What's New!

Materials for this eclipse Take and Make will be available at area PPLD libraries beginning Friday, October 13, 2023.

Materials and Instructions

Materials Included in Take and Make:
Black paper
Circle template
White, non-toxic chalk
You provide:
Pencil
Scissors
Masking Tape

OPTIONAL: Brightly colored construction paper or foam sheets for cut-out horizon detail.

Instructions: See pdf file below for more pictures and science information.
1. Place the template on a piece of dark paper. Secure with a loop of masking tape or simply hold down with one hand.
2. Draw a thick circle of chalk around the template. Go around 2 or 3 times. It does not need to be neat.
3. Holding the template in place, smudge the chalk away from the center of the circle using a finger to create the corona of the Sun.
4, When you are done smudging, remove the circle template.
5. Add words, pictures, or fun designs.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and democracy works best when everyone participates. Learn more about making your voice heard with the Library’s nonpartisan Voting & Elections Guide for information about:  

• How to register to vote or update your voter registration, as well as useful information for first-time voters   
• How you can vote, including when to expect to receive your ballot via mail, when and how to return your completed ballot, and where you can return your mail-in ballot on or before Election Day     
• What will be on the ballot, including candidates running for elected office as well as local ballot measures   

This nonpartisan resource guide, compiled and maintained by PPLD librarians, also includes other useful information like finding news sources, fact checking, and identifying fake news. You can also find information on your current legislators and see how political campaigns are financed.  

Here are other ways that PPLD can help you prepare and participate in upcoming elections:   

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will serve as Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPC) for the 2024 General Election at four Library locations in the District:

• East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
• Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
• Ruth Holley Library, 685 N. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915
• Sand Creek Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916

VSPC hours:

• Fri., Nov. 1 from 8 a.m.  –  5 p.m. 
• Sat., Nov. 2 from 8 a.m.  –  5 p.m.
• Mon., Nov. 4 from 7 a.m.  –  7 p.m.
• Election Day - Tue., Nov. 5 from 7 a.m.  –  7 p.m.

Additionally, there are secure, 24-hour ballot drop boxes outside of East Library and Library 21c. They are accessible by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. The 24-hour secure boxes are monitored by the County Clerk & Recorder’s Office during election seasons. Ballots will be mailed beginning Fri., Oct. 11 and may be dropped off at any of the ballot drop boxes located within El Paso County. Library staff are not authorized to collect, handle, or deposit election ballots. Ballots must be deposited in official election department secure ballot drop boxes at designated locations.

Political literature may be available inside your local library as the general election date gets closer. If space allows, at Library locations, there’s usually a table dedicated to this purpose with clearly marked signage, and anyone can display political information in this spot only. (PPLD does not endorse any political campaigns.) 

For anyone interested in petitioning, hosting a voter registration drive, or conducting other civic engagement activities on any PPLD property, please review our Solicitation Policy.  

Who can vote in Colorado?

• U.S. Citizens.
• Individuals who are 17 years old if they will be 18 years old by election day (but 16 and 17-year-olds can preregister!). 
• People who have lived in Colorado for 22 days or more before election day. 
• People who are not in detention in a correctional facility, jail, or other facility for a felony conviction. 
• People who have finished their sentence for a felony conviction, including any parole, are eligible to vote. 
• If you are on probation or were convicted for a misdemeanor, you are eligible to vote. 

2023 marks the 1st annual Night at the Library, the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Foundation's signature fundraiser. This first-year event celebrates the PPLD Foundation's 20th anniversary and more than $13 million dollars raised since 2003. 

Guests will enjoy special after-hours access to Library 21c and its first of its kind space that have been replicated by libraries worldwide. The memorable evening begins with a cocktail reception and scavenger hunt, followed by a multi-course seated dinner and program.                            
 

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