What's New!

Image
Photo of a Kid and Ziggy

The fun continues with Ziggy and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks with PPLD Night on Sat., Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. Don't miss the fun as the Switchbacks take on the Charleston Battery! Join Pikes Peak Library District in our very own cheering section.

Show your PPLD library card (or card number) at the box office to purchase up to four discounted tickets at $15 each for the Sept. 14 game. (Act fast! Limited quantities available.)  

Be sure to visit us in the Fan Zone before the game starts (4 – 6 p.m.) or the Kids Zone after the game starts for a chance to win a cool prize pack. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and we’re showing our love for the Switchbacks and our soccer fans! You will be able to enter for a chance to win an official soccer ball autographed by the Switchbacks FC, plus a copy of A Beautiful Game, a treasured book capturing the love of the sport and the people who play it! 

We hope to see you at the game!

 

Image
Astronaut standing in the Space Foundation

Excitement is in the air as Space Foundation Discovery Center welcomes back visitors through the Pikes Peak Library District's (PPLD) Culture Pass program. After a highly anticipated $3.5 million expansion and renovation, this hands-on, interactive space and science center is now more captivating than ever. With new exhibits and engaging activities, the Discovery Center is poised to inspire and prepare the next generation of explorers and innovators right here in Colorado Springs. It is one of the great local attractions that PPLD library cardholders can check out no-cost entry passes for through the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program.

During its grand reopening in June, the Discovery Center unveiled eight new exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Highlights include the Drone Zone and the Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Laboratory, where visitors can explore cutting-edge technologies. The Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Laboratory has been redesigned to offer a fresh perspective on Mars exploration, and the Northrop Grumman Science Center now features the remarkable Science On a Sphere® display system, providing a dynamic view of our planet and beyond. 

Space Foundation remains dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, art, and math (also known as STEAM) education and fostering innovation. Now in its 12th year, their Discovery Center continues to be a hub where students, educators, and the broader community can celebrate the wonders of space, science, and technology. This commitment aligns perfectly with PPLD’s mission to enrich lives through learning and discovery. 

The collaboration between the Library District and Space Foundation has flourished, particularly through homeschool science programs. Last winter and spring, the Discovery Center hosted two well-received programs at East Library. These programs, offered at no cost to the Library, featured hands-on activities and knowledgeable educators and left a lasting impression on homeschool families. 

In addition to these programs, Space Foundation Discovery Center provided the Library District with a limited collection of Family Stargazing backpacks, available for checkout. These interactive kits include a family pass to Space Foundation Discovery Center, making it easier for families to explore space concepts together. The backpacks have been incredibly popular, further cementing the Library's role in supporting space education in El Paso County. 

Space Foundation Discovery Center also hosts Summer of Discovery continuing every Saturday through Aug. 31, featuring special programs, workshops, and events that explore the mysteries beyond our solar system. Pikes Peak Library District was thrilled to participate in one of the Saturday sessions to help connect visitors with the wonders of space. 

PPLD connects library cardholders with this local attraction through the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program.  

Dr. Terry Bramschreiber, Director of Space Foundation Discovery Center & Accreditation, emphasized the importance of the Culture Pass program: “The partnership with Pikes Peak Library District's Cultural Pass program is important as it provides broader community access and inspires a passion for STEAM learning. This collaboration ensures that more individuals can engage with innovative educational experiences at Space Foundation Discovery Center.” 

Space Foundation Discovery Center is one of 12 Culture Pass partners in the Pikes Peak region and the Denver area that you can explore using your PPLD library card. Check out a no-cost Culture Pass and enjoy your time exploring this newly renovated and expanded cultural attraction today! 

Homeschool Game Day – Graphic with kids playing outside

Homeschool families are invited to an outdoor game day! Enjoy a variety of fun games and activities. Come prepared to play outside and meet new friends. All ages are welcome!
When: Fri., Aug. 30 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Where: High Prairie Library

Click here for more details