What's New!

Your library card gives you access to a world of possibilities at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). In addition to a wide selection of physical and digital items you can check out, you also have access to a variety of online resources and databases. This month, take a closer look at Mango Languages and CustomGuide.

You will need a library card that starts with a 4 to access some of the resources on this page outside of a Library location.

Mango Languages

If you plan to travel out of country, are studying a language on your own or as a class, or want stronger English language skills, give yourself a boost with lessons from Mango Languages. This handy tool offers a selection of 70 languages to choose from, including English as a Second Language options for speakers of 21 different languages.

Work your way through micro lessons where you can hear and practice new vocabulary and grammar patterns. Lessons also include notes on grammar and culture in between vocabulary exercises to help you learn your new language.

With daily reviews, lesson recaps, and reading and listening challenges, this platform is designed to help you retain more of what you learn.

CustomGuide

Choose from a wide selection of online courses to help you further develop your professional skills. CustomGuide (formerly Learn on Demand) takes a more active approach to your skills development through interactive lessons instead of training videos for stronger learning results. 

• If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account to get started. From there, you can complete short online courses related to:
• Business Skills (accounts and financing, communication, and professional development)
• Career Development (job hunting, personal branding, career coaching, and more)
• Compliance & Safety (drugs and alcohol, Human Resources compliance, cybersecurity, and more)
• Customer Service  
• Diversity & Inclusion (bias awareness, diversity basics, and diversity leadership)
• Google (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Meet, and more)
• Human Resources
• Leadership & Management  
• Microsoft (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and more)
• Sales & Marketing
• Technology (computer basics, Mac, and software)
• Training (authoring software, instructional design, and training trainers)
• Wellness (mental health, personal growth, work-life balance, and more)

Before you start a course, you can view how long it will take to complete. Do not be put off if it says it will take an hour or more to finish. Each course is broken down into a series of short lessons that you can start and stop at any time. Do a quick lesson while you wait for your toast to pop up in the morning or any time you find a few minutes of downtime.

When you click on a course, you will see a preview of what you will learn in each lesson. Each has a pre-assessment where you can test yourself on what you already know, an interactive lesson, and a post-assessment for you to test what you learned. With no time limits and the flexibility to start and stop whenever you want, you will learn at your own pace. 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to bring you Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Join us and hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to decluttering your home. Whether you are an avid or occasional reader, there is nothing quite like listening to insightful talks by authors you have read or new ones you are just discovering. You never know what will catch your interest. Attend these events at no cost from the comfort of home. 

In December’s lineup, join us on Wed., Dec. 4 at noon for a dazzling conversation about the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with its emeritus curator Dr. Jeffrey Post. In Post’s book, The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels, he brings to life the incredible stories behind this extensive gem collection. The Smithsonian’s Unearthed series explores the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world's greatest gems. Register for the access link.

For the last Virtual Author Visit in December, you’re invited to join us on Wed., Dec. 11 at noon and hear from #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave. With her trademark combination of soulful suspense and evocative family drama, her new book, The Night We Lost Him, is a riveting page-turner. Register now to learn about this book and so much more! Register for the access link.

Learn more and see upcoming authors on our Virtual Author Visits page or check out past Virtual Author Visits here! 

More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits

• Wed., Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.: The Magic of Found Family: In Conversation with Author TJ Klune
• Thu., Jan. 23 at noon: Notes on Modern Irrationality with Bestselling Author Amanda Montell
• Tue., Jan. 28 at 11 a.m.: An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent: A Conversation with Seth Fishman 

Due to roof repairs initiated by the property manager at Ruth Holley Library, Pikes Peak Library District has decided to temporarily close that location starting Mon., Dec. 2. Roof repairs will take approximately one week depending on weather conditions, including snow and temperatures below 25 degrees. Please stay tuned to ppld.org for more information. 

Any holds still on the Ruth Holley Library hold shelf at closing on Sat., Nov 30 will be given extensions, allowing seven days for pickup once the Library reopens. 

The outside book drop will also be closed at 6 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 30 and library users will not be able to return materials during the closure. Ruth Holley Library checkouts that are due during the closure will have their due dates extended through the reopening of the Library.  

Library staff will contact meeting room and study room reservation holders to relocate or reschedule reservations. 

The Library apologizes for any inconveniences during this time and appreciates your cooperation and understanding while much-needed repairs to our roof are completed. 

Library users are encouraged to use this opportunity to visit and explore other Library locations while this project is completed. Sand Creek Library, located at 1821 South Academy Blvd, is only 10 minutes away.