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For anyone considering a major purchase such as a new vehicle, a comfortable mattress upgrade, or new appliances, a subscription to the Consumer Reports database is a good place to start. You will find unbiased ratings and reviews, performance scores, shopping advice, how-to videos, and the latest product news, among other helpful information. Consumer Reports can help you save money, shop smartly, and live better.

With your PPLD library card, you don’t need a subscription to access Consumer Reports. This database is available at any Library location. El Paso County residents (with a library card that starts with a 4) can use their library card to access this database from home.

If you aren’t quite sure what products to consider such as what mattress or crib to purchase, peruse articles reporting on the best of that type of product. If you already have several possibilities in mind, you can search them in the database to find and compare product specifications, rating, safety, and cost information to help find the best product for your needs. This database goes beyond product information with articles exploring ways to keep your home up-to-date, travel tips, things to consider for insurance, starting a college savings plan, getting better sleep, and more.

If you’re on a hunt for a new vehicle, visit the Cars section to find exclusive test results and survey findings to help you choose the best vehicle for you. You can explore by vehicle type, make, model, and year if you already have some options to consider, or peruse lists of the most reliable or cost-effective vehicles to find a good starting point. Road tests, overall scores, features lists, and pricing breakdowns offer key insights.

In addition to product information for items you are considering, you will find interesting articles with tips for updating and improving different areas of your home. Browse the Home & Garden section for a wide variety of products, including bed and bath, home improvement, kitchen, lawn and garden, and tools and power equipment. Learn how to furnish your bedroom for a more restful sleep, get expert tips on staining decks, read up on the Right to Repair movement, and more. 

There are even sections with information you can use beyond making purchasing decisions. The Babies section, for example, supports parents making safer and smarter choices for new family members. Explore articles about electronics and internet safety, financial planning, travel tips, and much more. You will even find articles on using privacy features of popular social media apps like Facebook. With more sections to explore, there is a lot more to discover in Consumer Reports.  

Explore diverse, varied experiences across the autism community with Pikes Peak Library District during Autism Acceptance Month this April. Below, you will find related booklists, resources, and websites.

Booklists

• Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Adult Nonfiction and Adult Fiction booklists
• Childrens booklist

Resources

• Library Sensory Tour videos
  Get a sensory-friendly preview of each of our Library locations, complete with information about sensory accommodations available at each.

Websites

• Autism Acceptance Month (Autism Society)
  Read about Autism Acceptance Month and learn more about the autistic community.
• Autism Society Colorado
  Discover a wide range of resources in Colorado and nationally, and learn about the autistic community.
• Autism Resources (Colorado Department of Education)
  Learn about resources and strategies for adapting and thriving on the autism spectrum.
• World Health Organization
  Find key facts about autism and find news and stories centering around the autistic community. 

Transition can be hard for our military families and their children. Moving multiple times for military service can be challenging for the children of military families, who often face the disruption of starting over at a new school and with new friends multiple times. This April, Pikes Peak Library District honors the Military Children in our community by celebrating their unique experiences.

Booklists: 

• Month of the Military Booklist

Resources

• Military & Veterans Resource Guide  
  PPLD provides military, veterans, and their families with access to free resources such as books, audiobooks, eBooks, and online databases, as well as events, workshops, and classes tailored to their unique needs and interests.

Website Links

• Sesame Street For Military Families 
  Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.
• Babies on the Homefront 
  Babies on the Homefront provides military and veteran parents ideas for enhancing everyday moments with their baby or toddler.
• Veteran Training – VA Resources 
  The VA's parenting program provides resources and support for military and veteran parents, including information on child development, parenting skills, and managing the challenges of military life.
• MCEC – Military Child Education Coalition 
  MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
• U.S. Department of Defense
  While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Each year, the Department of Defense (DoD) joins national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make.
• Military OneSource
  The Month of the Military Child recognizes the unique challenges children in military families face —such as long separations and frequent moves — and honors their service to the military community. Use these free resources to support your children, youth, and teens and power up your parenting.