What's New: General

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. 

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. 

2023 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.