What's New!

Supplies:

  • Packing tape (or clear contact paper)
  • Scissors
  • Masking or painter's tape
  • Markers or something to write with
  • Paper
  • A postage stamp
  • Decoration options: old greeting cards, confetti, easter grass, buttons, glitter, hole punches, pictures cute out of old magazines, newspaper or book pages, beads, stickers, yarn, any small, mostly flat craft materials you happen to have

Directions:

  1. Lay out three strips of packing tape face up. Carefully overlap the pieces to create a sticky sheet.
  2. Use masking tape to attach your packing tape sheet to the table so you have a good work area.
  3. Cut a piece of paper and on one side write the name and address of the recipient, on the other write a note or draw a picture.
  4. Decorate!
  5. Add your stamp to the upper left hand corner.
  6. Use three more pieces of packing tape to cover your entire work area.
  7. Peel your postcard off the table and trim off the masking tape, cutting your postcard into the shape you want.
  8. Drop it in the mailbox and send it to your loved one!

Watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHJFlwzeHkU&t=13s

Supplies:

  • Uncooked eggs
  • Clear drinking glass or plastic cup
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Food Coloring
  • Spoon
  • Bowl of water
  • Tray to hold your experiment (optional)

Directions:

  1. Carefully place an uncooked egg in a clear glass or plastic cup.
  2. Pour enough vinegar into the cup to completely cover the egg.
  3. Add some generous drops of food coloring and stir gently. If you want a rainbow of colors, prepare a few more cups.
  4. Now it’s time to WAIT! Observe your eggs each day. The vinegar will slowly dissolve the eggshell over 2-3 days. You’ll see the liquid bubbling as this happens.
  5. After 3-5 days, remove the eggs from the vinegar, and place them in a bowl of water. Gently rub away any remaining bubbly shell residue to reveal the membrane that lies just below it.
  6. You can gently bounce your eggs! The eggs will be rubbery and bouncy but they are still raw on the inside. Bounce and press it to test just how rubbery it is … and beware, it may break! If it does, you can see what it looks like inside.

Watch this project at : https://youtu.be/CO9ay4euXVg

Parents and Educators! Do you know what resources are available to you on PPLD Kids? Go to this link to do the scavenger hunt: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSIwSqDMcJFisY9TsiEO47000SMFs…

Pikes Peak Library District staff has shown dedication to the Library’s mission and tireless efforts to serve the community in many ways. We will continue to explore how PPLD can help people and organizations across the Pikes Peak region—well beyond our Library resources and services. Here are some ways that the Library has responded to community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • We donated 400 surgical masks and 6,000 gloves to the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management.


  • A makerspace at Library 21c was used for training on 3D printers to make face shields

  • Our team loaned out 3D printers to support Colorado’s Make4Covid initiative, which connects “makers” with equipment to produce protective gear for local healthcare workers.

  • We’re partnering with school districts and local businesses to provide individuals with reading material while they pickup food and beverages. (Thank you to the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District for making this possible!)

  • Sand Creek Library serves a donation site for the Southeast Supply Drive, helping collect common household items needed by individuals and families in the area.

  • Community partners are borrowing PPLD laptops and hotspots, so more residents can apply for unemployment and other benefits, as well as search for jobs.


  • PPLD Facilities staff installs water stations at Penrose Library

  • Penrose Library has made drinking water available outside of their building, so anyone can fill containers whenever needed. (Thanks to Olson Plumbing & Heating, Rampart Supply, and Colorado Sheet Metal for donating the supplies!)

  • We provided books, DVDs, and laptops to the City Auditorium’s isolation shelter, setup for those experiencing homelessness who have symptoms of COVID-19.

No matter the circumstances, we remain steadfast in providing Library resources and services that impact lives and build community across El Paso County. Thank you for entrusting us to be responsive to community needs and serve residents in new ways and virtual spaces, now and into the future.

Supplies:

  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pencil (optional)
  • Button or foil (used gum wrapper works well)
  • Six different colors of construction paper or different color paper ads

Directions:

  1. Pick a color of paper and cut a small circle (about 2" diameter). You may also draw a circle first with your pencil and then cut it out.
  2. Take the first circle and place it on another color. Holding the first circle, or glue it down with a small dab of glue, cut around the first circle, just a bit bigger (1/2" bigger for example). Repeat this process using four more different colors.
  3. Before you fully glue your circles together, decide whether you want to cut fringe around the circle by cutting small slits around the circle's edge.
  4. Arrange your circles on top of each other, small to large. Finish your flower by gluing a button to the middle of the flower or even a recycled foil (gum wrapper) circle.
  5. For the stem, cut a thin strip of green construction paper or recycled greenish paper. Cut a leaf or two and glue to the stem.

Watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aNRHsAWI0U&list=PLMEg2Dd0dSFctLfDQxsL5…

Supplies:

  • Epsom salt
  • Hot water
  • Jar
  • Measuring cup
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Spoon
  • Bowl or cup for mixing
  • Sand or small pebbles

Directions:

  1. You will need equal parts salt and water, you can decide how much based on the size of your jar. Measure out the salt and add it to your jar.
  2. Measure out the same amount of water and add to your mixing bowl or cup. If you are adding food coloring, put a few drops in the water and mix with your spoon.
  3. Pour colored water into jar with salt.
  4. Mix for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add a tiny bit of sand or a pebble or two for the crystals to grow on.
  6. Put your jar in the fridge or, to jump start the process, put it in the freezer for 10 minutes before moving it into the fridge over night.
  7. Pour out the solution to reveal your crystals!

Watch this project at: https://youtu.be/e-OZVxuchkU

Presenting strategies for dealing with anxiety, tools for emotional awareness, themes of encouragement, hope, and love, these books, available in electronic formats, provide comfort during tough times.
Need help accessing electronic materials? Go to PPLD’s eLibrary to get started.
Click on link below to see booklist:

Supplies:

  • Paper towel, wrapping paper, or toilet paper roll
  • Paper to cover tube (optional) – Can use construction paper, brown bags, or wrapping paper
  • Markers and/or crayons
  • Elmer’s Glue or glue stick
  • Scissors (Adult supervision needed.)
  • Hole punch (You can use scissors if you don’t have a hole punch.)
  • Scotch tape
  • String, yarn, or ribbon
  • Pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, pencils, or rulers for marionette handle
  • Miscellaneous items around the house (twist ties, buttons, etc.) to use for decorating

Directions:

  1. If you are using a paper towel roll, cut it in half.
  2. Take the half tube and cut it again about ¾ of the way down. The smaller part will be the head.
  3. Decorate the tube using paper, colors, paint, and/or stickers.
  4. Starting with the longer part of the tube, have an adult cut or punch holes on one side for legs. Cut/punch holes for the number of legs your creature will have. It can have as many or as few legs as you want.
  5. Make legs for your creature, using items around your house (twist ties, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc.). Once the legs are inserted in the holes, tape them in place.
  6. Create the head (small piece of paper towel tube). Add whatever details you want.
  7. Now you are ready to connect the head to the body. Punch or cut two holes on the opposite side of the legs. Then punch or cut two holes on the small tube – one on top and one directly underneath it.
  8. Cut 2 pieces of yarn, string, or ribbon the same length – at least 18 inches. Tie one piece of yarn to the front and one to the back of the long tube. Secure inside with a knot and tape.
  9. Take the yarn on the front side and slide the head on it. Make a knot inside the small tube to secure the head in place.
  10. To make the marionette cross bar, take to pencils (or rulers or craft sticks) and cross them to make an “X”. Tie the two pencils together using pipe cleaners, twist ties, or tape.
  11. Add the two strings attached to the puppet across from each other on one pencil. Secure with tape.
  12. Put on a play with your puppet and entertain your family!

Pikes Peak Library District is here to help you! We can answer your questions in-person at one of our library locations or by phone and email!

  • Give us a call!
    Speak with a reference librarian by calling (719) 531-6333, option 3. This phone service is available during the following days and hours:
    • Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Closed Sunday.
  • Send an email!
    Use our online “contact us” form, to submit your inquiry. Then, a PPLD team member will follow-up via email soon.
  • Book a Librarian!
    Can’t find the information you need? Have a research project? We’re here to help! Professional librarians are available to meet one-on-one to assist with research questions.

Supplies:

  • Half a cardboard egg carton
  • Scrap pieces of newspaper or other paper
  • Tape: masking tape, or painter's tape, or scotch tape
  • 7 rubber bands
  • Plastic spoon
  • Pompoms or cotton balls or mini marshmallows
  • Various clean containers

Directions:

  1. Stuff each section of the egg carton with balled up newspaper.
  2. Close the lid and secure with 2 rubber bands, placed around the body of the carton.
  3. Wrap 2 more rubber bands horizontally around the carton, just below where the lid closes.
  4. Tape a rubber band to the handle of the spoon by attaching a long piece of tape to one side of the handle and inserting a rubber band before attaching the tape to the back of the spoon.
  5. Tuck the handle of the spoon under the rubber bands that were attached horizontally around the carton. The scoop part of the spoon should be facing away from the egg carton.
  6. Stretch the rubber band that's attached to the spoon up and over the spoon and around the back of the carton.
  7. Wrap 2 more rubber bands around the body of the carton so there are 4 rubber bands around the carton helping to keep it closed.
  8. Place a cotton ball in the spoon and shoot!. Place clean containers where you can aim your cotton ball.

To watch the project, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4o4eC5E_Qs

Supplies:

  • Empty tissue box
  • White scrap paper
  • Markers
  • Glue
  • Old catalogues or magazines
  • Colorful paper (wrapping, scrap booking, or construction paper work well)

Directions:

  1. Decorate your tissue box with markers or colorful paper. Stickers can also be fun!
  2. Cut your white scrap paper into 2 or 3 inch squares to make little cards.
  3. Draw one person, place, or thing on one side of each card. Leave the other side blank. You can also choose to cut out images from old catalogs and magazines and glue them to the cards.
  4. Place all finished cards (once they are dry) inside your decorated box.
  5. To play, draw three cards from the box and use them to tell a story. Play with others by taking turns drawing a card from the box and adding to a group story.

Watch the project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwflHOAeCSo

Supplies:

  • Ruler (12" or 18" or 36") or measuring tape
  • Yarn or string
  • Scissor
  • A stuffed animal or your pet

Directions:

  1. Measure, as best you can, your pet or stuffed animal and determine its length in inches.
  2. After you know how many inches, cut a piece of string or yarn the same length.
  3. Take this piece of string and measure items around your house. How many cats (or hamsters or dogs, etc.) long is your kitchen? Your table? Your bed?

Please leave a comment below, tell us what you used to measure items around your house.

You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCU1Ks8mBf0

Updated July 1, 2021

Enjoy our entertaining and educational programs from home! We offer a variety of virtual services and programs for people of ages and interests. Plus, you can use the Library remotely in other ways, anywhere and anytime, and connect with a librarian by phone, live chat, or email! Visit our virtual calendar of events for all scheduled programs and activities. Can’t participate live? No worries! Many of the videos are featured on our YouTube channel and playlists, so you can watch whenever it’s convenient for you. Here’s a handy overview of some virtual opportunities that our team created for you to experience:

FOR EVERYONE:

  • Live Virtual Programs From homeschool programs to tours of local institutions, PPLD has you covered.
  • Take and Make Library Crafts Missing your Library's programs? Exhausted your home crafting ideas? PPLD has you covered! Presenting.. Take and Make programs! Your Library will now have crafts available to TAKE home and either follow a virtual class or included instructions to MAKE! Kits are available for all ages.

 


 

 

FOR ADULTS:

  • Virtual Yoga Local instructor Svetlana Nudelman guides practitioners through beginner and intermediate-level yoga poses.
  • Virtual Book Club
  • Genealogy with PPLD Are you interested in learning more about how PPLD can support your genealogical research? Learn research strategies including getting started, organizing research, selecting and searching for records, and more!

FOR TEENS:

Click here to see all teen virtual programming.

Teens programs are available for viewing anytime on the PPLDTV YouTube Channel.


 

Family & Children's Services Virtual Programs

Videos are available for viewing anytime on the PPLDTV YouTube channel.

  • Baby Time Children’s Staff from around the district invite babies from 0 - 12 months, with a favorite adult, to enjoy music, rhymes, and a book together!
  • Children's Performers Performers can be viewed anytime on PPLDTV!
  • Homeschool Programs Whether you've been homeschooling for years or are just getting started with eLearning, our homeschool programs are here to help!
  • KidsMake Children’s staff from around the district lead an art or make project for kids ages 5 - 12.
  • STEM Children’s staff from around the district lead a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based project for kids ages 5 - 12.
  • Storytime Children’s Staff from around the district invite you to join in a sing-along and then read a children’s book.
  • Toddler Time Children’s Staff from around the district invite 1 and 2-year-old children, with a favorite adult, to enjoy rhymes, music and movement, and a few short books!
  • Tween Twist
  • LENA Start A 11-week program where parents learn how to increase conversational turns with their babies and toddlers.
  • Prenatal Series Are you expecting and have so many questions? Join Pikes Peak Library District and Nurse Family Partnership for a series of prenatal classes.
  • Storytime @ Home Our Family and Children's Services librarians are creating Storytime at Home materials for you and you family to enjoy. Every themed Storytime includes top literary picks with easy links to our online Catalog, music, crafting, and literacy tips.
  • Stroll-a-Story and Math Strolls Walk together and enjoy the benefits of some physical activity.
  • Reassuring Reads for Kids This always-available list presents reading options (available in electronic formats) that can provide comfort during tough times for kids and parents. The recommended books cover themes of encouragement, hope, and love while offering tools for emotional awareness and ways to deal with anxiety.
  • Kid-Friendly Music Playlist Our staff selected and compiled more than four hours of children's music on Freegal, PPLD’s streaming service for songs, albums, and more. (Pro tip: Browse other playlists, or create your own!)

 


Don’t see anything that interests you right now? Bookmark this page for frequent updates, or visit our calendar of virtual events for new additions each week. Stay tuned for more updates from PPLD! Our team continues to explore and expand virtual opportunities that we can bring to you, wherever you may be.

Supplies:

  • 2/3 c. warm water
  • 2 T. dish soap
  • Food coloring - 4 drops of any color you want
  • Bowl and whisk or a mixer
  • Paper towel or paper

Directions:
Place ingredients in a bowl and whip for 2 minutes. Make another batch of a different color. (Blue + Red = Purple, or Red + Yellow= Orange, or Blue + Yellow= Green) Take your paper towel or paper and lay over the colorful play foam in the bowl. Make some art! You can also make a couple batches to take into the bathtub.

You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7mHotWXvpg

Looking for a chapter book to listen to or read aloud with the family? Check out this selection of engaging chapter books in a variety of genres all available in electronic formats. Need help accessing these materials? Go to PPLD’s eLibrary to get started. Click on the pdf below to see the booklist.

Supplies:

  • One piece of paper
  • 2 additional smaller pieces of paper to keep score
  • Marker pen
  • 2 pencils
  • 36 water bottle caps, marked with two different colors, one color on top, the other color on the bottom (Coins work well because they have two different sides already, heads and tails).

Directions:

  1. Draw a grid on the paper with the marker pen. Draw 6 spaces by 6 spaces for a total of 36 spaces on your paper.
  2. Put your names at the top of each of the smaller pieces of paper.
  3. To play:
    1. Put two of each players' markers onto the middle four squares of the grid. (We'll call the markers pink and green.)
    2. The first player adds a green marker to the board, placing it beside a pink marker that it has now "trapped" between two green markers. Flip the "trapped" pink marker to the green side. Score one point for each of your opponent's pieces that you are able to trap and flip each turn. The next player adds a pink marker to the board in the same way, "trapping" a green piece and flipping it to the pink side and scoring one for flipping one piece.
    3. Take turns and be sure to notice possible ways to trap your opponent's pieces either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. As you get better at the game, you'll be able to trap multiple pieces in different directions. If you cannot find an opponent's piece to trap, you have to skip your turn.
  4. To score, either count up each player's points or count how many of each players' markers show when the grid is full.

You can watch this project at: You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz38AUe91iQ

Supplies:

  • 10 water bottle caps (or any caps)
  • Elmer's glue
  • Yarn cut into 4 strands about 5" long
  • Square of cardboard cut from a cereal box
  • Stickers, optional

Directions:

  1. Cut a square size piece of cardboard.
  2. With glue, make two thin lines of glue vertically, and again, horizontally, keep the lines evenly spaced (see photo).
  3. Place one yarn strand on each glue line. Let dry. Trim yarn hanging off the edge of the cardboard.
  4. Mark five water bottle caps one way, and five caps another way. (Color the caps or attach the same sticker to five caps and a different sticker to the other five caps.)
  5. You are ready to play Tic-Tac-Toe!
  6. You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz38AUe91iQ

Supplies:

  • Any citrus fruit like a lemon, lime, or orange
  • knife with a parent or caregiver nearby
  • large tray or cookie sheet
  • baking soda
  • vinegar
  • lemon juice
  • dish soap
  • spoon or coffee stirrer
  • food coloring (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cut the tip off the fruit and then cut in half. Place on tray, sitting upright.
  2. Poke fruit with spoon or coffee stirrer to get juices flowing.
  3. Pour a little dish soap onto the fruit.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda onto the fruit.
  5. Squeeze drops of food coloring onto the fruit.
  6. Speed up the base/acid chemical reaction by adding drops of vinegar also!

You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCL7lOrY5-s

Supplies:

  • cardboard
  • pencil
  • scissors
  • markers
  • scotch tape
  • white paper
  • a parent or caregiver nearby

Directions:

  1. Trace any size circle onto a piece of cardboard. Have your parent or caregiver cut out the circle if needed.
  2. Trace the round piece of cardboard onto the white paper. Cut out the paper circle.
  3. Draw a design onto the round piece of paper. A fun experiment is to use the three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow so you can see green, orange, and purple appear when you spin.
  4. Have your parent or caregiver cut a slit into the center of the cardboard circle and also the round paper. Tape your design onto the round piece of cardboard by making tape loops. You may also glue your paper onto the cardboard.
  5. Push a penny into the slit and spin!

You can watch this project at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL4ZKcEDHkQ

Last updated July 1, 2021 En español Thanks to the public’s investment and taxpayer support, we deliver access to information and opportunities that impact lives and build community across El Paso County. You can use the Library remotely, with many resources available 24/7!

 
  • Check out our new virtual services! Our librarians are bringing their services to you, anywhere and anytime. Watch a virtual storytime with your kids, participate in a virtual book club, try a digital escape room, join us for a community movie discussion, do an at-home craft or experiment, and more. (Looking for something else to do? Bookmark the web page and check back often for new updates!)
  • Ask a librarian! You can also ask one of our reference librarian questions by phone, live chat, and email.
  • Download our mobile app to view your account, browse and download from our collection, and more. (Pro tip: There are also apps for Libby, OverDrive, Freegal, Kanopy, RBdigital, and more.)
  • Stream and/or download from our digital collection! There are so many options – digital books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, music, and videos – that you can access from almost anywhere.
  • Use our databases to conduct research for businesses, nonprofits, legal matters, and more. You also can learn a new language, plan your next adventure, and do genealogy research.
  • Have kids or teens in your home? We have ample resources for children and teenagers, including homework help, reading, games, creating, planning for the future, and more. (Also, see above for new virtual services!)
  • Dig into some regional history and genealogy. For example, our digital collection features historic photographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps, oral histories, films and more that highlight the rich history of the Pikes Peak area.
  • Find a good book! Check out recommendations, reading lists, and more.
  • Don’t have a library card? Get started and gain online access today.

That’s not all! Our Library staff also assembled and vetted a growing list of free online resources for all ages; no library card needed. Resources include live streaming, virtual tours, activities, and much more. Topics cover arts and culture, kids and teens, learning and reading for adults, professional support and development, and science and nature. Our team continues to explore and expand virtual opportunities that we can bring to you. Right now, we’re adding to our digital collection, as budget allows, and creating new virtual experiences that will launch in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned for more updates from PPLD. We’re here to serve you now and into the future.

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Community Resources

We’ve all found ourselves in a difficult situation and we aren’t always sure where to turn. Pikes Peak Library District offers community resources across the District. Our Community Resources Specialists are here to help you navigate and connect with services by providing referrals and information to get the help you need for your specific situation. Reach out and meet with a Community Resource Specialist at the Library most convenient to you, or contact them by phone or email. We are happy to support you in finding the best resources for you and your needs.

Contact PPLD's Community Resources

 

Contact PPLD's Community Resources Specialist - Nikki Flemate

 

Community Resources Drop-in Hours


 

Common questions from our patrons include

  • How to replace personal documents (ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc)
  • How to find affordable housing
  • How to go about applying for disability
  • Where to receive specific services like mental health, medical, or substance use treatment

Crisis Help:

Emergency Shelter:

  • The Salvation Army RJMC (serving families) (719) 578-9190
  • Springs Rescue Mission (serving adults 18 and over) (719) 632-1822
  • The Place (serving youth ages 15-20) (719) 630-3223
  • TESSA (serving survivors of domestic violence) (719) 633-3819

Other Resources:

Note: PPLD’s Community Resources Supervisor is not a case manager or case worker.

Did you notice that we had a lot of snow on March 1st? An old saying says that if “March comes in like a lion”, it goes “out like a lamb”. The weather may be blustery now, but it should be nice at the end of the month. So, snuggle up on your favorite chair, under a warm blanket, and share stories about the snow and upcoming spring! Choose both picture books and nonfiction about Weather. (J 551.5784) Click on the pdf link below to see the booklist.

The 2020 Census is here and it’s not too late to complete it! It is important to fill it out so that local agencies (PPLD included!) have accurate information to use when designing community services. It's safe, easy, and required for all citizens to fill out.


COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS NOW.


In March, homes across the country received invitations to complete the 2020 Census with instructions for responding to the census online, in the mail, or over the phone.

Remember that April 1 is a reference date, not a deadline to respond. When you respond online, by phone, or by mail, count everyone living in your home as of April 1, 2020.

Beginning in August 2020, households that haven't responded yet may receive an in-person visit or call from a Census Bureau employee to help make sure everyone is counted.


As of June 11, El Paso County’s self-response rate, is now at 68.6%, which is higher than Colorado’s self-response rate of 63.4%! We are ranked number 18 in response rates by state, and higher than the national self-response rate of 60.8%!


Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.

  • Everyone counts: The census counts every person living in the United States once, only once, and in the right place.
  • It’s about fair representation: Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.
  • It’s in the Constitution: The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.
  • It’s about $675 billion: The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs (like libraries!).
  • It’s about redistricting: After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.
  • Taking part is your civic duty: Completing the census is mandatory: it’s a way to participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!”

Census data are being used all around you:

  • Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy.
  • Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which create jobs.
  • Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness.
  • Real estate developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.

Your privacy is protected.
It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. By law, your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics.

The Census Bureau uses a different method to count people in group living situations, called “group quarters,” such as college student housing, prisons, military barracks, and nursing homes. People experiencing homelessness (and who are not staying in a household) will be counted at the places where they receive services, such as shelters and soup kitchens.

2020 will be easier than ever.
In 2020, you will be able to respond to the census online. The online questionnaire will be available in 13 languages.


Click here to learn more!

You will need:

  • Masking tape, string or yarn for a dividing line
  • Newspaper or recycled paper for snowballs
  • A phone timer, or use the timer on a microwave
  • Recycle bin or garbage can

Instructions:

  1. Crumple newspaper or recycled copy paper into balls.
  2. Divide a room in half with masking tape, string or yarn.
  3. Put the same number of balls on each side of the room.
  4. Divide into teams.
  5. Turn on the timer for 3 minutes.
  6. Throw snowballs across the dividing line and when the timer rings the side with the least snowballs wins! Try it again!

Afterward try to make baskets in the recycle bin. Give everyone 5 tries. Whoever has the most baskets gets to make up the next game to do with the snowballs.

It’s a good idea to start very early with tooth cleaning. To make the job more fun, here are some picture books about your teeth: dental visits, tooth fairies and taking care of your “pearly whites”! Click on the pdf link below: