Pikes Peak Library District’s Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears announced his upcoming departure for a new opportunity after more than six years of service to El Paso County residents. He will become head of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library with 36 locations in western New York, beginning in mid-April.
Spears has directed Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) – a library system of 16 locations, three mobile library services and a large online hub of resources, all provided through more than 400 staff and 550 volunteers – since 2016. During his tenure, PPLD eliminated overdue fines for most Library materials, opened Calhan Library to expand access in rural parts of the service area, established a co-location partnership between Manitou Springs Library and the Manitou Art Center, and revived Knights of Columbus Hall as a community space in downtown Colorado Springs.
In addition to those notable successes for El Paso County, the Library District also launched a new food industry training program and student-access partnerships with local school districts. Two new public services were introduced to better serve the community as well. The Library added a social worker on staff to help patrons navigate community resources during difficult times, as well as a new service that broadly focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all feel welcome using the Library, including those with disabilities, older adults, people of color and different faiths, and military service members, families, and veterans.
“It’s been a great honor to lead PPLD and its dedicated staff through times of uncertainty, change, growth and opportunity,” said Spears. “With those serving on the Board of Trustees and PPLD’s leadership team, I’m confident there will be a smooth transition and staff will continue to connect people with what they need to improve their lives and the Pikes Peak region.”
Spears also led PPLD through the on-going pandemic, with District-wide efforts ranging from a full closure to reopening all services inside Library facilities, along with launching virtual programs and curbside services. His numerous accomplishments supported PPLD in receiving the prestigious four-star rating from the Library Journal for several years, in addition to being awarded “District of the Year” by the Special District Association of Colorado in 2019.
“The Board of Trustees is beyond grateful to John for his leadership, commitment and achievements during his tenure with our Library District,” shared Dr. Ned Stoll, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “John has positioned us for continued success in the future, where all residents of El Paso County can access information, resources, services and opportunities. We wish him all the best in his new state, city and role.”
Spears’ last day will be Fri., April 1. PPLD’s Board of Trustees will appoint Teona Shainidze-Krebs as interim Chief Librarian & CEO. She currently serves as the Library’s Chief Public Services Officer & Deputy Chief Librarian.
Native American Beading culture crosses many tribes and has significant meaning in who we are in our tribes as well as what we believe in within ourselves. Join Ela Diel, a Cherokee native, as she shares with you pieces of her culture. Help keep some native traditions alive through beading art.
- Seed-Beaded Bracelets
In seed-beaded bracelets we’ll cover designs and two different ways to string the beads. Come make something with me that you can wear on any occasion with pride as you make what resonates with your spirit.
- Wed., March 30 at 5 p.m. at Old Colorado City Library
- Thu., April 7 at 5 p.m. at Sand Creek Library
- Sat., April 30 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie Library
- Fri., May 6 at 1 p.m. at Monument Library
- Sat., May 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
- Wed., May 18 at 11 a.m. at Manitou Springs Library
- Thu., May 26 at 5 p.m. at Fountain Library
- Seed-Beaded Rosettes
In seed-beaded rosettes we will learn a way to meditate in beading in the round to make beautiful centerpieces that can be made into centerpieces, wall décor, pendants and more.
- Seed-Beaded Earrings
In seed-beaded earrings we’ll be making beautiful pieces that will compliment any outfit and share our native art with all who admire them.
Community Project
Drop in for open hours helping Maker in Residence Ela Diel create a community-based project in Native American Beadwork!
Ela will guide you on how to contribute beads to a community canvas that will be displayed in the Library in the future.
- Fri., April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
- Fri., April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
- Fri., April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
- Fri., April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
- Fri., May 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
Artist Biography
Hello! I'm Ela. I'm Tsalagi (Cherokee) native. My Tsalagi name is Unega-Waya, which means Happy Wolf. This is my heritage: My grandmother grew up in Appalachia in what is modernly known as North Carolina. My grandmother moved away from the tribe to marry my grandfather, an Irish-American to live in New York where they had four sons. She passed away when I was only two, however my father passed on our culture and traditions, and I have since reconnected with the tribe. I love art and beading is a great way to express art and keep my family's culture alive. I am autistic, so if I don't look you in the eye or stutter a little please forgive me. Outside of that, let's have some fun, bead and celebrate the Tsalagi culture together! A'ho!
On Fri., Nov. 18, the Shivers Concert Series at Pikes Peak Library District presents “Fall Dinner Concert”.
The evening’s musical guests include:
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Veronica Williams
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Icy Monroe
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Marcus King
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Terri Pederson and the Tidal Breeze Quartet
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Linda Weise and Adam Haas
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Susan Grace
Schedule
6:30 p.m. – Social hour
7 p.m. – Dinner
8 p.m. – Concert
Location
This event will be at the City Auditorium (221 E. Kiowa)
Tickets
Tickets for this event are $70 per person.
To purchase tickets online, click here.
You may also mail checks to PPLD Foundation (1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920), or pay by phone at (719) 531-6333 x5154.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience.
Musical Workshop
There will be a free Musical Workshop for Students on Sat., Nov 19. at 2 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall. Please note that this free workshop is only open to students.