exposed to meth from this contamination is very low,” said KEMWest President James DeValois, CIH. 

In the coming weeks, PPLD will be contracting vendors to handle the cleaning or replacement of the contaminated equipment in the affected exhaust vents.

To mitigate future contamination, PPLD will install environmental sensors in all its public restrooms throughout the Library District. These sensors can detect changes in air quality and will alert PPLD’s Safety and Security team of a deviation. Trained team members will be dispatched to manage any issues as they occur. PPLD will begin the process of installing the sensors within the next several weeks.

For more information, please contact Denise M. Abbott at Dabbott@ppld.org or (719) 930-0225.

For more information, please refer to our FAQ page about meth contamination testing

Feb. 18, 2023

On Wed., Feb. 8, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) started working with state certified vendor KEMWest Inc. to conduct initial screenings for methamphetamine contamination of the restrooms in the three most highly trafficked libraries throughout the District – East Library, Library 21c, Penrose Library (including the Special Collections Carnegie Library). The results of those screenings were presented to PPLD on Friday evening, Feb. 17.
 
Samples taken from East Library and the Special Collections Carnegie Library showed that one restroom in each location contained contamination at levels measuring above the minimum limit that the state has set for residential buildings of 0.25 micrograms per 100 centimeters, but below the maximum threshold of 0.5 micrograms per 100 centimeters. Results at this level trigger the need to proceed to the next level of testing, the preliminary assessment level. This level of tests narrows the results to the specific locations within the restroom that have been affected and determines to what extent they are affected. To allow further examination to be conducted, only these specific restrooms will be closed for use starting Sat., Feb. 18. East Library will be open to the public.
 
Screening samples of several restrooms in Penrose Library showed that they had been contaminated at levels above 0.5 micrograms per 100 centimeters, prompting the need for extensive preliminary assessment level testing for those restrooms and a few of the immediately adjacent areas. KEMWest Inc. recommended that PPLD close Penrose Library and the Mobile Library Services, which is housed at this location, while these tests are taking place. El Paso County Public Health supports the consultant’s recommendation. Penrose Library is likely to remain closed through the coming week, beginning Sat., Feb. 18.
 
When the results of preliminary assessment level of tests become available, they will be shared.
 
All other PPLD locations remain open.
 
As always, the safety and well-being of our staff and patrons are PPLD’s top priority. The Library will continue to work closely with KEMWest Inc. and El Paso County Public Health on this matter as we navigate our next steps.

Feb. 8, 2023

Out of a commitment to the safety of our staff and patrons, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) decided to proactively screen public restrooms for methamphetamine contamination after the recent reports from other affected libraries in Colorado.

Initially, we thought and reported that it would be necessary to conduct screening tests inside 53 public restrooms across the Library District. However, state authorities currently do not have standards or guidelines for assessing contamination levels in public restrooms. We also consulted with a state-certified vendor, El Paso County Public Health, and other Colorado libraries that recently conducted preliminary assessments.

With more information and guidance, Library leadership re-evaluated options and decided to screen public restrooms at PPLD locations with the highest number of patron visits, which are East Library, Library 21c, and Penrose Library. KEMWest Inc., a state-certified vendor, collected samples from those three Library facilities in early February, and results are expected by mid-February.

PPLD is working closely with El Paso County Public Health and KEMWest on this matter. All Library locations remain open and safe to visit at this time.

The safety and wellbeing of its patrons and staff remain a top priority for the Library District. PPLD will share more information and updates as they become available.

January 19, 2023

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is aware of the recent incidents at three other public libraries in Colorado involving methamphetamine contamination inside one of their public restrooms. Though there is no known exposure at any PPLD facility, Library leadership is taking proactive action to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and staff. All Library locations remain open to the public and are safe to visit.

As a precautionary measure, PPLD will contract a local vendor that’s certified by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to conduct screening tests inside all public restrooms at 15 locations across the Library District. This testing will determine if there are any hazardous levels that need to be addressed. It could take up to 3 - 4 weeks to collect the samples at Library locations across El Paso County, complete the testing, and receive results. 

PPLD will share information and updates as they become available.  

Join us for National Craft Month. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, National Craft Month is the perfect time to explore your artistic side, learn new skills, and connect with others who share your love of crafting. From knitting to woodworking to jewelry-making and beyond, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Join us as we celebrate the excitement of making something by hand and the joy of crafting!

Programs

Drop-In Watercolor Painting

Come to East Library to experiment with watercolors at this fun and informal drop-in session! No registration necessary and all skill levels welcome. We'll supply the brushes, paint, and paper; just bring yourself! A volunteer will be on hand to help and inspire. Ages 9 and up. Ages 9-11 must be accompanied by an adult. 

• Tue., March 7 at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., East Library - Community Room. Ages 9+. No registration required
• Tue., March 21 at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., East Library - Community Room. Ages 9+. No registration required
   

Yarnettes Fiber Group

Join this fun group of fiber friends for a couple of hours of working on your own projects.

• Fri., March 10 at 10 a.m. – noon, Library 21c – Make. Adults, Seniors. No registration required.
• Fri., March 24 at 10 a.m. – noon, Library 21c – Make. Adults, Seniors. No registration required.
   

Bleach Textile Art

Get into the Winter Adult Reading Program spirit with this thematic art project. Using bleach on either a 100% cotton fabric you bring or one of our small cotton washcloths, we will learn how to make a unique work of art. For ages 18+. Registration required. 

• See our full list of events on our calendar
   

Whimsical Faerie House

Get ready for spring by making a whimsical faerie house. You'll leave with a decorated pot that can be filled with soil and seed later. For ages 18+. Registration required. 

• See our full list of events on our Calendar
   

STEAM Take & Make: Rainbow Gravity Spinner (ages 5-12 at all locations) 

Explore Newton’s Third Law of Motion by creating a spinner and letting it fly! For ages 5-12. 

• Fri., March 10 a.m. – All day event, going on at all Library locations
   

Resources

• Try It! –  A regularly updated collection of fun crafts and activities to try out! – Ages 5-12 
• Creative Projects at Home LibGuide
  Browse through this guide to find information about how you can get started on creative projects from the comfort of home.
• PPLD’s Makerspace LibGuides
  PPLD’s makerspaces offer access to tools, materials, and machines to help bring your creative vision to life. Offerings include die cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, and more. Click on a guide's title to discover a comprehensive overview of that topic and start crafting today.

Recommended Websites

• CraftLab – A collection of unique crafts and activities! – Ages 0-12 
• Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center
  This database offers detailed "how-to" instructions and creative ideas to meet the interests of virtually every hobby enthusiast. Full text is provided from leading hobby and craft magazines.

Join Pikes Peak Library District in celebrating Black History Month! Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. This month-long observance is an opportunity to recognize the impact that Black Americans have made on our society.

Programming 

The Importance of Supporting Historical Fiction Authors

“In a time where books are being banned, individual rights are being terminated, and historical events are being questioned, historical fiction writers’ creative works need the support of its readers more than ever,” expressed local author Consuelo Hamilton, author of Lullaby Book 1. It is the foundation upon which her presentation, The Importance of Supporting Historical Fiction Authors, was built. This presentation will explore the contributions made by authors whose works specifically incorporate the Civil War era but not limited to. We will examine such authors as Toni Morrison, Colson Whitehead, Octavia Butler, and Alice Walker and how their work impacted our culture, igniting box office hit films.

• Sat., Feb. 4, 1-2 p.m. at Penrose Library

Mosaic Painting

Join us to create a painting inspired by Black American Artist Alma Thomas!

• Sat., Feb. 11, 2 - 3:30p.m. at Ruth Holley Library 
• Sat., Feb. 11, 4 - 5:30p.m. at Sand Creek Library 
• Sat., Feb. 16, 4:30 - 6p.m. at East Library 
• Thu., Feb. 23, 4:30 - 5:30p.m. at Library 21c 
• Sat., Feb. 25, 3 - 4p.m. at Monument Library 
• Tue., Feb. 28, 4 - 5p.m. at Penrose Library 
• Wed., March 8, 4 - 5p.m. at Manitou Springs Library 
• Thu., April 6, 4 - 5p.m. at Ute Pass Library 
• Sat., April 15, 2:30 - 4:30p.m. at High Prairie Library 

How We Move Through Life - Kevin Johnson Galley Showing Grand Opening

Join PPLD and local artist Kevin Johnson on Feb. 1, 2023 at the gallery space in Penrose library as we honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers with a special portraited to be displayed during the month of February in a galley showing of other art created by Kevin Johnson. 

Drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to noon to meet the artist and continue to visit and enjoy the exhibit any time you wish during the month of February during regular open hours.

• Wed., Feb 1 at the Penrose Library

Black History Month Bookmark

Use these recommendations to explore PPLD's collection of Black voices, from iconic moments in Black history, to Black authors, artists, and more. Pick up a copy at your library location.

Resources

• Hoopla Audiobooks
• Hoopla Resources
• 50 Songs to Honor Black History Month - Freegal 

Education Resources

• The Shivers African American Historical Cultural Collection
  • Explore the Shivers African American Historical Cultural Collection to find a wide variety of materials for all ages that celebrate African American culture.
• Biography in Context 
• National Archives: African American Heritage 
• Reading Rockets: Celebrating and Learning about Black History and Culture 
• ProQuest: Black Freedom Struggle in the United States 
   

Regional History & Genealogy Resources

• The Invisible People of the Pikes PeakRegion: an Afro-American Chronical by John Stokes Holley 
• Everybody Welcome: a Memoir of Fannie Mae Duncan and the Cotton Club by Fannie Mae Duncan 
• Negro Historical Association Newsletters and Yearbooks (available in Special Collections reference stacks) 
• African Americans in Colorado Springs in PPLD Digital Collections 
• Lew Tilley Photographs in PPLD Digital Collections 
• Black History Scrapbooks (Archival collection MSS 0387, available in Special Collections) 
• Colorado Springs Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (Archival collection MSS 0256, available in Special Collections) 
• African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs 
   

Websites

• Biography in Context 
• National Archives: African American Heritage 
• Black History Month 
• Black History Month - History Channel 
• ProQuest: Black Freedom Struggle in the United States 
• Celebrate African American History Month – Library Of Congress 
• National Museum of African American History and Culture 
• Black History Month – National Parks Service 

Join us for the 2023 Winter Adult Reading Program!  

Log 30 days of activities from Wed., Feb. 1 - Fri., March 31 to earn prizes! Activities include attending any PPLD activities listed below and reading for 30 minutes or more a day. 
To register, sign up for Beanstack or stop by the Library to register in-person (curbside services available). When you register in-person or at curbside, you will receive a Winter Adult Reading Program tote bag (while supplies last). 

Winter Adult Reading Program Registration Kick-Off!

• When: Wed., Feb. 1
• Where: All Locations

Join us as we kick off the 2023 Winter Adult Reading Program! Register in person or at curbside and receive a tote bag that has everything you need to help you participate in the reading program. Bags will be available on a first come, first served basis, and available only while supplies last. 

Prizes

Log 30 days of activities from February 1 – March 31 to earn the annual Winter Adult Reading Program mug, chocolate bar from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Activities include reading for 30 minutes or more a day, attending a PPLD program, or any of the activities listed below. You can complete the program through a combination of activities and reading. 

Handwashing is recommended for the mug to preserve the logo. 

Grand Prize Drawing.

You can earn extra entries into the Grand Prize Drawing! For every additional 5 days of reading or activities you log, you will receive one additional entry into the Grand Prize Drawing for a total of up to 5 additional entries.  

PPLD employees are not eligible for the grand prize. 

In-Person Programs

Card Making Class 

Join Shannon from Stampin' Up to create winter themed greeting cards! Part of the Winter Adult Reading Program. 

• Ruth Holley Library, Sat., Feb. 4, 10 a.m.
• Fountain Library, Sat., Feb. 4, 1 p.m.
• Sand Creek Library, Sat., Mar. 11, 10 a.m.

Willson and McKee: Echo in Winter's Heart 

Join Wilson and McKee for stories and songs of winter! The scent of peat smoke, the sound of popping fire, the sight of dancing shadows. These are the gifts of winter. Come closer to the fire and settle in for an evening of traditional songs and stories from Ireland and Scotland. "The hardening of stream and breath, the stiffening of the bones… The silence of the farmer's field, the empty finch’s home...All echo in a winter's heart... The hollow frozen sound... And only in the flickering hearth... Warm dreams and hopes are found." 

• Palmer Lake Library, Sat., Feb. 4,12:30 p.m.
• Fountain Library, Thu., Feb. 16, 4 p.m.
• Library 21c, Tue., Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
• Manitou Library, Sat. Mar. 25, 1 p.m.

String Art

Get into the Winter Adult Reading Program spirit with this thematic art project. Use embroidery floss and pins to make a string art version of classic winter symbols.  

• Fountain Library, Fri., Feb. 3, 1 p.m.
• Manitou Library, Sat., Feb. 4, 1 p.m.
• Penrose Library, Sat., Feb. 4, 1 p.m.
• Ruth Holley Library, Tue., Feb. 7, 2 p.m.
• Rockrimmon Library, Fri., Feb. 10, 1 p.m.
• Old Colorado City Library, Sat., Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.
• Cheyenne Mountain Library, Mon., Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m.
• Ute Pass Library, Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
• High Prairie Library, Mon., Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m.

Conversation Heart Handwarmers 

Give the gift of warmth to a loved one this winter. Tell that special someone "U r cute" and make sure they don't have cold hands. Part of the Winter Adult Reading Program. 

• Ruth Holley Library, Thu., Feb. 2, 2 p.m.
• Library 21c, Thu., Feb. 9, 2 p.m.
• Penrose Library, Sat., Feb. 11, 1 p.m.
• High Prairie Library, Mon., Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m.
• Sand Creek Library, Wed., Feb. 15, 4 p.m.
• Monument Library, Mon., Feb. 20, 4:30 p.m.
• Calhan Library, Mon., Feb. 27, 2 p.m.

Bleach Textile Art 

Get into the Winter Adult Reading Program spirit with this thematic art project. Using bleach on either fabric you bring or on one of our small handkerchiefs, we will learn how to make a unique work of art. 

• Sand Creek Library, Wed., Mar. 1, 4 p.m.
• Ute Pass Library, Sat., Mar. 4, 1 p.m.
• Palmer Lake Library, Wed., Mar. 8, 1:30 p.m.
• High Prairie Library, Mon., Mar. 13, 2:30 p.m.
• Ruth Holley Library, Tue., Mar. 28, 2 p.m.
• Cheyenne Mountain Library, Mon., Mar. 27, 10:30 a.m.
• Calhan Library, Mon., Mar. 27, 2 p.m.

Activities

Need some suggestions for activities? We’re here to help! 

• Join a PPLD Book Group 
• Read a new genre or author
• Write a book review for ppld.org 
• Read a book set in the winter 
• OverDrive 
• Watch the movie version of a book you read 
• Watch a movie or documentary about winter using Hoopla or Kanopy
• Visit a Little Free Library in your neighborhood 
• Join the Peak Readers Group 
• Watch the Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Digital Earth Series: Ice 
• Watch the Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Digital Earth Series: Changing Colorado  
• Explore Cold Weather Safety Tips from the National Weather Service 
• Explore the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Reading Resources 

• Browse our Catalog
• Get eBooks on OverDrive
• Get eAudiobooks on Audio Book Cloud

Video Resources

Pick up your copy of District Discovery: Winter Adult Reading Edition to track your progress, read stories, and more! 

• Sneaky winter road hazards 
• Severe Winter Weather 101: Detecting Winter Weather 
• Severe Winter Weather 101: Winter Weather Basics 
• Severe Winter Weather 101: Winter Weather Types 
• Nine Cool, and Useful Facts about Snow

We are excited to announce the relaunch of our Discovery Kits this month! These interactive kits allow you to explore new hobbies and interests from home. We have kits for all ages. Explore robotics and wiring, weaving on a loom, Lego Mindstorm builds, blanket forts, and more.   

Children will have a fun introduction to coding basics using the Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set, which comes with a programmable robot mouse. Using plastic track pieces, they can build a maze the mouse must travel through for a piece of cheese at the end. They can also lay out directional cards to help visualize what they need to program into the mouse so it can reach the goal.  

Get hands-on science learning with the Survive the Quake Engineering Kit. Use interlocking blocks resembling buildings to experiment with different architectural designs on a plate that simulates seismic activity. Turn it on to see how your facility would fair in an earthquake.  

Tinker with the Electronic Playground and have fun experimenting with circuitry and electronics. Find out what happens when you connect wires to transformers, resistors, switches, and other parts of the switchboard. 

Discovery Kits can be reserved for checkout for a maximum of seven days. Learn more about the kits we have available here.  

Our community made excellent use of their library cards in 2022. You spent the year getting creative in the makerspaces and studios, using computers, enjoying eLibrary resources, researching, crafting, and opening worlds of possibility. You also spent the year reading thousands of books from the Library’s physical collection. To celebrate your year of reading, we made lists of the top 20 juvenile, teen, and adult books borrowed from our physical collection across Pikes Peak Library District. (These numbers do not account for digital checkouts from our eLibrary resources.) 

Top 20 Juvenile Checkouts 

1. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor (part of All Pikes Peak Reads in 2022, checked out 1,076 times) 

2. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (checked out 965 times) 

3. The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (checked out 739 times) 

4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney (checked out 683 times) 

5. A Long Walk to Water: A Novel by Linda Sue Park (checked out 650 times) 

6. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (checked out 597 times) 

7. Sunlight on the Snow Leopard by Mary Pope Osborne (checked out 595 times) 

8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney (checked out 593 times) 

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney (checked out 583 times) 

10. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen (checked out 569 times) 

11. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (checked out 553 times) 

12. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin (checked out 542 times) 

13. Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osborne (checked out 533 times) 

14. Narwhal on a Sunny Night by Mary Pope Osborne (checked out 503 times) 

15. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney (checked out 488 times) 

16. Rowley Jefferson's awesome friendly adventure by Jeff Kinney (checked out 478 times) 

17. Front Desk by Kelly Yang (checked out 469 times) 

18. Late lunch with llamas by Mary Pope Osborne (checked out 458 times) 

19. Rowley Jefferson's awesome friendly spooky stories by Jeff Kinney (checked out 429 times) 

20. Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage (checked out 413 times) 

Top 20 Teen Checkouts 

1. Scythe by Neal Shusterman (part of All Pikes Peak Reads in 2022, checked out 982 times) 

2. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (checked out 490 times) 

3. Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan (checked out 318 times) 

4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling (checked out 305 times) 

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (checked out 234 times) 

6. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer (checked out 233 times) 

7. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (checked out 197 times) 

8. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (checked out 183 times) 

9. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (checked out 177 times) 

10. All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey (checked out 171 times) 

11. The Giver by Lois Lowry (checked out 170 times) 

12. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (checked out 166 times) 

13. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (checked out 156 times) 

14. Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh (checked out 152 times) 

15. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (checked out 148 times) 

16. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (checked out 145 times) 

17. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas (checked out 145 times) 

18. Eldest by Christopher Paolini (checked out 143 times) 

19. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (checked out 130 times) 

20. North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson (checked out 128 times) 

Top 20 Adult Checkouts 

1. The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel by Laura Dave (checked out 1,206 times) 

2. Shadows Reel by C. J. Box (checked out 1,070 times) 

3. Sparring Partners by John Grisham (checked out 1,007 times) 

4. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (checked out 979 times) 

5. Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton (checked out 964 times) 

6. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (checked out 900 times) 

7. The Judge’s List by John Grisham (checked out 888 times) 

8. The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci (checked out 838 times) 

9. The Library Book by Susan Orlean (part of All Pikes Peak Reads in 2022, checked out 824 times) 

10. Steal by James Patterson (checked out 780 times) 

11. Wish You Were Here: A Novel by Jodi Picoult (checked out 775 times) 

12. Better Off Dead by Lee Child (checked out 731 times) 

13. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (checked out 717 times) 

14. The Match by Harlan Coben (checked out 656 times) 

15. Dream Town by David Baldacci (checked out 656 times) 

16. Game On: Tempting Twenty-eight by Janet Evanovich (checked out 642 times) 

17. The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly (checked out 624 times) 

18. Escape by James Patterson (checked out 622 times) 

19. The Paris Apartment: A Novel by Lucy Foley (checked out 604 times) 

20. The It Girl by Ruth Ware (checked out 603 times) 

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways!

Celebrate Library Lovers Month and send PPLD a Valentine!  Tell us what you love about your Library and be entered to win prizes – tickets to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, dinner for two at The Summit at The Broadmoor, and more!

Registration is now closed, thank you for participating!

Feb. 1 - Feb. 28
All locations

No purchase necessary.  One entry per person. All entries must be received on or before February 28, 2023. By entering this contest, you agree to abide by the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) rules and decisions. PPLD reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, or disqualify an entry at our sole discretion. Winners will be selected by random draw. PPLD employees and their immediate families are not eligible to win. You grant PPLD permission to publish the content of your entry for promotional purposes. Fulfillment of prizes offered by third-parties are the sole responsibility of that entity. 

Join Pikes Peak Library District in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and welcome Carlotta Walls LaNier as she takes us through her journey as one of the Little Rock Nine. In 1957, at age 14, Mrs. LaNier and eight other students integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This act of courage became the catalyst for change in the American educational system. The Little Rock Nine, as they would eventually be called, became ‘foot soldiers’ for freedom. In 1999, members of Congress and former President Bill Clinton bestowed upon Mrs. LaNier and the other members of the Little Rock Nine the nation’s highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their sacrifice and contribution to the cause of equality. 

Mrs. LaNier will share her story with us at the upcoming presentation, A Mighty Long Way, and introduce her new book A Mighty Long Way, My Journey to Justice, at Little Rock Central High. Please join us in-person or on the livestream. Registration is encouraged.  

When: 

Library 21c: Tue., Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. - noon 

Chilly winter days are perfect for curling up with a good book or entertaining yourself with new experiences. Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) for this year’s Winter Adult Reading Program! Participants log 30 days of activities from Wed., Feb. 1 - Fri., March 31 to earn prizes. To participate, you can log 30 minutes or more of reading time each day or do activities like join a PPLD Book Group, stop by a Little Free Library in your area, read a new author or genre, explore the NOAA website, and more. You can also choose to attend selected PPLD events, which include fun activities like handmade hand warmers, bleach textile art, and card making.

Participants who log 30 days of activities during the challenge will earn the annual Winter Adult Reading Program mug, a chocolate bar from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and an entry into the grand prize drawing.

Registration opens on Wed., Feb. 1. Register in person or at curbside and receive a tote bag with everything you need to help you participate in the reading program. Bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

To learn more and to find out how to register, click here

Food industry careers are rewarding and challenging but can be difficult to break into without prior experience or training. Pikes Peak Library District offers Food Industry Training that is perfect for anyone wanting to enter the food industry or advance their career. We offer this training multiple times per year. Registration is currently open for the next session that runs from Mon., Feb. 13 - Fri., March 17.  

The Food Industry Training is a five-week training program at the Library that teaches participants the entry-level skills they need to find or advance in employment as a qualified prep cook or line cook. The program helps them learn basic culinary fundamentals, practice professionalism, explore career opportunities in the culinary industry, and earn their ServSafe Food Handler certification.  

Participants learn proper food handling, recipe reading, product identification, team building in a food industry setting, cooking methods and techniques, and other essential skills.  

No prior experience is necessary, and there is no cost to participate. Participants must be eligible to work in the U.S., be able to attend the scheduled classes, be pursuing a career in the culinary industry, and be age 17 or older. Applications for this session close on Sun., Jan. 29.  

Reflecting on 2022 and looking ahead

As we welcome 2023 and what’s to come, I want to take a moment and reflect on the past year for Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).  

The Library has been a staple in our community for more than 130 years, evolving to become a public institution that offers physical and digital spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. Thanks to the investment from El Paso County taxpayers, we can provide residents like you with access to 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all.

Because of you, we were able to do so much for the community this past year. PPLD connected hundreds of thousands of people with services, resources, and spaces to help them achieve their goals. Many patrons visited one of our libraries, whether to browse our collection and check out an item, attend a program, use a meeting or study room, create something in a makerspace or recording studio, or use a computer, copier, scanner, or something else they needed. Library cardholders checked out more than 4 million physical items, and we surpassed more than 2 million digital checkouts via OverDrive and Libby by the end of September 2022.

We hosted another year of successful programs that strive to improve literacy like the Winter Adult Reading Program, Summer Adventure for kids and teens, and All Pikes Peak Reads this past fall. PPLD expanded the PowerPass partnership program to include Calhan School District and Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, providing more students with access to Library resources and services to help further their success in and out of the classroom. And we also added a few new museums and attractions to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass, meaning individuals and families can check out even more cultural experiences right here in our community and beyond.

In the spring of 2022, PPLD also announced its new vision, mission, and values. This became the starting point to develop a three-year strategic plan, which was publicly released in December and officially kicks off this month.

The plan for 2023 - 2025 was informed by staff and public input. Last summer, our team hosted multiple opportunities for Library patrons and other community members to engage with us as part of the planning process, and nearly 1,200 participated, whether online or in-person at one of our libraries. With rich qualitative data from the public and 400-plus staff, we uncovered several common themes – and those helped guide a strategic planning committee of staff, Board, and community representatives in identifying PPLD’s six areas of focus. If you want to find out more and see where, why, and how the Library District will reinvest taxpayer dollars back into the community through 2025, please visit ppld.org/strategicplan.  

It's because of the community’s continued support for PPLD that we have been able to do all of this in 2022 and what we’re planning for 2023. Your investment, trust, and patronage truly are an investment into improving the Pikes Peak region for everyone.  

We look forward to serving you throughout this new year – and using our new strategic plan to fulfill our mission, uphold our values, and aim to achieve our vision for this great community!

Teona Shainidze Krebs 
Interim Chief Librarian & CEO 
Pikes Peak Library District 

Get ready for a weekend of epic sports history! PPLD and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum have teamed up to offer a discount weekend at the museum for library cardholders. Share your library card (or card number) to enjoy interactive exhibits and an immersive and accessible look into the journey of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.   

When:  

• Sat., Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  
• Sun., Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

Present your library card at the museum for $10 admission. The PPLD Bookmobile will be on-site for library card registration and will also put on a special Storytime Saturday morning at 9 a.m. 

Bookmobile on-site: 

• Sat., Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. – noon  
• Sun., Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. – noon 

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, PPLD continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Our service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County with a population of nearly 700,000 – people of all ages and backgrounds with varying views and interests.

Thanks to taxpayer funding, we can continue to provide residents with access to 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources and services, all of which are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The Library team strives to make its physical and digital spaces safe and respectful for diverse voices, perspectives, and pursuits; to foster community dialogue and connections; and to help people achieve their goals and dreams in life.

Overview and Process

In the winter and spring of 2022, our Board of Trustees and staff revisited PPLD’s mission statement and developed a vision statement and organizational values that best reflect our public library system and growing community in El Paso County.

This became our starting point to develop our new strategic plan for 2023 - 2025. After months of input from the public through surveys and in-person meetings, PPLD staff, Library patrons, and other community members and government officials, PPLD used the rich qualitative data it received from more than 1,600 responses to develop a new strategic plan for 2023 - 2025. Below are the six areas of focus the team identified that became the foundation of the plan.

Strategic Plan: Areas of Focus

Access

PPLD is an access point for everyone to engage with resources, services, and spaces as they choose.

Accountability

PPLD is accountable to all stakeholders through fiscal responsibility, continuous evaluation, and by sharing findings with the public.

Communications

PPLD invests in and elevates community awareness of its resources, services, and spaces.

Community Connections

PPLD builds community through relationships and partnerships to connect people to relevant resources, services, and spaces.

Physical and Virtual Spaces

PPLD provides equitable access to physical and virtual spaces in safe and inclusive environments.

Staff

PPLD values, trusts, and invests in staff.

PPLD publicly released this plan in detail on Dec. 6, 2022, so everyone could see where, why, and how PPLD will reinvest taxpayer dollars back into the community through 2025. We look forward to using our new strategic plan to fulfill our mission, uphold our values, and aim to achieve our vision for this great community.

View the complete plan here:

Pikes Peak Library District is excited to bring you Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Join us and hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to decluttering your home. Whether you are an avid or occasional reader, there is nothing quite like listening to insightful talks by authors you have read or plan to read soon. You never know what will catch your interest. Attend these events at no cost from the comfort of home.

In January join us for an action-packed online conversation with Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones Series in a discussion about her second installment in the series, The Merciless Ones.

Next, you are invited to start your new year calm and collected by learning how to become better organized and clutter-free with Dana K. White, creator of the popular podcast and blog, A Slob Comes Clean, as she imparts tips from her books Organizing for the Rest of Us and Decluttering at the Speed of Life.

At the end of January, please join us for what is sure to be the most fun-filled hour of your day as we chat online with Randall Munroe about his new book What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions.

Learn more and see upcoming authors at libraryc.org/ppld

Upcoming author visits

Interested in seeing some amazing experiments from up-and-coming scientists? Visit our annual Homeschool Science Fair to browse and chat with project creators. Kids can fill out a "What I learned" and receive a prize! Come and discover something new, or be inspired for next year!

• When: Fri., Feb. 17 at 10 a.m
• Where: The Venue at Library 21c
• Registration: Open from Thu., Dec. 15 at midnight to Mon., Feb. 13 at 10 p.m.

Our annual Homeschool Science Fair is open to grades K-12! Homeschool students are invited to demonstrate a science project for other families. There are no rules or guidelines for this non-competitive event, and planning is left up to individual families.

Registration required. Students will arrive by 9:15 a.m., and the event will be open to the public from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Need help planning your project? Download our Science Fair How-Tos Document!

Be the Hero: Empowered and Impactful

Submissions open from Dec. 1, 2022 - Wed., March 1, 2023.

The Awards Ceremony

April 29, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

Knights of Columbus Hall

20 W. Pikes Peak Ave.

What superpower, real or imagined, would you use to change the world?

Questions to ask yourself as you write your poem:

• Can we see, smell, hear, and taste the imagery in your poem?
• Have you used rich vocabulary that tells us a story or paints a picture?
• Does your poem reflect the theme?

Six winners will receive a book and $50 each! The contest is open to all fourth and fifth graders in the Pikes Peak region.

Eligibility

Open to all fourth and fifth graders in the Pikes Peak region.

Contest Rules

The awards will be announced in April 2023.

1. One entry per student. Teachers are urged to review poems and submit no more than five per class.
2. Each poem must be the original work of the contestant.
3. Poems will be judged on originality, including poem title and adherence to the theme.
4. Submit two typed, double-spaced copies of each poem on 8 ½” x 11” paper (no handwritten submissions or illustrations will be accepted). Include ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER: name, telephone number, home address, school name and address, and teacher and principal’s names. Poems will not be returned. Please keep a copy.
5. Entries must be postmarked by Wed., March 1, 2023. Submission of a poem constitutes full permission to exhibit, use, and publish the poem for any purpose – printed or electronic media – and to publish the name, school, and photograph of the student without compensation.

Entries may be mailed to:

The Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest

c/o Christa Funke

Pikes Peak Library District

P.O. Box 1579

Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1579

Or email entries, following guidelines above to: cfunke@ppld.org

Questions? Please call Christa Funke at (719)531-6333 x 6331 or email cfunke@ppld.org

Congratulations to our 2022 winners!

• Kinsley Fritzges, 5^th grade, Mountain View Academy - "Bravery" - video
• Autumn Holmberg, 5^th grade, The Classical Academy Central - "Wintering Wisdom" - video
• Bianca Jennings, 5^th grade, James Irwin Charter Elementary - "Skin" - video
• Georgia Stricklin, 4^th grade, The Classical Academy Central - "The Four Elements" - video
• Julia Tiffany, 5^th grade, The Classical Academy Central - "Bravery Grows Like a Tree" - video
• Maddie Westmoreland, 5^th grade, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School - An Unexpected Challenge" - video

Our theme for this year's Teen Art Contest is Memory. Please submit a piece inspired by this theme.

Memories can fool us, cause us grief, or bring us great comfort. Memory of the past can keep us from what we want in the future or inspire us to great heights. Create a piece inspired by the theme that shares your thoughts on Memory or expresses what Memory means to you and enter it to win a prize!

Entries are judged by other teens, along with one award that is judged by Library staff. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tue., March 21 at 6 p.m. at East Library. All entries accepted into the show will be on display in April at East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c.

Artwork can be any type of two-dimensional art form, as long as we can hang it on the wall. Frames or mattes are recommended to help safeguard your artwork. Your submission should be able to support the attachment of wire with either a sawtooth hook or D-rings.

**PPLD will supply hanging wire and attach frame hooks upon receiving submissions unless the frame is already properly wired and able to be hung.

Award Categories

Award categories include: 1st place, second place, and Coordinator's Choice for Middle School; 1st place, second place, and Coordinator's Choice for High School; One overall Best in Show.

Important Dates

• Sign up online from Thu., Dec. 1 - Tue., Feb. 21
• Drop off your artwork from Fri., Feb. 17 – Tue., Feb. 21
• Awards Ceremony on Tue., March 21 at 6 p.m. at East Library Community Room
• Art on display throughout April
• Art pickup the first week of May

Guidelines

• All entries must have the following securely taped (NOT paper clipped) to OR written on the back:
  • Name:
  • Grade
  • Artwork Title (Make sure this matches the online entry):
  • Display/Pick-up Location (choose East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c):
• Must bring your artwork to a PPLD library location between Fri., Feb. 17 - Tue., Feb. 21. Drop-off locations:
  • Calhan Library
  • Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • East Library
  • Fountain Library
  • High Prairie Library
  • Library 21c
  • Monument Library
  • Palmer Lake Library
  • Ruth Holley Library
• Must be ages 12 - 19 at time of submission
• Must be an El Paso County resident
• Only one entry per person
• Jurors reserve the right to decline inappropriate entries
• Participants must complete the online entry form
• Artwork can be any type of two-dimensional art form, as long as we can hang it on the wall.

Entry form

Complete the online entry form here

FAQs

• When will I know if I have won?

We will notify award winners by mid-March. All participants and their friends and family are invited to the Awards Ceremony on Tue., March 21 at 6 p.m. in the East Library Community Room regardless of winning an award.

• Will my artwork be displayed?

Yes! You can choose from one of three locations to have your artwork displayed during the month of April. Locations are Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c.

• When and where can I pick up my artwork?

The first week of May at the library you selected to have it displayed. An email will be sent in April with specific details.

• What are the prizes?

We award prizes for Coordinator’s Choice, First place, and Second place for the high school and middle school age groups. We also award a prize for Best in Show, which is the piece that received the highest score out of both the middle and high school categories. In the past, winners received a drawing mannequin and gift card to Meininger’s Art Supply store.

• What can I do to improve my chances of winning?

• Work with the theme—It doesn’t have to be a literal interpretation, but we do look for pieces that have been inspired by the theme in some way. Your paragraph describing your piece can have a big impact on this.
• Stand out! Whether through subject matter or having an unusual take on the theme, we notice unique entries more. For example, we tend to get a lot of close-ups on eyes, so they tend to not stand out as much.
• Have fun! Don’t view it as an assignment or chore. We can tell when someone submits a piece they are passionate about – so do something that you love!

• Do I have to have a frame?

No, but we highly encourage it. Pieces are not judged on having a frame or not, but frames or mattes help protect your artwork during storage and transportation and make it easier to hang your piece.

• I'm a teacher with an amazing class, can I enter them?

Yes! If you are a teacher that would like to enter a class of students, you can fill out the Excel Spreadsheet linked below to complete one entry form for all of your students. You will be responsible for communicating with participants about the award ceremony and art pick-up.

• My question wasn’t answered here.

Email Becca at rphilipsen@ppld.org

Few institutions are charged with serving people of all ages and walks of life with relevant and entertaining programs, community spaces, and materials as is your public library. We are a lifeline to technology, online resources for employment, and continuing education for everyone in the Pikes Peak region. Throughout December, make a difference in our community by donating to the PPLD Foundation through the Give! Campaign. Your contributions will help us continue to serve the unique needs of our growing community in 2023.

The PPLD Foundation has supported Pikes Peak Library District since 2004, helping to fund programs, projects, equipment, and materials for our community through charitable donations. As they participate in the year-end Give! campaign, they invite you to show your continued support of the Library and thank you for your kind donation. 

Donate

To make a charitable contribution, please visit the Foundation’s Donate page.