What's New: General

Terry Pratchett, the immensely popular British fantasy novelist whose more than 70 books include the series known as Discworld, died on Thursday at his home near Salisbury, England. He was 66. Beloved by many readers, he will most certainly be missed.

 

Click here for a list of titles by Terry Pratchett
available at Pikes Peak Library District.

 

"It is hard for me to believe that there will never, ever be another book from the Disc. For years, I have waited with excitement for the newest installment from Sir Terry's universe. Each new book was better than the last: funny, insightful, and built in an immensely rich world populated with people and places that were real and widely loved. I wanted to visit Ankh Morpork. I wanted to enroll in Unseen University. I wanted to drink scumble with Nanny Ogg. I would have killed to serve in Sam Vimes' Guard. Everyone has some time in their lives when they have a brush with the famous. My proudest such moment is the time I actually had dinner with Sir Terry. He was a lover of libraries, and donated his time to the Boston Public Library for the cost of a Thai Dinner, which I was privileged to share with him. I will never forget it, and I will never forget the happy hours his work brought me. I will miss his voice immensely.

(BTW: I asked Sir Terry during dinner about his favorite character. He was writing Wintersmith at the time, and said that he was currently fascinated by Tiffany Aching. He did say, however, that he most aspired to be Sam Vimes. I told him I knew it. Because I do, too)."

-Carolyn Coulter - PPLD IT Officer

Please help up create a lasting legacy honoring one our communities most beloved leaders: Judy Noyes.

When Dick and Judy Noyes opened the Chinook Bookstore in 1950 in downtown Colorado Springs, they began writing a story of passion for reading, community service, leadership and a deep commitment to First Amendment rights. Since Judy’s passing earlier this year, friends, family members and colleagues have established several funds in honor of her various community passions.

Because Judy served as a PPLD Foundation Director and supported the library in numerous other ways over the years, PPLD would like to celebrate her memory with the creation of a new children’s garden in front of Penrose Library. Because Judy believed absolutely in everyone’s right to read, and in the power of literacy---especially for our children, and because she also had a passion for maintaining the downtown area as a vibrant space within our community, we believe a children’s garden in the midst of downtown would provide an excellent way for the community to remember her. Dick Noyes joins us in thanking you so much for considering a donation to make the Judy Noyes Children’s Garden a reality.

If you have questions about a gift, please call the Pikes Peak Library District Foundation at (719) 884-9850.

The results are in!

The Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished American children's book" of 2015 was awarded to The Crossover, written by Kwame Alexander.

"Twelve-year-old narrator Josh Bell uses the rhythms of a poetry jam to emulate the "moving & grooving/popping and rocking" of life on the basketball court with his twin brother, J.B. This powerful novel in verse paints an authentic portrait of a closely-knit family on the brink of crisis. Swish! This book is nothing but net!"

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, illustrated by Dan Santat, is the 2015 Caldecott Medal winner.

"In four delightful “visual chapters,” Beekle, an imaginary friend, undergoes an emotional journey looking for his human. Santat uses fine details, kaleidoscopic saturated colors, and exquisite curved and angular lines to masterfully convey the emotional essence of this special childhood relationship."

PPLD's Award Booklists:

Caldecott Medal Winners
- (printable)

Newbery Medal Winners
- (printable)

Visit the Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal websites for a full list of Honor books.

For what it's worth, my daughter and I LOVE Beekle!