What's New!

Published on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024

In preparation for its early 2025 move back to its original location, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will close Manitou Springs Library on Fri., Nov. 1.

Manitou Springs Library moved to its current location in March 2021, after vacating the Carnegie Library building it inhabited due to ADA compliance issues with the historic building. Since then, the Library has been colocated with the Manitou Art Center (MAC).  

Over the last three years the City of Manitou Springs and a dedicated local task force have worked diligently to raise the money needed to update the Carnegie Library to comply with today’s accessibility requirements. Funding included support from the Library District and led to the city breaking ground on the renovation project in January 2024. The project is currently expected to be completed in November 2024. 

• Library users with items checked out at Manitou Springs Library can check for extended due dates through My Account or by calling (719) 531-6333 and selecting 0 for staff assistance.
• The book drop will be closed at 5 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 1 and Library users will not be able to return materials to Manitou Springs Library during the closure. 
• All holds designated for pickup at Manitou Springs Library will be suspended beginning Wed., Oct. 23 and will remain suspended until the Library reopens. Library users can select a different pick-up location and unsuspend holds through My Account or by calling (719) 531-6333 and selecting 0 for staff assistance. 
• Makerspace equipment will no longer be available at Manitou Springs Library after Thu., Oct. 31. Equipment is available for reservation at our three makerspace locations. 
• Library users will have access to the Manitou Art Center with their PPLD library card until Fri., Nov. 15.
  Please contact the Manitou Art Center for information on membership opportunities.

PPLD will vacate the shared space with the MAC in mid-November. While the Library District’s partnership with the MAC is ending, PPLD is grateful the partnership allowed us to continue to serve the community while the Carnegie building was being renovated to be accessible to all.  

The Library District and the City of Manitou Springs are working closely together to organize grand opening activities in January 2025 to celebrate its return to the Library’s historic home in the community. 

Library users are encouraged to use this opportunity to visit and explore other Library locations while this relocation is completed. 

Manitou Springs Library has Relocated

Published on Sun., Feb. 21, 2021

Uniting Manitou Springs’ library and art center to enrich community

The community of Manitou Springs now can find art, literature, creative studios, meeting spaces, and the vast resources and services of the public library all one place! Thanks to a new co-location partnership, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has relocated Manitou Springs Library to the Manitou Art Center (MAC). Building upon a decade of trust and cooperation, PPLD and the MAC transformed the historic building at 515 Manitou Avenue to become a shared space that extends more benefits to local artists, Library cardholders, and the greater community. PPLD can offer more than traditional library resources and services – and in a way that’s accessible – to all in Manitou Springs. The MAC will join us in welcoming more residents to learn, connect, create, and tinker with their already extensive offering of equipment and creative spaces. Manitou Springs Library officially opened inside of the MAC on Fri., March 5, 2021. Patrons can now safely browse the collection, speak with a librarian, book a computer session, or use the fax, scan, and copier machine. Curbside services are also available at the new co-location.

Get your limited-edition library card while supplies last!

Congratulations to artist Susan Odiam of Manitou Springs! Her original creation will be featured on our limited-edition card to celebrate the relocation of Manitou Springs Library to the MAC.

“We’re thrilled to pair our physical collection and other library services with an organization so focused on serving residents of Manitou Springs,” said PPLD Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears. “Their facilities will immeasurably enhance what we can provide to the local community.” 
As the shared spaces expand in the future, Manitou Springs Library and the MAC will offer broader access to on-site meeting rooms, computer labs, makerspaces, art studios, and workforce development opportunities. The new co-location partners look forward to a future with more synergy, right in the heart of Manitou Springs, to support people’s aspirations, foster creativity and innovation, and boost prosperity. 
“We’re excited to see what other long-term benefits arise from this venture, like increasing access to the MAC and expanding PPLD opportunities in Manitou Springs,” said MAC Executive Director Natalie Johnson. “We will leverage each other’s strengths of service.” 
PPLD’s departure from the historic Carnegie building provides the City of Manitou Springs with necessary time to plan for its future, while still allowing the Library to adequately serve the public right now. PPLD’s leadership welcomes the opportunity to work with the City and return to the historic Carnegie building – if an expansion or facility improvements allow the Library to serve residents of all abilities, and everyone also has the opportunity to take advantage of other common services across El Paso County like access to meeting and study rooms, makerspaces, and more. 
In the meantime, PPLD and the MAC looks forward to a strong co-location partnership so both can best serve the community now and into the foreseeable future. It’s beneficial for PPLD cardholders, MAC members, local artists, community partners, taxpayers, and the local economy. 
“This is what can happen when we unite to find ways to better serve our community regardless of the circumstances,” shared Andy Vick, Executive Director for the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. “I applaud Pikes Peak Library District and the Manitou Art Center for their collaboration, and I hope other organizations are inspired to move beyond traditional community partnerships and consider embracing the shared-space model that capitalizes on existing resources and plays to each other’s strengths.” 
“Such alliances can lead to more people and businesses flourishing, which is what we need to strengthen the fabric of our communities for years to come.”

PPLD Board of Trustees Votes to Not Renew Rockrimmon Library Lease

Published on Thu., Oct. 17, 2024

After months of contemplation and examination, it was with great difficulty that the PPLD Board of Trustees came to the decision at our monthly board meeting on Wed., Oct. 16, to close Rockrimmon Library. Click to read more.

 

 

PPLD Board of Trustees to discuss Facilities Master Plan during Internal Affairs Committee meeting

You can see the final Facilities Master Plan here

Published on Thu., Oct. 3, 2024; Updated on Wed., Oct. 9, 2024

The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Board of Trustees announced today that it has received the final version of its Facilities Master Plan (FMP) from its consultants which include HB&A, an award-winning architectural and planning firm; ReThinking Libraries, with more than a decade of experience helping hundreds of libraries across the country with community engagement, strategic planning, and future-readiness; and Farnsworth Group, a century-old engineering and architectural firm. PPLD contracted with these organizations in the summer of 2023 to evaluate the Library District’s current operations and the community’s needs. The goal is to improve PPLD's offerings to the El Paso County community and to plan for a sustainable future for the Library District.

The trustees’ next steps include reviewing the report and its recommendations and then determining how they will proceed based on the results.

During its October monthly meeting, the Board’s Internal Affairs Committee will review the findings and recommendations. This meeting will take place on Tue., Oct. 8 at 8 a.m. at East Library. The meeting is open to the public. The committee will then bring its recommendations to an upcoming monthly Board meeting for discussion by the entire Board.

*Updated on Wed., Oct. 9, 2024: During its October monthly meeting, the Board’s Internal Affairs Committee met and reviewed the findings and recommendations. This meeting took place on Tue., Oct. 8 at 8 a.m. at East Library. The meeting was open to the public. The committee will then bring its recommendations to an upcoming monthly Board meeting for discussion by the entire Board.

Facilities Master Plan Preliminary Findings

Published on Mon., July 8, 2024

As part of Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Facilities Master Plan, we have been working with a consultant since summer 2023 to evaluate PPLD’s current operations and community needs. The goal is to improve PPLD's offerings to its community and to plan for a sustainable future for the Library District.

During the June 19, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting, our consultant presented their preliminary findings based on extensive data collected through multiple means of data collection, including public input through a series of public input sessions, visual dot-board meetings at outreach and Library events, a Community Survey, and input sessions with community leaders. Various options were presented by the consultants, including select branch closures, service hours adjustments, self-service options, and seeking voter approved funding increases. No decisions are being made on any of the recommendations presented at this time.

When the final Facilities Master Plan report is ready, the Board will assemble a committee to discuss the findings and recommendations. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) supports a diverse community throughout El Paso County, and we strive to be good stewards of Library resources to provide the best resources and services to our community as we can.

The following three recommendations were presented to the Board based on different levels of funding:
 

Option 1 - Level Funding: Maintain current funding levels without change. Operational and capital funding stays at $51 per capita. Average household impact is about $134 per year.

Short-Term:

• Adjust service hours across Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain libraries
• Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries and reduce hours once adoption has occurred
• Close Rockrimmon Library at end of lease or after a short extension
• Close Ruth Holley Library at end of lease or after a short extension 

Mid-Term:

• Add materials pickup lockers  
• Open a new location along the Powers corridor
• Expand High Prairie Library location (15,000 square feet)

Long-Term:

• Shift Monument Library to a new and larger owned location
• Light renovations to East Library
• Upgrades to Sand Creek Library 

Option 2 - Modest Increase: Increase funding to bring PPLD halfway up to the Colorado average. Operational and capital funding would increase to $61 per capita. Average household impact would be $161 per year.

Short-Term:

• Adjust service hours across Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain libraries
• Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries
• Seek voter approval on funding increase
• Add materials pickup lockers

Mid-Term:

• Shift Ruth Holley Library to a new Powers corridor location  
• Expand the High Prairie Library location (15,000 - 20,000 square feet)
• Upgrades to Sand Creek Library

Long-Term:

• Shift Monument Library to a new and slightly larger owned location
• Fuller renovation to East Library
• Shift Rockrimmon Library to an owned location

Option 3 - Higher Level Increase to match the Colorado average funding level. Operational and capital funding would increase to $74 per capita. Average household impact would be $195 per year.

Short-Term:

• Pilot unstaffed controlled access to Calhan, Palmer Lake, or Ute Pass libraries
• Seek voter approval on funding increase
• Add materials pickup lockers

Mid-Term:

• Add new Powers Corridor outlet
• Expand High Prairie Library location (20,000 SF)
• Shift Monument Library to a new and larger owned location

Long-Term:

• Full renovation to East Library
• Shift Rockrimmon Library to an owned location
• Shift Cheyenne Mountain Library to an owned location

You can view the presentation of the preliminary report at youtube.com/watch?v=qDWR6NHrBfI and skip to timestamp 29:13. 

Learn about heritage and culture this October with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). On this page, discover resources, web links, and booklists for some of the nationally recognized holidays and heritage months. Explore National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) commemorates the contributions people with disabilities have made to workplaces and to the U.S. economy. Below, PPLD has compiled a list of books, resources, and websites with more information.

Booklist 

• The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better, by Tom D’Eri
• The Disability Experience: Working Toward Belonging, by Hannalora Leavitt and Belle Wuthrich

PPLD Resources

Disability Resources Guide
In this guide, find information about Assistive Technology at PPLD, along with books, websites, and local resources on disabilities.

Intelligent Lives, film on Kanopy
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.

Websites 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
From the Office of Disability Employment Policy, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, this website contains information on NDEAM, including resources for employers, key messages for the month, and 31 activities to commemorate NDEAM throughout October. 

The Campaign for Disability Employment
Learn ways that you and your organization can recognize National Disability Awareness Month, from the Campaign for Disability Employment.

The American Association of People with Disabilities 
The American Association of People with Disabilities works to increase the political and economic power of disabled people.

Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR provides services which can include vocational guidance and counseling, short- or long-term training, job seeking skills, job development and coaching, assistive technology, and accommodations.

The Independence Center
The Independence Center provides information, resources, and support for disabled people to live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life accessibly.

Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center – Accessibility to Services
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. They help residents of El Paso & Teller counties with career transition, whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or employed.

Rocky Mountain ADA Center
The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations in our region. 
 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Colorado Springs resides on land inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Tribes. Artifacts found at Garden of the Gods, one of Colorado Springs’ most beautiful natural attractions, date back an astonishing 3,500 years. The following resources can be used to learn more about the original inhabitants of Colorado and other lands.

Booklist 

• Overdrive/Libby: Indigenous Peoples
• Warrior Artists: Historic Cheyenne and Kiowa Indian Ledger Art, by Herman J. Viola, Zotum Making Medicine, George P. Horse Capture, and Joseph D. Horse Capture.
• Halfbreed: the Remarkable True Story of George Bent, by David Fridtjof and Andrew Edward Masich
• Red twilight : the last free days of the Ute Indians, by Val FitzPatrick
• God is Red, by Vine Deloria
• Playing Indian, by Philip J. Deloria

PPLD Resources

Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location.)
Provides detailed studies of tribes from all over the United States and Canada, including small tribes and some that no longer exist. Gives detailed yet accessible information on history, religion, art, government, economy, daily life, and current social and political issues. 

Explore the Digital Collections 
Discover a wealth of historic photos and news articles from around the Pikes Peak region. A few possible search terms include Ute, Chipeta, Native American, American Indian, Severo, Sioux, and Chief Ouray.

Films on Kanopy

Use your library card to log into Kanopy and watch these films, or search “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” for more content:

• Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic
• Koneline: Our Land Beautiful

Websites

History Colorado – Native American History & Heritage
History Colorado documents and shares the living history of Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited this state. 

United Nations - International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Explore information from the United Nations about the world’s Indigenous populations and the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. 

National Museum of the American Indian
Discover online resources, collections, and exhibits from the National Museum of the American Indian. 

Library of Congress - Living Nations, Living Words: A Guide for Educators
This guide from the Library of Congress offers teachers and other educators’ ideas for using U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's signature project, "Living Nations, Living Words," in the classroom. 

National Park Service – Mesa Verde
Learn about Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site in Colorado where the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Pueblo people still stand.

National Park Service – Alaska Native Cultures
Find out about Alaska Native culture through stories, photos, history, and information.

Museum of Indigenous People
Explore an online gallery of photos and videos showcasing the arts and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.