What's New: General

Our theme for this year's Teen Art Contest is Balance.

Balance can be a physical skill or how we approach all the demands of our life. Can you balance on a tight rope or balance beam? Maybe you balance on a skateboard or ski board. Balance could be how you handle all the different responsibilities in your life - including your own needs and wants with school, family, and friends. Create a piece inspired by the theme that shares your thoughts on Balance or expresses what Balance 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. 

Important Dates

• Sign up online between Thu., Dec. 1 – Tues., Feb. 13
• Drop off your artwork from Fri., Feb. 9 – Tue., Feb. 13
• Awards Ceremony on Tues., March 19th, at 6 p.m. at East Library Community Room
• Art on display throughout April
• Art pick up the first week of May

How to enter

Make sure you qualify:

• Must be ages 12 - 19 at time of submission.
• Must be an El Paso County resident.

Create your art following these guidelines:

• Create something that is a 2D form of art!
  • Artwork can be any type of two-dimensional art form, as long as we can safely hang it on the wall.
    • Including but not limited to: Photography, Digital Art, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media/Collage, prints, crochet, etc.
    • There are no formal size requirements, but it needs to be something we can hang on the wall and also transport in a regular passenger car.

Prepare your art:

• We highly recommend mattes or foamboard for artwork on paper. This helps protect it during transportation and helps with hanging.
  • Submitting art plain or in a frame is fine, just not preferred.
  • Pieces on canvas don’t need additional protection.
• Your submission should be able to support being hung in our galley hanging wire system.
  • Ideally this means there is a hanging wire or a spot we can attach a hanging wire to.
  • There are several free or low-cost ways to attach a hook or D-Ring.
  • PPLD will supply hanging wire and attach hooks upon receiving submissions if needed.

Complete the entry forms:

• Fill out the art agreement form.
• All entries must have the following securely taped (NOT paper clipped) OR written on the back:
  • Name:
  • Grade:
  • Artwork Title (Make sure this matches the online entry you fill out below):
  • Display/Pick-up Location (choose East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c):
• Fill this online form out if you are a teen entering yourself
• Fill this online form out if you are a teacher entering for your student(s)
  • Download the excel spreadsheet here

Drop off your submission:

• Bring in your art and the art agreement form.
• Between Fri., Feb. 9 - Tue., Feb. 13., bring your submission to a drop-off location.
  • Drop-off locations:
    • East Library
    • Library 21c
    • Monument Library 
    • Fountain Library
    • High Prairie Library 
    • Manitou Springs Library
    • Ruth Holley Library
    • Cheyenne Mountain Library

Other Entry guidelines:

• Only one entry per person
• Library Staff reserve the right to decline inappropriate entries

Award Categories

Award categories include: 

• One overall Best in Show
• Middle School Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice
• High School Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice for High School

Winning participants will be notified via letter in mid-March, with specific awards announced at the awards ceremony on Tues., March 19th, 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.

FAQs

• Can I submit a photograph/digital art/other type of 2D art?
  Any type of 2D art piece is accepted as long as we can hang it on the wall and it can be transported between libraries. We’ve had digital pieces, photography, crochet, painting, drawing, photographs of sculptures, collage, charcoal, and more!
   
• Do you have size requirements for pieces?
  Nothing formal – we have to be able to transport pieces between libraries, so the upper limit on size is something that will fit in a vehicle and will be able to be hung up on a wall.
   
• 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 19 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 matte?
  No, but we highly encourage it. Pieces are not judged on having a matte or not, but mattes help protect your artwork during storage and transportation and make it easier to hang your piece. Frames are also accepted, but mattes are preferred.
   
• I'm a teacher with an amazing class, can I enter them?
  Yes! If you are a teacher who would like to enter a class of students, you can fill out the Excel Spreadsheet linked here 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
   

Pikes Peak Library District subscribes to a variety of useful databases that serve as valuable resources to our community. We regularly evaluate our subscriptions to ensure that we are good stewards of the funding we put behind each one. After a recent review of databases taking into consideration usage, cost effectiveness, and availability of information through other sources, we decided to discontinue some of our current database subscriptions in 2024. You will still have access to similar information through other databases that we offer.

The following databases will not be renewed upon their 2024 expiration, and we have included suggestions for databases you can use in their place:  

December is packed with festive celebrations, including Hannukah, winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and others. It’s a busy time when you may find yourself decorating, planning or prepping meals and treats, making or shopping for gifts, visiting friends and family, and attending community celebrations. Pikes Peak Library District has all the programs, tools, and resources you need to make the best of the holiday season, including cookbooks and classes, DIY gifts, holiday book lists, and more!

Resources

• New recipes from a vast array of new-to-you cookbooks for all occasions 
• Movies, music, books, and even a collection of Hallmark movies on Hoopla
• Audio and video studio equipment for DIY memories 
• CultureGrams to learn about holiday celebrations from around the world (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library) 
• Reviews, shopping guides, and more for your holiday shopping experience with Consumer Reports (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library)
• A wide assortment of holiday films and documentaries on Kanopy
• Christmas music on Freegal

DIY Gifts

• Don’t miss our Makerspace Holiday Open Houses at East Library, Sand Creek Library, and Library 21c this month to learn how you can use makerspace equipment to create DIY gifts and decorations.
• Find craft inspiration or delve into new hobbies with the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library)
• Join us for makerspace classes and use your new knowledge to make custom gifts for your loved ones.
• Discover DIY gift ideas with our array of creative books.

Websites

• December 2022 Holidays
  Explore national, religious, and just for fun holidays that take place in December. 
• National Geographic: Winter Celebrations
  Fill your December with festive fun facts, folklore, and holiday information. 
   

Friends of PPLD Bookstore

Get gifts for your family while supporting your Library! The Friends of PPLD sponsors and supports numerous programs and events to further the enjoyment of reading and love for books by all individuals. They are best known for their volunteerism, their bookstores in each library (you never know what you will find in the ever-changing inventory of previously-read books and magazines) and, of course, the two Big Book Sales each year. 

Stop by the Friends store at the Library and find books, CDs, movies, magazines, and more from $0.25 to $3. Or shop for specialty items online! Purchases made through the Friends of PPLD support library programming and materials. 

Do you love books, reading, and libraries? Have you considered becoming involved in your community? One easy step covers it all! Get involved with the Friends and support your community, one book at a time. 

Programs

• Forté Handbell Quartet

  Ring in the season with Forté Handbell Quartet! This talented group will perform familiar holiday classics and more. Registration is not required. Seating is available for the first 175 guests. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 2 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. 

• Wrap & Yap Party

  Get a head start on your gift wrapping at the Wrap & Yap Party! Get gift wrapping tips from the Library and fellow participants. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider while you work. 

  • Fountain Library: Fri., Dec. 1 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. 
  • Sand Creek Library: Tue., Dec. 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. 
  • Palmer Lake Library: Wed., Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

• Peppermint Mocha-Scented Candle Mugs 

  Need an affordable gift or want to treat yourself? Make a peppermint mocha-scented candle in your own mug or one provided by the Library. Registration required.  

  • Ute Pass Library: Sat., Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
  • Ruth Holley Library: Tue., Dec. 5 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. 
  • Monument Library: Fri., Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Fountain Library: Fri., Dec. 15 from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
  • Cheyenne Mountain Library: Mon., Dec. 18 from 10:30 a.m. - noon 

• Sock Gnomes 

  Do you have socks that lack their mate? Bring them to this program to upcycle them into a cute, decorative Sock Gnome! Registration required. 

  • Rockrimmon Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • High Prairie Library: Mon., Dec. 11 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.
  • East Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. 

• Winter Wonderland Crafts 

  Join us for an afternoon of winter holiday fun!  Make a peppermint mocha-scented candle mug or a sock gnome for yourself or as a gift. Or get a head start on your gift wrapping at the Wrap & Yap Party! Get gift wrapping tips from the library and fellow participants. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider while you work. Registration required.

  • Penrose Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

• Pop-up Gift Making (Tweens and teens ages 12 - 18) 

  Come make some fun little gifts for friends and family this holiday season! We will have supplies to make: Perler bead ornaments and keychains.   

  • Manitou Springs Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 4 - 5 p.m.

• Meet a Master Maker: Festive Wall Hanging (open to ages 9 and up)

  Join us at the Sand Creek makerspace to meet Master Maker, Debbie Urquijo! In this hands-on demonstration, Debbie will show you how to use the laser to create a festive wall hanging. Registration required. This program is for ages 9 and up.  

  • Sand Creek Library: Tue., Dec. 5 from 3 - 6 p.m.

• Makerspace Holiday Open House 

  Bring yourself or the whole family to the makerspace to make some fun holiday crafts perfect for gifting. You will also get to learn more about the resources and equipment available year-round in the makerspace. All ages are welcome. All materials provided. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Sand Creek Library: Sat., Dec. 9 from 1 - 4 p.m.
  • East Library: Tue., Dec. 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. 

• Seasonal Baking: Fig Newtons (Ages 9 and up) 

  Chilly weather got you down? Warm up in the kitchen and join us to make a delicious and comforting fig newton recipe. In this class, you will learn about seasonal baking and proper cooking techniques while you cook and enjoy a sweet culinary treat. This program is for ages 9 and up.

  All attendees will be required to sign a waiver for working in the kitchen. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m.
  • Library 21c: Mon., Dec. 18 from 5 - 7 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Jan. 6 from 1 - 3 p.m.

• Holiday Card Making 

  Make your own holiday cards, under the tutelage of local crafts guru Theresa Pingel, to send to your friends and family. All materials will be provided. Beginner/Intermediate skill level. Registration required.

  • Old Colorado City Library: Thu., Dec. 7 from 2 - 3 p.m.
  • High Prairie Library: Fri., Dec. 15 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Manitou Springs Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 1 - 2 p.m.

• Seasonal Baking: Scones (Ages 9 and up) 

  Chilly weather got you down? Warm up in the kitchen and join us to make a delicious and comforting scone recipe. In this class, you will learn about the history of scones and proper cooking techniques while you cook and enjoy a sweet culinary treat. For ages 9 and up.  

  All attendees will be required to sign a waiver for working in the kitchen. 

  • Library 21c: Fri., Dec. 8 from 4 - 6 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. - noon

• Ugly Sweater Party (Kids and tweens) 

  Join us at Ute Pass Library for an Ugly Sweater Party! We will be decorating festive cookies and upcycling clothing into ugly sweater creations. The library will provide all decorating supplies and cookies. Please bring your own clothing to decorate, such as T-shirts, hats, sweaters, etc. For kids, tweens, and families. Registration required.  

  • Ute Pass Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 2 - 4 p.m.