What does a region’s history look like through the lens of people who are often left out of a community’s archived history? Come find out with We Have a Story: Homelessness in Colorado Springs. This powerful documentary project showcases in a gallery the unique perspectives of three young adults experiencing homelessness and a caseworker who serves them through photography that captures this complex and diverse community. Join us at East Library for the reception of the gallery on Sat., Jan. 20 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
Over the course of one month in the Summer of 2023, participants took photos from their perspectives. They learned digital photography skills from a professional photographer and came together to critique and evaluate their photographs. They also met with a historian to conduct oral interviews capturing their experiences.
Each participant selected their four best photographs for the gallery, which will be on display at different PPLD locations each month. A written artist story accompanies each photo to delve more deeply into each individual’s perspectives.
The We Have a Story traveling exhibit will continue traveling in 2024, starting at East Library in January, Rockrimmon Library in February, and finishing at the Manitou Arts Center (MAC) in March.
Kick off your New Year’s resolutions with the Library! Whether you want to save more money, learn a new language, get fit, enjoy more family time, or any other resolution for a new you in 2024, PPLD has you covered. To help you stick to your resolution, download the PPLD habit tracker and year-long calendar. They will help you get started on your new habits and track your progress. Use your library card to access PPLD resources and meet your goals head on!
Save Money
Your library card is your ticket to saving money throughout the year. Here are a few ways you can start saving today!
- Get your library card for access to no-cost services and resources
- Ditch expensive subscriptions, stream TV shows and movies on Hoopla at no cost
- Skip costly recording studio fees by using PPLD’s studios for video and audio production
- Learn new skills at no cost by taking video courses on LinkedIn Learning
Enjoy More Family Time
Your family deserves to spend quality time together doing things everyone loves. Here are a few ways that the Library can support your bonding time!
- Connect by reading picture books together (or use eBook picture books on Tumblebooks)
- Settle in for family movie nights with movies downloaded from Kanopy
- Spark friendly family competition with board games, lawn games, and video games
- Come to PPLD programs and events for all ages each month
Get Fit
Building new health and fitness habits can be tough at first, but you’re not alone. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your fitness goals!
- Get in touch with your body during PPLD’s yoga classes at Library 21C, Rockrimmon Library, and online
- Develop healthy eating habits with nutrition books
- Get in shape with dance and fitness videos on Hoopla and Kanopy
- Level up your workout with no-cost music streaming on Freegal
Learn a New Language
¡Hola! Hallo! Bonjour! Learning a new language is a great way to prepare for a trip, connect with friends and family, or keep your mind sharp. Here are a few resources at the Library to support your learning this year!
- Plan or join language meetups in PPLD’s meeting and study rooms
- Complete engaging lessons on the Mango Languages app
- Explore a variety of language learning books
- Learn cultural information through CultureGrams Online (requires a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of Library locations)
Whatever your New Year’s resolutions involve this year, your Library is here to support your efforts. Learn more about what your library card can do for you!
With taxes due on Mon. April 15, tax time is right around the corner. Save yourself a headache – don't wait until the last minute! PPLD has everything you need to file on time, including live tax preparation help (by appointment only) provided through our partners.
Tax Assistance at PPLD
Get help preparing and filing your 2023 tax returns with IRS-certified volunteers! We are partnering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) to offer no-cost tax preparation services (geared towards low- to moderate-income taxpayers) on-site at Library locations. These services are by appointment only, and appointments can be made starting mid-January 2024, with the services beginning in February. Appointments are available at The Hall at PPLD, East Library, High Prairie Library, Calhan Library, Library 21c, and Fountain Library.
VITA services (for individuals who earned less than $60,000 in 2023) will be at:
- East Library
- Every Fri. from 2 - 5 p.m. starting Feb. 2 - April 12
- High Prairie Library
- Sat., Feb. 24 from noon - 3 p.m. and Sat., March 30 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Calhan Library
- Sat., March 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To make an appointment with VITA services, please call Pikes Peak United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or (719) 955-0742.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide (available to anyone, especially those 50 years and older or those who cannot afford paid tax preparation services) will be at:
- Library 21c
- Feb. 6 - April 11
- Every Tue., and Thu. from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Every Wed. from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
To make an appointment with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide at Library 21c call (719) 235-6757.
- Fountain Library
- Every Wed. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. starting Feb. 7 - April 10
- Sat., Feb. 3 and Sat., Feb. 17 from noon - 5 p.m.
- Sat., March 2 and Sat., March 16 from noon - 5 p.m.
- Sat., April 6 from noon - 5 p.m. and Sat., April 13 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To make an appointment with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide at Fountain Library call (719) 508-2629 or visit cotaxaide.org/appt/ and select “make an appointment” and sign in to view the schedule.
- NEW LOCATION: Cheyenne Mountain
- Thu., Feb 8, 22 and 29, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
- Thu., March 14 and 28, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
- April 11, 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Call (719) 244-2235 to make an appointment.
Tax Documents and Resources
Although Library staff are not able to give tax advice, our Tax Resources guide is here to help you file on time. Find federal, Colorado, and other state tax forms, tax assistance, FAQs for accessing your IRS account information, and other useful information. Please note that our libraries do not stock federal or state tax forms or booklets, but you can print your forms using Library computers.