Last updated July 1, 2021 En español Thanks to the public’s investment and taxpayer support, we deliver access to information and opportunities that impact lives and build community across El Paso County. You can use the Library remotely, with many resources available 24/7!
- Check out our new virtual services! Our librarians are bringing their services to you, anywhere and anytime. Watch a virtual storytime with your kids, participate in a virtual book club, try a digital escape room, join us for a community movie discussion, do an at-home craft or experiment, and more. (Looking for something else to do? Bookmark the web page and check back often for new updates!)
- Ask a librarian! You can also ask one of our reference librarian questions by phone, live chat, and email.
- Download our mobile app to view your account, browse and download from our collection, and more. (Pro tip: There are also apps for Libby, OverDrive, Freegal, Kanopy, RBdigital, and more.)
- Stream and/or download from our digital collection! There are so many options – digital books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, music, and videos – that you can access from almost anywhere.
- Use our databases to conduct research for businesses, nonprofits, legal matters, and more. You also can learn a new language, plan your next adventure, and do genealogy research.
- Have kids or teens in your home? We have ample resources for children and teenagers, including homework help, reading, games, creating, planning for the future, and more. (Also, see above for new virtual services!)
- Dig into some regional history and genealogy. For example, our digital collection features historic photographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps, oral histories, films and more that highlight the rich history of the Pikes Peak area.
- Find a good book! Check out recommendations, reading lists, and more.
- Don’t have a library card? Get started and gain online access today.
That’s not all! Our Library staff also assembled and vetted a growing list of free online resources for all ages; no library card needed. Resources include live streaming, virtual tours, activities, and much more. Topics cover arts and culture, kids and teens, learning and reading for adults, professional support and development, and science and nature. Our team continues to explore and expand virtual opportunities that we can bring to you. Right now, we’re adding to our digital collection, as budget allows, and creating new virtual experiences that will launch in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned for more updates from PPLD. We’re here to serve you now and into the future.
We’ve all found ourselves in a difficult situation and we aren’t always sure where to turn. Pikes Peak Library District offers community resources across the District. Our Community Resources Specialists are here to help you navigate and connect with services by providing referrals and information to get the help you need for your specific situation. Reach out and meet with a Community Resource Specialist at the Library most convenient to you, or contact them by phone or email. We are happy to support you in finding the best resources for you and your needs.
Contact PPLD's Community Resources
- By phone: 719-531-6333 x2506
- By email: communityresources@ppld.org
- By webform: https://ppld.org/contact-us?option-value=56
Contact PPLD's Community Resources Specialist - Nikki Flemate
- By phone: w: (719) 531-6333, x2508; m: (719) 463-8454
- By email: nflemate@ppld.org
Community Resources Drop-in Hours
Common questions from our patrons include
- How to replace personal documents (ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc)
- How to find affordable housing
- How to go about applying for disability
- Where to receive specific services like mental health, medical, or substance use treatment
Crisis Help:
- Mental Health Crisis: 988 (call or text)
- Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-787-3244
- Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255
Emergency Shelter:
- The Salvation Army RJMC (serving families) (719) 578-9190
- Springs Rescue Mission (serving adults 18 and over) (719) 632-1822
- The Place (serving youth ages 15-20) (719) 630-3223
- TESSA (serving survivors of domestic violence) (719) 633-3819
Other Resources:
- Helping Hands Guide
- Eviction Information
- Apply for Medicaid, Childcare, and Food Assistance
- Tough Topics
Note: PPLD’s Community Resources Supervisor is not a case manager or case worker.
The 2020 Census is here and it’s not too late to complete it! It is important to fill it out so that local agencies (PPLD included!) have accurate information to use when designing community services. It's safe, easy, and required for all citizens to fill out.
COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS NOW.
In March, homes across the country received invitations to complete the 2020 Census with instructions for responding to the census online, in the mail, or over the phone.
Remember that April 1 is a reference date, not a deadline to respond. When you respond online, by phone, or by mail, count everyone living in your home as of April 1, 2020.
Beginning in August 2020, households that haven't responded yet may receive an in-person visit or call from a Census Bureau employee to help make sure everyone is counted.
As of June 11, El Paso County’s self-response rate, is now at 68.6%, which is higher than Colorado’s self-response rate of 63.4%! We are ranked number 18 in response rates by state, and higher than the national self-response rate of 60.8%!
Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.
- Everyone counts: The census counts every person living in the United States once, only once, and in the right place.
- It’s about fair representation: Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.
- It’s in the Constitution: The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.
- It’s about $675 billion: The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs (like libraries!).
- It’s about redistricting: After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.
- Taking part is your civic duty: Completing the census is mandatory: it’s a way to participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!”
Census data are being used all around you:
- Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy.
- Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which create jobs.
- Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness.
- Real estate developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.
Your privacy is protected.
It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. By law, your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics.
The Census Bureau uses a different method to count people in group living situations, called “group quarters,” such as college student housing, prisons, military barracks, and nursing homes. People experiencing homelessness (and who are not staying in a household) will be counted at the places where they receive services, such as shelters and soup kitchens.
2020 will be easier than ever.
In 2020, you will be able to respond to the census online. The online questionnaire will be available in 13 languages.