What's New!

Aru Shah and the End of Time, by Roshani Chokshi
Release: March 2018
Percy Jackson fans rejoice! There’s a new hero in town and a new mythology to explore in Aru Shah and the End of Time. Aru Shah’s tendency to stretch the truth has landed her in some hot water after she lights a cursed lamp and sets things in motion that will be difficult to undo. Chokshi’s new series is part of a new imprint of titles handpicked by Rick Riordan himself.
See Also: The Serpent’s Secret, by Sayantani DasGupta (Release February 2018)

Legends of the Lost Causes, by Brad McLelland
Release: February 2018
After Bad Whiskey burns down his home, Keech finds himself on the path of finding the Char Stone, a legendary stone of massive power. Can he and a band of orphans outlast against undead outlaws, and find the stone?

The Last Grand Adventure, by Rebecca Behrens
Release: February 2018
A journey to find her grandmother’s sister, might just make Bea’s summer a lot more bearable. But any epic road trip is bound to have some bumps along the way.

The Ambrose Deception, by Emily Ecton
Release: February 2018
Three students are chosen to participate in the scavenger hunt of a lifetime. Winning could mean a scholarship that would make a lot of things better. When the three start the hunt they find themselves running around Chicago, chasing down leads, but the scavenger hunt may have more in store for the three than a simple scholarship.
See Also: Spin the Golden Lightbulb, by Jackie Yeager (Release: January 2018)

Winterhouse, by Ben Guterson
Release: January 2018
When orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the Winterhouse Hotel, she finds a lot of things charming, like the library. But as she continues to live at Winterhouse she stumbles upon secrets and she starts to think that maybe she’s connected to the house and it’s family in a way she can’t really explain.

PPLD's Maker in Residence for January/February 2018 was Charlie Mussi, an award-winning retired photojournalist whose work has appeared in national newspapers, international magazines, and table-top books. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the world's 125 finest photographers and set out on a unique global photographic essay to record "A Day in the Life of the U.S. Armed Forces." Since retiring, Charlie has rediscovered the fun of photography and enjoys teaching, coaching, and conducting photography workshops. In 2015, Charlie started the PPLD Community Photography Contest to recognize the amazing photography talent in the region.

Charlie taught Digital Photography as Art & Play classes throughout the Library District, as well as hosted studio hours at Library 21c, where patrons could talk to him about his work.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

Page published: Dec., 8, 2017

Pikes Peak Library District and Urban Peak Colorado Springs have launched a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state. Aimed at helping teen runaways and youth experiencing homelessness to find help sooner, the project makes libraries in the District part of the National Safe Place Network. “Local libraries are already hot spots for young people who seek a safe place,” says Shawna Kemppainen, executive director of Urban Peak Colorado Springs. “When the Library approached us, we knew this collaboration could mean more runaway and homeless youth get help before falling into the crisis of street life.” That help could include safe, temporary shelter, basic needs such as food or clothing, and potentially entering Urban Peak’s full range of services including counseling, healthcare, employment and housing services. “Becoming sites for the National Safe Place Network was an easy choice for the Library. We already provide services and resources to help the residents of El Paso County and welcome all through our doors,” says Antonia Krupicka-Smith, Adult/Teen Services Manager at Library 21c. “Extending the reach of the crucial services provided by Urban Peak Colorado Springs to our youth is yet another way that we support the community that we are all a part of.” How Safe Place Works:

• A young person enters the library and asks for help.
• The library staff finds a comfortable place for the youth to wait while calling Urban Peak’s Safe Place Line: (719) 339-0509.
• Urban Peak dispatches a Safe Place trained volunteer to the library within 30 minutes. The volunteer will speak with the youth and then provide transportation to Urban Peak’s facility.
• Once at Urban Peak, counselors meet with the youth and provide support to see what’s needed. That could mean shelter, or getting the teen connected to next safe steps.

Information about Safe Place will go out to local middle schools and high schools and other youth-serving organizations.