Categories
Celebrate Colorado Day Mon., Aug. 1 and enjoy other events throughout the month of August.
Colorado Day: Ed Dwight
Join us as we celebrate Colorado through the life of Ed Dwight, the first African American considered for the NASA astronaut program! The two-hour event includes:
- Mark Dickerson, Col. USAF (Ret), on the confluence of African American and Aviation History
- Rachel English, the Director of the Space Foundation, on the importance of space to Colorado's history
- A screening of the 13-minute documentary The Lost Astronaut, a short film about Ed Dwight.
- Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required.
Genealogy Basics (Colorado Edition)
Are you interested in researching your genealogy, but aren't sure where to start? Join us for an introduction to basic genealogy research strategies including getting started, organizing research, and selecting and searching for records.
In celebration of Colorado Day, this month's Genealogy Basics classes will focus on researching your Colorado ancestors!
- Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 - 3 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.
- Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7 - 8 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.
- Saturday, Aug. 26 from 1 - 4 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.
Resources:
Adult
Have you checked out our digital archive? PPLD's Digital Collections features historic photographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps, oral histories, films and more that highlight the rich history of the Pikes Peak region. The materials come from the Special Collections of Pikes Peak Library District, housed in the 1905 Carnegie Library in downtown Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak NewsFinder is our local historical newspaper index. This index contains citations to and scanned images of local news articles and obituaries from the Colorado Springs Gazette and other local newspapers from as early as the 1870s!
Children/Families
Need homework help? Check out our Colorado Homework Help page to get started with biographies, databases, and recommended websites.
Check some kids books about Colorado history, learn more.
Website Links:
Adult
Visit PPLD’s Regional History & Genealogy page to learn how you can research our local history. We have historic photos, manuscripts, books, and more!
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will host the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibit from the American Library Association and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. We are one of only 50 libraries nationwide and the only library in Colorado to host the exhibit. It will be at East Library from Sept. 5 – Oct. 11.
Learn about this period in American history and explore how people in the U.S. reacted to the Holocaust. Your journey will take you through the many factors impacting the decisions and opinions of the government, news media, organizations, and individuals in the 1930s and 1940s, including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism.
During the exhibit’s stay, we will have related programming that will include a workshop for educators, an open reception, and special presentations. We selected this year’s community read book for All Pikes Peak Reads to compliment this exhibit as well. The selected book isThe Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of WWII. Find the full schedule of events on our Americans and the Holocaust page.
Self-guided tours will be available during East Library’s open hours, or find out how to schedule a tour at ppld.org/holocaustExhibit
This rainbow booklist is for all the children who will appreciate seeing various families in great books.
We are pleased to announce the 2023 book for All Pikes Peak Reads, our annual community reads program. This year’s title is The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II by Mari K. Eder. Anyone interested in joining us for this engaging book can stop by any Library location any time starting Wed., July 19 to pick up a copy or access it with our eLibrary resources Libby and Freading (it is always available on Freading).
Several of our library book clubs are also reading the book in September. Find your nearest book club that is reading the All Pikes Peak Reads book together on our book clubs page.
All Pikes Peak Reads improves community connection through literature and fosters dialogue across social, cultural, and generational lines. Every year, we select books that center around timely topics, and we pair the community read with related programming. Enjoy craft kits and coloring pages throughout the month, and join us for an author talk with Eder on Sat., Oct. 7 at Library 21c. Keep an eye on our website for information about additional programs coming soon.
This year’s title, which focuses on the women who served, fought, and took action against devastating odds during WWII, compliments a traveling exhibit coming to the Library this fall. From Sept. 5 – Oct. 11, East Library will host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibit from the American Library Association exploring social, financial, and political factors impacting life in the U.S. during the 1930s and 1940s and how these factors influenced the way Americans reacted to the Holocaust.
Detailed information about this year’s All Pikes Peak Reads program is available on our All Pikes Peak Reads webpage.
Take and Makes for this project, for ages 5-12, will be available at area PPLD libaries beginning July 14, 2023.
A thaumatrope is an optical toy that teaches persistence of vision.” The name thaumatrope means “wonder turner."
Materials and Directions:
Materials we provide:
cardstock templates
straws
Materials you need to provide:
Pencils, crayons, markers
tape
We have provided two options for this activity.
Option One:
Cut out the circles with the printed templates.
Option Two:
Cut out the blank circles. With one on top of the other, draw an image on the top circle. If youpress firmly with your pencil as you draw, you will be able to see the image on the bottom circle to better align your images. Draw a complimentary image on the second circle.
Both options:
Tape the end of a straw to the back of one circle. Carefully align and tape the other circle back-to-back with the first one.
Here are some ideas:
Bird in a cage (bird on one side, cage on the other)
Emojis (face on one side, yellow circle on the other)
Butterflies in a jar (butterflies on one side, jar on the other)
Giraffe with spots (solid giraffe on one side, giraffe outline with spots on the other)
Spider in a web (spider on one side and web on the other)
Fish in a bowl (fish on one side and bowl on the other)
Rocket on the moon (rocket on one side, moon on the other)
Dueling lightsabers (one lightsaber on each side)
Spin the Spin the straw between your hands. As it spins, the two pictures will appear to blend into one.
This summer the lawn and landscaping around Library 21c will undergo a turf conversion. This involves replacing non-native, manicured turf (lawn) with grasses native to our region. This is part of an initiative to be better stewards of our water and budget resources.
The landscaped areas of Library 21c currently consist of more than 1.5 acres of Kentucky Bluegrass turf which is a high-maintenance, high-resource using plant material. The cost to irrigate and provide routine maintenance to the lawn continues to increase each year. According to the Library’s water use monitoring, costs to irrigate the existing lawn areas at Library 21c exceed $20,000 annually. Converting the lawn to native grasses could save the Library as much as 60 – 70% of this cost and it will also greatly reduce water consumption. This conversion project will free up future financial resources that may be put to better use helping the community with other programs and services.
Over the next several months the Library will be working with Fisk Landscaping on the turf conversion. In general, the conversion includes adapting the irrigation system to serve the new grasses; killing the existing lawn; planting seeds for the new native “prairie”; watering for establishment and weed control; and installing sod where needed. The whole process is anticipated to take two growing seasons. This summer we will work on getting new native grass seeds germinated and growing, while next summer will focus on promoting healthy growth and establishing the native grass stand.
During the conversion process the Library asks patrons to please heed the warning signs to stay off of the lawn. This will help the conversion proceed as planned without unnecessary disturbance or damage to the new landscaping as it develops. We appreciate your cooperation.
We are partnering with two more Colorado attractions, expanding the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program to 12 local attractions for patrons to explore! Enjoy even more local art and regional history through the Library. Use your library card to reserve passes for no-cost entry into the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery in Old Colorado City, and the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum in Victor. Check below for more information about these exciting attractions and reserve your pass today.
Michael Garman Museum & Gallery
Visit the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery and explore the works of sculptor Michael Garman. His large-scale Cityscape Street Scenes will capture the imaginations of all ages. The gallery features his largest creation, Magic Town, which is a 1/6th scale miniaturized urban neighborhood, complete with dozens of handcrafted buildings, alleyways, and sidewalk scenes. What especially brings these detailed creations to life are the “Magical Elements” that transform the miniature scenes in rooms before your eyes, make alleyways appear to go on forever, and show off other immersive visual and sound effects that bring the town’s stories to life.
Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
At the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, learn about the colorful history of exploration, ranching, gold mining, and railroading from the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Rush. You will be transported into the past as you explore the lives and relics of the gold mining era in the Pikes Peak region through artifacts, books, photos, and exhibits depicting life in Victor during its gold mining heyday. Immerse yourself in regional history with hands-on gold panning activities, walking tours, and guided bus tours.
The United States declared independence from England and its monarch on July 4, 1776. We commemorate this occasion with annual fireworks displays and other festivities. The Library is closed in recognition of this federal holiday, but we offer several ways to help you celebrate our nation’s Independence. On this page, explore information and fun resources, including music playlists, booklists, Take and Make kits, and web resources. Visit any Library location beginning Sat., July 1 to pick up a pocket Constitution of the United States booklet and United States flag. We will also be at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Street Fair in Monument on Tue., July 4. Come see us, and cheer on your Library during the 4th of July parade!
Programs
Author Becky Van Vleet – Patriotism in America Past and Present
Will America ever have another “Greatest Generation?” Local author Becky Van Vleet explores that question in her new book Unintended Hero, a book about her father's up close and personal battles on the USS Denver in World War II in the Pacific Theater. She defines patriotism as “Our love for America where we can put aside our differences when we’re called upon to support our country. It’s a spirit of sacrifice and doing whatever it takes. That's what my father did." Join Becky for an interactive book talk about patriotism from the Greatest Generation from World War II to today. This event is being hosted by the Manitou Springs Heritage Center. Pre-registration is required via the Heritage Center’s website. Copies of Unintended Hero will be available for purchase and signing after the program. Learn more in our event calendar.
- Fri., July 7 from 6 – 7 p.m. – Manitou Springs Heritage Center
Take and Make: 4th of July Luminaries
Starting Fri., June 23, pick up a red, white, and blue ribbon, tea light candle, and some twine with instructions on how to make a 4th of July luminary. For ages 18 & up. While supplies last.
Kids Take and Make: Independence Day Firework Crowns
Starting Sat., July 1, pick up supplies to make a fun crown decorated with pipe cleaner fireworks. For ages 5 - 12. While supplies last.
Pocket Constitution Book & United States Flag
Starting Sat., July 1, celebrate Independence Day by stopping by your local Library and receive a pocket Constitution book & United States flag! While supplies last.
Booklists
- Adult Nonfiction Booklist
- Overdrive & Libby
Websites
- KKTV: 4th of July Happenings in the Pikes Peak Region
Find out where you can go to see fireworks and enjoy music from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic this year with this list from KKTV. - Library of Congress: Today in History – July 4th
Explore Independence Day history and enjoy historic photos and documents in this article from the Library of Congress. - Old Farmer's Almanac: Fourth of July 2023
Celebrate the 4th of July with history, traditions, and recipes in the Old Farmer’s Almanac. You can also look ahead to see what day of the week our next 4th of July falls on. - Smithsonian Institute: Independence Day
Take an in-depth look at artifacts from the past as you celebrate the birthday of the United States with this historic gallery from the Smithsonian Institute. - History Channel: Fourth of July
Watch Videos from the History Channel packed full of 4th of July facts you might not have known, including the first use of fireworks in 4th of July celebrations. - PBS: A Capitol Fourth
From bonfires and illuminations to picnics and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, learn about historic 4th of July celebrations in this PBS article.
Resources
Freegal Playlists
Use your library card to access 24/7 music to add pizzaz to your 4th of July celebrations.
History Subject Guide
Explore history resources at the Library in this Subject Guide, including resources where you can learn more about why our nation celebrates Independence Day.
Kanopy
Use your library card on Kanopy to access documentaries and historic dramatizations that delve into the founding of our nation, the Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, and other key moments in U.S. history.
- American Military History
- American Revolution: The Impossible War
- America’s Musical Heritage: Episode 2, “American Revolutionary and Wartime Music”
- Are We to be a Nation
- Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
- The History of the United States: Episode 14, “Creating the Constitution”
- Liberty in the Air
- The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen
Gale eBooks: American Revolution Reference Library
In this eBook you will find a timeline of events during the American Revolution, as well as information about historic figures and the roles they played in key revolutionary events.
Gale in Context: U.S. History
Read about the 4th of July, from historic battles and the signing of the Declaration of Independence to celebrations commemorating Independence Day.
“The train screeched to a halt.” What comes next? That’s up to you.
Grab your favorite writing tool and get ready for All Pikes Peak Writes, Pikes Peak Library District’s annual fiction writing contest. Submissions are open now to all El Paso County writers (ages 12+) with a passion for the craft. If you have ever wondered how your writing holds up or want a unique external motivator to get your creative juices flowing, this is the contest for you. Settle in with this year’s writing prompt (in quotation marks above) and have fun!
Writers are separated into three categories by age group this year: Middle School and High School (ages 12 – 18), Young Adult (ages 19 – 24), and Adult (ages 25+). We are accepting submissions from Mon., June 12, through 9 p.m. on Sun., July 23.
Judges will evaluate entries based on their quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct mechanics in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. We will announce the first, second, and third place winners in each age category in late August. All participants receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the awards ceremony is complete.
Read the full contest details here.
Whether you’re submitting a story yourself or want to enjoy work by local writers, check back for the collected anthology showcasing the top three contestants in each category. Take a look at last year’s anthology in the meantime!
Supplies for this Take and Make, for ages 5-12, will be available at no cost at area PPLD libraries beginning Friday, June 9, 2023.
Supplies and Directions:
Lemonade Slushies are a great way to beat the summer heat! There’s little to no mess. They’re fun for all ages. And you get slushy goodness!
Supplies:
Materials provided: 1-gallon ziploc, 1-sandwich or quart ziploc, lemonade packet
Materials you provide: water, salt, ice, spoon, cup (optional), towel (optional)
Directions:
Place ice cubes and salt in the gallon sized ziploc bag. Start with 15-20 ice cubes and 1-2 tablespoons salt.
Mix HALF of a lemonade powder packet and 8 – 10 ounces of water in the smaller ziploc. Remove as much excess air as possible and seal the bag.
Place the bag with lemonade into the bag of ice and salt. Seal the large ziploc.
Shake or knead the bags for about 5 minutes until your lemonade has become a slushie. If the bags get too cold, wrap them in a towel.
Carefully remove the lemonade bag from the larger bag. You don’t want to get salt in your lemonade. Pour it into a cup to eat it or eat it right out of the bag.
Tips:
If it seems to be taking too long, add more salt and ice.
Other beverages also work, so experiment to find your favorite.
We want to wish our 16th Annual Teen Art Contest winners a huge congratulations!
These teen artists were chosen by their fellow teens and PPLD staff. They were honored at an award ceremony in March at East Library.
To enter our 17th Annual Teen Art Contest, watch out for the announcement coming in late 2023.
Best in Show
Averie P.
Vista Ridge High School
"The Treasure of Memories"
Watercolors, watercolor pencils, and metallic watercolor
High School – First Place
Adelyn L.
TCA College Pathways
"Words Come to Life"
3-D Sculpture
High School – Second Place
Dominick P.
Fountain Fort Carson High School
"A Newborn Star’s Trip Down Memory Lanes"
Digital Art
Middle School – First Place
Evie S.
Monument Academy
“Backroad History”
Acrylic paint on canvas
Middle School – Second Place
Natalie M.
Evangelical Christian Academy
“The Invisible”
Watercolors, colored pencils, and acrylic paint
Coordinator’s Choice – Middle School
Evey W.
Mountain Ridge Middle School
“Memories in Bronze”
Pencil, Pen, & Marker on Paper
Coordinator’s Choice – Middle School
Kendall L.
Horizon Middle School
“My Mind's Eye”
Acrylic on Canvas
Coordinator’s Choice – High School
Ryleigh S.
St. Mary's High School
“Day in the Woods”
Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) as we honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers with a portrait unveiling and appreciation reception.
The reception will be the grand unveiling of her portrait, painted by Kevin Johnson, at its permanent home at Library 21c. Register here.
Tue., June 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Peggy Shivers and the late Clarence Shivers created the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, which supports the Shivers African American Historical and Cultural Collection at PPLD. The fund creates educational and cultural opportunities for young people through scholarships and programming. It also provides opportunities for our community to celebrate culture, history, and the arts.
Outdoor concerts return to Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join us in Manitou Springs and Monument for sunshine and music all summer long. You’ll hear a variety of music, from pop folk and big band music, to bluegrass, and beyond.
Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series
Each concert from the Manitou Springs Lawn Concert Series takes place in front of the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library building, 701 Manitou Ave., located at the southwest corner of Manitou and Pawnee avenues. Wednesday nights from 6 – 7:30 p.m. June 6 – July 19. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be canceled.
- Wed., June 7 – Kicking off the series, enjoy the pop folk music of Edie Carey.
- Wed., June 14 – Enjoy the lovingly crafted music of Jeremy Facknitz for the second concert of the series.
- Wed., June 28 – The third concert features the sounds of Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band.
- Wed., July 5 – Catch music by The Mitguards during the fourth concert of the summer.
- Wed., July 12 – Crystal and the Curious will perform during the fifth concert.
- Wed., July 19 – The sixth concert will feature music from A Carpenter’s Daughter.
- Wed., Aug. 2 – Wrap up the summer fun with music from Academy Jazz Ensemble
Palmer Lake Library Village Green Concert Series
Celebrate summer with a live, three-concert series at the Palmer Lake Village Green! These concerts are no-cost, and everyone is welcome to attend. The Village Green and gazebo are located right next to the Palmer Lake Library, 66 Lower Glenway Street.
Keep an eye out for musician announcements later this summer!
Are you expecting and have so many questions? Join Pikes Peak Library District and Nurse-Family Partnership for a series of prenatal classes. Classes are every Wednesday at noon. Each week we will explore a different topic followed by a Q&A session.
*This is a six-week series. Register for the first session in the series to receive the Zoom link. The same link will be used for each session. Sessions will be recorded and sent to registrants.
Each session attended earns you an entry for a prize to be given away at the conclusion of the series. You can earn up to six entries!
Click here to register for the Virtual Prenatal Series!
- Wed., Feb. 7: Birth Plan, Labor & Delivery, and First Week
This session will cover birth plans and alternatives to medicines. We will discuss medications you may encounter in the hospital, the first week after birth, what happens in the hospital, and more! - Wed., Feb. 14: Postpartum: The first six weeks
Wonder what life will be like the first six weeks after your baby is born? At this session, we will discuss healing, rest, and mental health in postpartum. Learn about self-care during pregnancy and after the baby's arrival, so you can take care of yourself, too! - Wed., Feb. 21: Sleep and Purple Crying
Having trouble getting enough rest? Learn techniques to help you and your newborn rest. Discover what the Purple Crying Period is and tools you can use to help calm your baby. - Wed., Feb. 28: Breastfeeding
This session will cover breastfeeding how-to's, latching, support, education, and more! - Wed., March 6: Nutrition and Infant Feeding
Do you wonder what nutrition looks like during pregnancy and postpartum? We will discuss nutrition for mom and also look at infant feeding. Learn about Women Infant Children (WIC) and the resources it offers. - Wed., March 13: Building Your Baby’s Brain
This week learn about brain development and the five early literacy practices to begin at birth. A representative from Peak Vista's First Visitor home visitation program will also provide information and answer questions.
Classical Music Live for kids is coming to East Library on Wed., June 14 at 9:30 a.m.! Families with children ages 2 – 12 will enjoy live music and opportunities to learn about classical music from professionals. Colorado College Summer Music Festival Fellows, pre-professional musicians from around the world will perform classical music pieces from their current study. There will be time to ask questions and visit with the fellows.
The musicians will also give a preview of the free Children’s Concert, Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf, which will take place in the Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For kids ages 2 – 12 with their families.
The concerts at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 are free, but tickets are required. Visit their website to reserve tickets.
Pikes Peak Children's Museum Discount Day is cancelled
The Pikes Peak Children's Museum has let us know that they won't be able to be open on Fri., June 30 for the planned discount day. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Library card holders can enjoy discounted admission at several local attractions this summer thanks to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program. Grab your PPLD library card and take advantage of special discounted admission to several cultural attractions in the Pikes Peak region!
During Culture Pass Discount Days, between June 14 and August 4, library cardholders can visit a different Culture Pass partner for special discounted admission by simply showing their library card or card number.
Our mobile library will be at each Discount Days event in the morning. Join us for a special craft activity, a game, or story time. You can also sign up for a library card for discounted admission and check out materials while you’re there.
We are excited to team up with our Culture Pass partners so families can experience many of the great cultural attractions that are right in our backyard. With a new place to visit each week there’s something for everyone, and it can even count towards an activity for Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Weekly Culture Pass Discount Days Schedule
Be sure to check Culture Pass partner websites for hours of operation and to plan your visit.
| Date/Time | Location | Discount |
| Wed., June 14 | Rock Ledge Ranch | $4 admission |
| Fri., June 23 | Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College | FREE admission |
| Fri., June 30 | Cancelled – Pikes Peak Children’s Museum | 50% Off |
| Fri., July 7 | The Money Museum | FREE admission |
| Mon., July 10 | U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center | $8 admission |
| Wed., July 19 | Space Foundation Discovery Center | 50% Off |
| Wed., July 26 | ProRodeo Hall of Fame | 50% Off |
| Fri., Aug. 4 | U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum | 50% Off |
The Culture Pass Program recently added two new local attractions, the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum and US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and now offers 10 local attractions in El Paso County and Denver for library cardholders to visit by checking out a no-cost pass. Learn more and get started at ppld.org/culturepass.
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!
Programs
- Hand fans for Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Library by picking up a hand fan to keep you cool and commemorate this celebratory American holiday. - Juneteenth Family Storytime
Sat., June 17 from 2pm – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library - Take and Make: Juneteenth Recipe Postcards
Celebrate Juneteenth by picking up recipe cards at your favorite PPLD location! Recipes come from books in our collection and from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). - Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild Trunk Show
Join the Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild for an informative program on the traditions of African American quilting. Registration required. Intended for ages 18+. – Sat., June 24 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Penrose Library
Booklists
Resources
- Basic Search - Gale In Context: U.S. History
Use the search word “Juneteenth” to explore the history of this holiday. - Basic Search: EBSCOhost (available for in-library use, or sign in with your library card if the card number starts with a 4)
Use the search word “Juneteenth” to find articles about Juneteenth. - 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) recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Month in June. Join us in celebrating individuality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Pikes Peak region with programming and resources on this page. Explore booklists, LGBTQIA+ history, Library programming, and more.
Programs
- Pride Flag Painting
Show your LGBTQIA+ Pride! During this program you will paint a flag of Colorado with your choice of Pride flag colors on a canvas board. We'll include images of Pride flags you can reference! - Rainbow Storytime
Join us in celebrating inclusion, diversity, and positivity at this interactive storytime for Pride Month. All ages are welcome; stories are geared towards preschool-aged children and older. Registration required.- Thu., June 8 from 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Library 21c
- Fri., June 9 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Ruth Holley Library
- Sat., June 10 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Manitou Springs Library
- Mon., June 12 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Monument Library
- Fri., June 16 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
- Sat., June 24 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library
- Sat., June 24 from 11 a.m. - noon – East Library
- Fri., June 30 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
- Patrons of Influence: El Paso County’s Diverse Voices
The Library and Citizen-Powered Media celebrate local leaders who are providing positive influences in the areas of culture, business, and leadership in El Paso County. Panelists will discuss their shared interest and experiences on how organizations and communities are strengthened by diverse voices.
There will be a Question and Answer session following the panel discussion.
This is an in-person event. Registration is not required but strongly recommended. There is a Livestream option for this event (registration required).
Virtual Teen Programs
- Teen Tech: Ziggy Stardust 3D Designed Earrings - Learn basic 3D modeling and celebrate bisexual icon David Bowie with a 3D-modeled Ziggy Stardust earring.
- Teens Read: Books for Pride
Discover books centered around Pride in this video.
Booklists
Regional History and Genealogy Resources
-
The Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival Records (archival collection MSS 0342)
Colorado Springs has a fascinating and often tumultuous history with the LGBTQIA+ community. When the Lavender Film Festival began in 2000, it was the only LGBTQIA+ film festival in the state of Colorado. The material in this collection provides valuable insight into this groundbreaking event.
The collection includes VHS tapes and DVDs of the films shown at the festival. Newspaper clippings provide a glimpse at how the event was promoted and, in turn, viewed by the local community. The opening remarks of the event give us an understanding about why the organizers felt the festival would help bring awareness and educate people about LGBTQIA+ issues and filmmaking. Various budgets and meeting minutes provide a detailed look into the work involved in bringing this innovative event to the community.
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Colorado Springs Pride Center Records (archival collection MSS 0461)
The Colorado Springs Pride Center was one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States. Founded in 1978, the Center offered assistance and support programs to people across the Pikes Peak region. In 2014 alone, more than 8,400 people contacted the Center for help. Topics covered in this collection include – but are not limited to – Amendment 2, marriage, hate crimes, local news, and legal cases. News releases, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks show the highs and lows of what was happening in the community. This nonprofit organization served as a much-needed medium for marginalized voices in the Pikes Peak region.
Experience interesting research and knowledge about our local history at the 20th Annual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium. This year’s theme is Art, Artists, & Entertainers. Presenters, selected from proposals submitted by academics, researchers, and the general public, will explore the artists and entertainers that have left a rich legacy in the Pikes Peak region.
Artists and their creativity are at the heart of a region’s culture. The Pikes Peak region, with plentiful natural beauty, serves as a rich well of inspiration. Artists and entertainers are motivated by a variety of reasons: producing something beautiful, communicating a message, eliciting an emotional response, creating the reality they feel, or enjoying the creative process.
Film Festival and Symposium
Join us as we kick off this year’s Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium with a film festival featuring three short films that tell the story of local artists and their impact on the Pikes Peak Region.
Films include:
- "Boardman Robinson: The Teacher"
- "Henry A. Clausen: The Danish American Wonder”
- "Not Quite Hollywood: The Alexander Film Company’s 'Anatomy of a Psycho'”
Sat., May 20 from 11 a.m. - noon – Penrose Library
In-person Symposium
Explore the history of our region’s creative heart through these live presentations. The in-person portion of this year’s Regional History Symposium will be at East Library, and a question and answer session will follow.
Sat., June 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m – East Library
Virtual Symposium
Part of this year’s symposium will be presented in a live virtual session. Learn about the Colorado Springs Civic Players, the Jaz Age in Colorado, and historic jewelers.
Mon., June 12 at 7 p.m. – online
Registration is required for the virtual presentation. A Zoom link will be sent to you once you register.
Supplies for this Take and Make will be available at area PPLD libraries beginning May 12, 2023.
Materials and Directions:
Use the provided paper or your own supplies to draw a shape to race around on your magnet track. You might choose a vehicle (car, truck, train, boat, etc.), an animal (cow, fish, turtle, dog, etc.), or something entirely different. It should be small enough to go on your paper plate (less than 2 inches). Attach a magnet to the back using double-sided tape or a glue dot.
Use your own markers, crayons, or colored pencils to create a course on your race track.
Use double-sided tape or a glue to to attach a magnet to the end of your craft stick. Before you glue, you need to make sure that the magnet on the car and the magnet on the stick attract rather than repel each other. If they repel each other, turn the magnet for the stick over before attaching.
Test your track! Set your shape (vehicle, animal, or other) on your track. Use the magnet on the craft stick under the plate to move and race the car.
Have fun!
Find the tutorial video at https://ppld.librarymarket.com/virtual-kidsmake-magnetic-race-tracks
May 31- July 31, 2024
Read and explore all summer and earn prizes! More information on our 2024 Summer Adventure program will be coming soon.
Right now, we are looking for teen volunteers for Summer Adventure!
Be in the know: Sign up!
Receive a reminder email at the start of Summer Adventure and throughout June and July for summer programs, activities, and more. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Enter to win 4 FREE tickets to the COS Switchbacks game at Weidner Field on Fri., June 2.
Join us in our special PPLD Night section as we cheer on the home team. Meet Switchbacks mascot Ziggy and get the kiddos their very own limited edition library card featuring Switchbacks mascot Ziggy!
Winners will be notified by email. Your tickets should be sent to you from SeatGeek by May 25 so be on the lookout for electronic tickets in your inbox (or spam folder).
The Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has selected the 2023 recipients of the Frank Waters Award and the Golden Quill Award. These literary awards will be presented at a luncheon on Sat., June 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. The luncheon is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the Friends of the PPLD website.
The 2023 Frank Waters Award will be presented to a husband-and-wife duo who have authored dozens of books together, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. The award recognizes excellence in writing that explores the spirit of the West through people, culture, and landscape.
Author Barbara Nickless, known for writing best-selling crime novels, will be presented with the 2023 Golden Quill Award. This literary award honors local authors who exhibit excellence in writing and storytelling.
For the first time, the Friends will also give the Best Friend Award to music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers, who has been a longtime, dedicated supporter of the Library District, including donating a large collection of books by Black authors and about Black history to its collection.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends, which supports Library programming and needs.
Celebrate Colorado authors with Pikes Peak Library District at the 17th Annual Mountain of Authors program! This annual event is a great opportunity to explore the world of publishing and writing and also to get familiar with Colorado authors to add to your reading list. Meet local authors at the author showcase and take part in opportunities for book signings and purchases. You will also hear from keynote speaker Alan Prendergast, author of Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan.
Sat., May 6 from noon – 4:30 p.m. at Library 21c
Schedule
- Noon - Doors open and Local Author Showcase begins
- 1 p.m. - Panel Presentation featuring Patricia Raybon, Marc Cameron, and Randi Samuelson-Brown
- 2 p.m. - Local Author Showcase
- 3 p.m. - Keynote Address by Alan Prendergast, followed by Audience Q&A
- 4 p.m. - Book signing and Local Author Showcase
For more information, as well as bios about presenters, visit the event page.