What's New!

In January 2017, the City of Manitou Springs invited the public to review proposed expansion and remodel plans for the Manitou Springs Library.

After receiving six proposals, a team led by Architect Roger Thorp of Thorp Associates was selected by the City in July 2016 to develop plans for expansion and remodel of the historic Carnegie Library.

The team held a series of public meetings to obtain feedback and information from the community. They then took the public input, and that of personnel from the Pikes Peak Library District, which operates the Manitou Springs Library, and developed over the last five months several versions of expansion plans. The final draft proposal was presented to the Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission on December 7, at which time the Commission unanimously approved the conceptual design.

Click here to view the draft expansion plans.

To view a larger version of the rendering seen at upper-right, click here.

PPLD's Makers in Residence for January and February 2017 were Ron Cousar and Dr. Wanda Tisby-Cousar.

Ron Cousar has played R&B, blues, and jazz for many years. In addition to studio work with Savoy Records, he has played with bands in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Baltimore, and now Colorado Springs. He has dedicated his talents to playing blues, R&B, funk and jazz. His influences include Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, and a host of other artists.

Dr. Wanda Tisby-Cousar storytelling and dance to coach innovation and artistic ability. Sande Leadership, a model Dr. Wanda developed, is based on ancestral lineage to the Mende of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Tisby-Cousar has studied tap and interpretive dance since the age of four with Sydney King School of Dancea nd performed with Afi West African Dance Ensemble.

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

Penrose Library was the scene of a winter-themed poetry reading on December 11, 2016. Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Emeritus Price Strobridge emceed the event that featured some of our areas best and best-know poets, including Jim Ciletti, Teever Handal, Loring Wirbel, Julianza Shavin, Amie Sharp, and Evan Kendrick.

The Classical Academy 5^th graders brought hand-knitted hats and scarves, socks and hand warmers, while PPLD provided hot cocoa and cookies to excited Penrose Library patrons.

This is the 2^nd poetry and warming clothing give-away that the Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Project has held at Penrose Library.