Penrose Library will undergo the next stages of its improvement project starting on Mon., Jan. 6. The Library will remain open, but the Computer Lab will be closed during construction. Categories
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Month in June. Join us in celebrating individuality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Pikes Peak region with the resources on this page. Explore booklists, LGBTQIA+ history, websites, and more.
Booklists
- Teen booklist
- Pride Month Booklists on the Libby app and Overdrive website
- Pride Month collections on Hoopla
- Picture Books for Kids
- Adult fiction booklist
- Adult nonfiction booklist
PPLD Resource
- History Subject Guide
Explore LGBTQIA+ history in a variety of databases available through the Library, such as this information from the Explora for Public Libraries database (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access databases remotely):
“LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a time for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning) community to embrace their identities and celebrate the pride they feel in being themselves. June was chosen as the month to recognize and honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which was also known as the Stonewall Riots. The event is often considered to be the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ movement. Although June is filled with parades and joyous events, the month is seen by some to be a remembrance of the riots and a continual protest for equality. The first Pride march, originally called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, was held on June 28, 1970, the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. On June 11, 1999, President Bill Clinton issued Proclamation 7203, declaring June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. A decade later, President Barack Obama issued Proclamation 8387, naming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Month. In 2022, President Joe Biden recognized June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Pride Month, further broadening the scope of the communities recognized that month.”
Source: Churcher, K., PhD. (2023). LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
- Tough Topics Subject Guide
This guide offers local services and resources that teens will find useful covering a variety of topics that may impact their lives, from mental health and community resources to sexuality and dating.
- Gale eBooks: Global Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) History (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access remotely)
This encyclopedia covers LGBTQIA+ topics in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East, as well as North America, and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, using film, literature, human rights, politics, landmark legislation, activism, the arts, language, sports, and historical events as points of entry into the content.
- Gale eBooks: Transgender Life (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access databases remotely)
This encyclopedia covers LGBTQIA+ topics in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East, as well as North America, and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, using film, literature, human rights, politics, landmark legislation, activism, the arts, language, sports, and historical events as points of entry into the content.
- Gale eBooks: Transgender Life (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access databases remotely)
This resource provides students with an understanding of the transgender experience, starting with evidence and treatment of transgender people throughout history, challenges related to coming out as transgender, dealing with gender dysphoria, questions related to transitioning, and a discussion of rights and legal issues, with a variety of perspectives represented.
- Gale In Context: Biography (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access remotely)
Explore biographies of contemporary and historical figures. LGBTQIA+ people of interest will be highlighted at the top of the page in June.
- Helping Hands Subject Guide
Discover local resources for a wide range of needs, including resources for transportation, shelter and housing, medical, legal advice, and other topics.
Website Links
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Inside Out Youth Services is a Colorado Springs local organization that builds access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA+ young people through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support. Their website provides resources and information that may be useful for individuals and families.
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United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire
The United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire conducts charitable and public service projects and events to benefit charities and provides social and charitable activities for the benefit of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
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Pikes Peak Pride 2024 is a community event expected to gather thousands of visitors together from across the state and Pikes Peak region into downtown Colorado Springs.
Juneteenth, occurring annually on June 19, honors the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On that date, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and freed enslaved people who had not been liberated following President Abraham Lincoln’s ruling. Celebrate this important history with the Library!
Booklists
Resources
- Gale In Context: U.S. History
Use the search word “Juneteenth” to explore the history of this holiday. - Gale in Context Elementary for kids
Elementary students and homeschoolers can use the search term “Juneteenth” to learn more about this historic holiday.
Websites
- Lifetime Biography of Opal Lee for adults
Watch this Lifetime video and learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. - Kids activities for Juneteenth
Discover free activities and lesson plans for kids exploring different elements of Juneteenth. - Happy Toddler Playtime
Enjoy a selection of fun, easy crafts and activities for kids. - Juneteenth for Kids video
Kids will enjoy this video from Seed of Melanin Kids! exploring history in an accessible, fun way.
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to announce the call for submissions for All Pikes Peak Writes! All Pikes Peak Writes is PPLD’s annual fiction writing contest for ages 12 and older+ and seeks to highlight writers in our community through one competition. There are three categories, based on age group: Ages 12 - 18, Ages 19 - 24, and Ages 25 and up. Please see the guidelines, rules for entry, and submission form for each category below.
Submissions will be accepted from June 3 through 9 p.m. on July 26, 2024.
Eligibility:
All Pikes Peak Writes is open to El Paso County residents ages 12 and older.
Judging:
Entries will be judged on following category guidelines, quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
Awards:
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place entries in each category. Winners will be announced in late August.
Please contact hbuljung@ppld.org or malvarez@ppld.org for questions or more information.
FAQs:
- When will I know if I have won?
- We will notify participants in late August if they have won an award.
- Are you publishing the digital anthology again?
- Yes! We will be publishing the top three stories in all categories (ages 12 - 18, ages 19 - 24, and ages 25 and up).
- Will I get feedback for my work?
- Yes! You will receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the competition has concluded.
- Do I have to submit my story online?
- Yes. To better facilitate the process, we are requiring all stories be submitted digitally. You can stop by any PPLD location to use one of our computers to submit your story ahead of the deadline.
Ages 12 - 18
The Challenge: Write a story, up to 2,500 words, starting with the opening line: “And... go!”
Guidelines:
- Ages 12 - 18 only.
- Must be a resident of El Paso County, Colorado.
- Word count must not exceed 2,500 words, not including title. Word count will be established using Microsoft Word. Points will be automatically deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 2,500 words.
- Stories must be original, previously unpublished works.
- Stories must include a title page with the title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document.
- Stories must be typed. Formatting should be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
- Only one entry per person.
- Participants must fill out the form and submit their story below by July 26, 2024 at 9 p.m. The file format should be PDF, .doc, or.docx. If you need help converting a file to one of these formats, please visit a Library location for assistance ahead of the deadline.
- Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.
Ages 19 - 24
The Challenge:
Write a story, up to 3,500 words, starting with the opening line: “And... go!”
Guidelines:
- Ages 19 - 24 only
- Must be a resident of El Paso County, Colorado.
- Word count must not exceed 3,500 words, not including title. Word count will be established using Microsoft Word. Points will be automatically deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 3,500 words.
- Stories must be original, previously unpublished works.
- Stories must include a title page with title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document.
- Stories must be typed. Formatting should be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
- Only one entry per person.
- Participants must fill out the form and submit their story below by July 26, 2024 at 9 p.m. The file format should be PDF, .doc, or.docx. If you need help converting a file, please visit a Library location for assistance ahead of the deadline.
- Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.
Ages 25 and Up
The Challenge:
Write an original fiction story of up to 3,500 words. Entries in this category do not need to use the assigned opening line from the other categories.
Guidelines for entry:
- Ages 25 and older.
- Must be a resident of El Paso County, Colorado .
- Word count must not exceed 3,500 words. Word count will be established using Microsoft Word. Points will automatically be deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 3,500 words.
- Stories must be original, previously unpublished works.
- Stories must include a title page with title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document.
- Stories must be typed. Formatting should be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page.
- Only one entry per person.
- Participants must fill out the form and submit their story by July 26, 2024 at 9 p.m. The file format should be PDF, .doc, or .docx. If you need help converting a file, please visit a Library location for assistance ahead of the deadline.
- Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.