“The train screeched to a halt.” What comes next? That’s up to you.
Grab your favorite writing tool and get ready for All Pikes Peak Writes, Pikes Peak Library District’s annual fiction writing contest. Submissions are open now to all El Paso County writers (ages 12+) with a passion for the craft. If you have ever wondered how your writing holds up or want a unique external motivator to get your creative juices flowing, this is the contest for you. Settle in with this year’s writing prompt (in quotation marks above) and have fun!
Writers are separated into three categories by age group this year: Middle School and High School (ages 12 – 18), Young Adult (ages 19 – 24), and Adult (ages 25+). We are accepting submissions from Mon., June 12, through 9 p.m. on Sun., July 23.
Judges will evaluate entries based on their quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct mechanics in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. We will announce the first, second, and third place winners in each age category in late August. All participants receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the awards ceremony is complete.
Read the full contest details here.
Whether you’re submitting a story yourself or want to enjoy work by local writers, check back for the collected anthology showcasing the top three contestants in each category. Take a look at last year’s anthology in the meantime!
Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) as we honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers with a portrait unveiling and appreciation reception.
The reception will be the grand unveiling of her portrait, painted by Kevin Johnson, at its permanent home at Library 21c. Register here.
Tue., June 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Peggy Shivers and the late Clarence Shivers created the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, which supports the Shivers African American Historical and Cultural Collection at PPLD. The fund creates educational and cultural opportunities for young people through scholarships and programming. It also provides opportunities for our community to celebrate culture, history, and the arts.
Outdoor concerts return to Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join us in Manitou Springs and Monument for sunshine and music all summer long. You’ll hear a variety of music, from pop folk and big band music, to bluegrass, and beyond.
Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series
Each concert from the Manitou Springs Lawn Concert Series takes place in front of the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library building, 701 Manitou Ave., located at the southwest corner of Manitou and Pawnee avenues. Wednesday nights from 6 – 7:30 p.m. June 6 – July 19. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be canceled.
- Wed., June 7 – Kicking off the series, enjoy the pop folk music of Edie Carey.
- Wed., June 14 – Enjoy the lovingly crafted music of Jeremy Facknitz for the second concert of the series.
- Wed., June 28 – The third concert features the sounds of Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band.
- Wed., July 5 – Catch music by The Mitguards during the fourth concert of the summer.
- Wed., July 12 – Crystal and the Curious will perform during the fifth concert.
- Wed., July 19 – The sixth concert will feature music from A Carpenter’s Daughter.
- Wed., Aug. 2 – Wrap up the summer fun with music from Academy Jazz Ensemble
Palmer Lake Library Village Green Concert Series
Celebrate summer with a live, three-concert series at the Palmer Lake Village Green! These concerts are no-cost, and everyone is welcome to attend. The Village Green and gazebo are located right next to the Palmer Lake Library, 66 Lower Glenway Street.
Keep an eye out for musician announcements later this summer!