What's New!

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans participated in the first Earth Day to increase awareness about environmental issues around the world. That movement has grown into Earth Month throughout all of April to continue spreading awareness locally and internationally. Learn about Earth Month, environmental issues, and ways to make your life more environmentally friendly through upcycling and recycling with the resources on this page.

Booklists

Adult Books for Earth Month
Earth Month Books for Kids

Resources

• Earth Month Displays at the Library  
  Colorado Springs Utilities is sharing information about wise water usage and conservation with informative displays at several Library locations. You’ll find information about utilities, energy rebates, water-wise planting, water and energy usage tips, and more! Stop by East, Cheyenne, Monument, Old Colorado City, Penrose, and Rockrimmon libraries, as well as Library 21c to learn more.  
• Green Living 
  A curated guide of resources to help you adapt to living a greener lifestyle.
• Learn to Make Reusable Bags at PPLD 
  Struggling with Colorado’s new single-use bag fee? This video has instructions on how to upcycle a t-shirt into a reusable shopping bag. (All ages)
• Create: Bee Gardens
  Learn some techniques to start your very own bee-friendly garden, including planting native wildflowers that attract pollinators, and making a bee bath out of polymer clay. (All ages)
• Create: Visible Mending
  Ripped shirt... throw it away? No way! In this video, you'll learn about visible mending, a technique for fixing up damaged clothes with a little extra flair. (All ages)

Recommended Websites 

• Earth Day – National Archives (all ages)
  A collection of Earth Day resources from the National Archives
• Earth Day - Smithsonian (All ages)
  Learn about Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson and explore exhibitions, resources, and Podcasts that highlight Smithsonian efforts to advance sustainability. 

Nonprofits make a difference in their communities. If you are involved in a nonprofit or are considering starting one, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has a variety of helpful resources available to support your efforts.

We have many resources available through the Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center located at Penrose Library. Here, you will find our nonprofit collection with a variety of helpful books and materials to support your nonprofit. Our strategic services librarian is also available to help connect you with helpful information.

Your PPLD library card also gets you access to several databases to support your research and grant writing efforts. Use the Colorado Grants Guide for information and assistance for nonprofit grant writing or explore Foundation Directory Professional (available at Library 21c) for trusted tools from a national nonprofit service.

For more resources, you can visit our Nonprofit Subject Guides and find information about education and training, grant writing, financial sponsorship, getting started, and more. Each guide offers useful insight to help you reach your nonprofit goals.  

Arab American Heritage Month highlights and celebrates the rich culture and achievements of Arab Americans and Arab-speaking Americans throughout U.S. history. In 2017, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative, which Congress recognized as a National Initiative in 2022. Celebrate by exploring the booklists and web resources on this page!

Booklists

• Children’s Arab American Month Booklist 2023
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Booklist
• Arab Americans (Hoopla)
• Overdrive
• Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Children’s, Adult Fiction, and Adult Nonfiction booklists 

Website Links

• Arab American Heritage Month (History Channel)
  Commemorate Arab American heritage with the History Channel and take a look at historic Arab immigration to the U.S., as well as information about things you can do to celebrate.
• Arab American National Museum
  The first and only museum dedicated to telling the Arab American story.
• Celebrate American Heritage Month (PBS)
  Watch documentaries and programs that celebrate the diversity and history of Arab American communities. 
• Arab American Foundation 
  Learn the history of National Arab American Heritage Month being established as a nationally recognized heritage month. 
• Flags of Arabic Nations for Kids
  A printable graphic for learning the flags of Arabic nations.
• Arab American History and Culture (The Smithsonian) 
  Explore photos and articles in the Smithsonian archives to learn more about Arab American history and culture.  
• Arab American Institute (AAI) 
  The AAI supports programs that promote greater awareness of Arab Americans in the United States, demographic research, and international outreach.