What's New: General

On Mon., April 8, a solar eclipse will be partially visible from Colorado Springs. To help you get ready, the Library is teaming up with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to provide learning opportunities this February and March. Beginning on Fri., March 1, solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available at the following programs and will also be available for pick up from any Library location (while supplies last, limit 2 pairs per family).

Programs are for all ages. No registration required. 

Events

The Great American Solar Eclipse in April 2024 

• Wed., Feb. 21 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. – Calendar
  Rockrimmon Library
• Mon., March 4 at 6 p.m. – Calendar
  East Library

Mobile Libraries, hosted at Black Forest Community Church 

• Sat., March 9 | 1:30 p.m. – Calendar

  This talk will discuss the historical and modern cultural context of the solar eclipse in society, what solar eclipses are, the basic science of why eclipses occur, and where to see one of these exciting celestial events. We will also demonstrate safe observing practices using common household objects. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will have 100 solar eclipse viewers to hand out at the conclusion of this presentation.

  **Weather permitting, we will also have solar telescopes set up to provide safe, amazing views of the Sun on March 9. 

Viewing Party with PPLD

• Mon., Apr. 8, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Calendar     
  Calhan, East, and Rockrimmon libraries 

  Join the Pikes Peak Library District as we view the Great American Eclipse from the beauty of the Calhan, East, and Rockrimmon Library outdoor spaces! We will have games and activities throughout the morning and a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses to give away. Light refreshments will be served just behind East Library.  

  Bring your viewing glasses and join us as we experience the solar eclipse together! 

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Resources

• Eclipse America 2024
  Explore the information and resources provided by the American Astronomical Society.
   
• How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely
  Learn how to safely view solar eclipses with information provided by the American Astronomical Society. 
   
• Download the How to Safely View the October 14, 2023 Annular Eclipse guide here
   
• Eclipse Simulator
  Search for a city to see detailed eclipse path information and see what time it will pass over Colorado Springs and how it will look when it passes over. 
   
• Colorado Springs Astronomical Society
  Find out more about our local Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, including exciting astronomical events happening in Colorado Springs. 
   
• The 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses: Map and Data, from NASA 

Colorado Springs Astronomical Society

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 March 25 - April 26.

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 18 or older. Applications for this session close on Thu., March 7.

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. Celebrate and learn more about this history with the resources, book lists, and websites on this page. 

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)