Published on Fri., Jan. 3, 2025

Building on efforts started in February 2024 to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Penrose Library is gearing up for another round of updates starting in January 2025. Plans have been made to update the Computer Lab, Children’s area, both the east and west entrances, and the security monitoring and alarm systems. 

Penrose Library will remain open for the duration of this project. The Computer Lab will be closed during construction. Library users can check out laptops or Chromebooks for use inside the Library by visiting the service desk.

The user experience in the Computer Lab will be enhanced with a more open floor plan allowing for smaller collaborative spaces and increased availability of computers. New desks will be installed that will increase user privacy and create a more user-friendly environment. The service desk will be updated to provide for safer and comprehensive management of the computer lab. A Chromebook charging kiosk will also be installed. 

The shelving in the Children’s area will be lowered to improve sightlines and lighting. To increase child safety and provide noise reduction, a glass storefront will be installed to enclose the area. Also, the Library’s youngest patrons will be welcomed into their renovated space with a new hand-painted mural by a Colorado artist. 

Both the east and west entrances will receive updated exterior doors. New service desks will be installed at both entrances with an ADA approach height so that all patrons and staff can enjoy interactions at a desk suited to their needs. The east entrance (off Cascade Ave.) will have an energy-saving air curtain installed and be designed for better incoming and outgoing traffic flow. The Friends of PPLD will also be expanding their bookstore.  

To increase security throughout the building, an updated security monitoring and alarm system will be installed. 

PPLD is looking forward to completing these updates and continuing to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all users of Penrose Library. This Library is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area and is proud to continue to be a contributing part of the thriving Downtown community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Updates are expected to be completed in March 2025.  

Penrose Library reopens with Open House!

Published on Mon., April 1, 2024

Penrose Library will be completing the first stage of updates planned for 2024 and reopening to the public on Wed., April 10 at 4 p.m. This is the only stage that requires closing the building to complete, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the Library is open.

During National Library Week, April 7 – 13, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be hosting open houses throughout the Library District to celebrate libraries and what they bring to our communities. When Penrose Library reopens at 4 p.m. on April 10, this will serve as that location’s Open House and everyone is invited.

Penrose closing for security updates starting February 2024

Published on Mon., Jan. 8, 2024

Updates are coming to Penrose Library in early 2024. In a concerted effort to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Library leadership has determined that a significant investment in the systems, structures/facilities, and resources in use at Penrose Library is paramount. Staff and community members have asked that the Library District address this location specifically, and leadership has listened to that feedback. After careful evaluation, the Library District determined the most efficient updates that are financially feasible for PPLD and that provide the biggest return on time and funds invested. 

Although Penrose Library will not need to be closed for the majority of the plan implementation (predicted to take most of 2024 to complete), the beginning stages of the plan do require closing the facility. Penrose Library will be closed for approximately two months starting Thu., Feb. 1 in order to complete this stage of updates. During the closure, bookshelves will be shortened and reconfigured to increase shelf space, brighten the area, and increase visibility and accessibility. This process requires removing all of the books, disassembling the shelving units, sending them out for modification, and then reassembling them in their new configuration before reshelving the books. Only this stage will require closing the building, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the building is open. Other elements of this project will require the closure of smaller sections of Penrose Library for shorter periods of time in the coming months. Here are the planned changes that will not require a building closure to complete:

• Moving the lockers currently located along the wall near our Regional History & Genealogy department to the west entrance and installing another set of lockers at the east entrance for patrons to store belongings during their visit.
• Installation of boulders in the outdoor areas around the windows of the Children’s section.
• Interior stairwell fencing installed below the main and west stairwells.
• A visually appealing steel fence (resembling the one around the Carnegie Garden next to Penrose Library) installed around the premises.
• Creation of a permanent structure in the back parking lot in which people with large belongings may store their items short-term during their visit.
• Remodel of the computer lab.
• Replacing existing tables and chairs with more functional furniture.
• Removal of outlets and installation of a charging station near the front entrance.
• Repositioning staff desks to strategic locations throughout the building.
• Sectioning off the Children’s area to make it its own distinct room.
• Updating all security hardware throughout the building, including the installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant speakers.

PPLD is excited to update Penrose Library to improve safety and security for all patrons and staff. Penrose is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area, and the Library is proud to continue to be a contributing part of this thriving community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Accessing Regional History & Genealogy

While Penrose Library is closed, limited Regional History & Genealogy resources will be available.

Virtual assistance

When needed, patrons can schedule a virtual meeting with Regional History & Genealogy staff for one-on-one help to address specific research needs.

Microfilm

While Penrose Library is closed, Microfilm may be requested from Regional History & Genealogy, in advance, to be sent and viewed at East Library. Patrons will need to give four-days’ notice before the film will be available to them. East Library staff will contact patrons when their film is ready to view. Patrons must view the film at East Library (items do not circulate outside of the library). Microfilm requests from Interlibrary Loan during this time will also be available from East Library.

Database Access

Certain PPLD databases that are only available at Penrose Library are currently available at other locations while Penrose Library is closed.

• Westlaw: Available at East Library
• Foundation Directory Professional: Available at Library 21c

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) wants to celebrate National Library Week, April 6 – 12, with the launch of up to four new library cards – designed by YOU. Help us show the Pikes Peak region that we all belong at the Library by entering your original artwork inspired by the Library and the community to our Library Card Design Contest. All ages are welcome to enter. We are accepting entries of all types, including digital art, children’s art, original photography, or digitized copies of traditional media artwork (paintings, pastels, mixed media, pen drawings, etc.). 

Submissions are open, click here

Rules

Themes: Your submission should be inspired by the Library, the Pikes Peak region, or the community. 

Eligibility: Open to all ages; participants must live within PPLD’s service area (all of El Paso County except for Security-Widefield). Having a library card is not a requirement, but if a participant possesses one, it must be in good standing with the Library District to be eligible for participation. Library staff and their immediate family may not participate. 

Submission File Requirements: 

• Format: All submissions should be in a digital format, whether it is digital art or a quality digital photo or scan of traditional media art (paint, pastels, mixed media, sketches, etc.).
• Size: Designs should be 3.375"W x 2.215"H. No important aspects of the design should be within .125" of all sides. Anything outside of these parameters may be cut off by the printing process.
• File Type: Submissions must be in a high-resolution digital format. The following file types will be accepted: EPS, JPEG, TIFF, or PDF.
• Description: Please include a brief description (1 – 3 sentences) describing the concept behind your submission.

Originality: All designs must be original artwork or photography created by the participant. No AI-generated content or copyrighted materials should be used.

Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 31. Submissions open in January 2025.

Number of Submissions: No more than two submissions per person. Please submit each entry separately if you submit two entries.

Judging Criteria: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, overall aesthetic appeal, and relevance to PPLD and surrounding community.

Prizes: Winning entries will be featured long-term on a PPLD library card beginning in April 2025. Thanks to our prize sponsor, winners will also receive a gift card from HR Meininger Company.

Rights: By entering the contest, participants grant Pikes Peak Library District the right to use their winning design(s) as a library card and for promotional purposes. The winner agrees to freely assign unlimited copyright usage of their submitted design for as long as Pikes Peak Library District wishes to use the design(s). The selected artist further agrees to abstain from using the design for their own business or marketing purposes for as long as the District continues to use it. The design(s) may be modified (size, color, enhancements, etc.) as needed by the Library and will only be used in the context of the library card that they are featured on, but that library card may appear in Library promotions now and in perpetuity.

Contest Timeline

• Thu., Jan. 2 – Submissions period opens
• Fri., Jan. 31 – Submission period closes
• Fri., Feb. 14 – Winners notified
• Mon., Apr. 7 – Library cards begin circulating

Additional Considerations

• Participants should consider the size and functionality of cards when submitting their design. Please create a design that will fit within the provided dimensions (2.25"W x 3.5"H) or use the provided template.  
• Designs can be either landscape or portrait orientation.
• Do not use the PPLD logo in your design.  
• The Library’s logo will be placed in one corner, depending on where it looks best. Consider creating a design where the logo being placed in one corner will not disrupt the look of your artwork.

Submit your artwork now here

Thanks to HR Meininger Company for sponsoring great prizes for our library card design winners!

Adventure Begins at your Library with the 2025 Winter Adult Reading Program!  

Log 30 days of reading and activities from Feb. 1 – March 31 to earn prizes! Activities include attending Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) activities or reading for 30 minutes or more a day.  

Registration will open on Sat., Feb. 1. On that day, you can register through the Beanstack or stop by the Library to register in-person (curbside services available). When you register in-person or at curbside, you will receive a Winter Adult Reading Program tote bag (while supplies last).  

Check back on this page closer to February for more information!