What's New!

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A microphone graphic with text that reads "Virtual Author Visits."

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 October, join us online Wed., Oct. 2 at noon and welcome three Smithsonian-affiliated scientists who will teach us about the remarkable world of tropical bats. For decades, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have studied the incredible biodiversity of bats on an island in Panama where there are an astonishing 76 bat species. Experience their work alongside stunning photographs in their book, Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats. Register for the access link.

Next, tune in on Wed., Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. for a discussion with acclaimed author Silvia-Moreno-Garcia, New York Times best-selling and award-winning author of novels like Mexican Gothic, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, and Gods of Jade and Shadow. Join us as Moreno-Garcia explores Latin American genre fiction, her writing process and journey, as well as her newest book The Seventh Veil of Salome. Register for the access link.

For the last Virtual Author Visit in October, tune in on Tue., Oct. 22 at noon for a conversation with Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. We invite you to join us as Gottlieb shares her wisdom on examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves to help us breakthrough what is holding us back and getting in the way of living the life we desire. 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 

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A graphic depicting varies films with the text "festival in the community" In partnership with Pikes Peak Library District

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to partner with The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival to host two film screenings in their Festival in the Community program. Festival in the Community hosts free sneak-peak screenings of select films leading up to the film festival itself. These screenings provide a great opportunity to see the wonderful and thought-provoking films the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film brings to the Pikes Peak region. 

There is no cost to attend these film screenings, but registration is required.

Join us for the following film screenings: 


The following short films will be presented at Fountain Library on Tue., Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.: 

MOTORCYCLE MARY
Directed by Haley Watson

The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills, an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Mary’s remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. Mary pushes herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle. 

STRONG GRANDMA
Directed by Cecilia Brown & Winslow Crane-Murdoch

Catherine Kuehn is a 95-year old world record winning deadlifter. As she prepares for her last competition she reflects on the love and loss that brought her to this moment. 

FIRE TOWER
Directed by Tova Krentzman

High in the Rocky Mountains, nestled in the boreal forest, are solitary sentinels who survey the landscape as a critical first line of defense in wildfire detection. As North America grapples every year with the threat and devastation of such fires, which is increasing due to climate change, those who work the watchtowers with a bird’s-eye view sound the critical alarm that warns of impending danger. Like the occupations of lighthouse keeper or astronaut, the remote locations and voluntary isolation that are part of the job—along with the very real risk of being struck by lightning—attract a unique kind of individual to this vocation. 

View film trailers for the Fountain Library film showing.


The following short films will be presented at Library 21c on Fri., Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.:

ULTIMATE CITIZENS
Directed by Francine Strickwerda

Ultimate Citizens, Jamshid is an Iranian who came to study in 1970’s America, and due to the Revolution, never went “home.” As a guidance counselor in Seattle Public Schools, Jamshid’s best work takes place on the playing field with “his kids,” the children of refugees and immigrants. Their parents are in the grips of their own struggles to make a living and a home in a strange land. Mr. Jamshid is the charismatic, fiery, funny human with a Frisbee in hand, who shows that love wins on the field, off the field, at home with family, or boldly forging a new community, in a new country – one kid, chicken, ultra-endurance race, and friend at a time.

BEARING WITNESS: A NAME & A VOICE
Directed by Dina Rudick

Bearing Witness: A Name & A Voice delves into the backstories and convictions of four extraordinary newspaper reporters. Their distinct personal narratives explain the profound motivations that fuel their work, as well as the indelible stories that continue to resonate within them – revealing the who behind the who-what-when-where, and why. The film challenges audiences to transcend the monolithic term “The Media” and instead see clearly individuals who propel it forward. 

View film trailers for the Library 21c film showing. 

Visit the Festival in the Community webpage for Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival’s complete listing of films that will be hosted throughout the community from Oct. 1 - 13, 2024. 

East Library and book drop will reopen at 9 a.m. on Mon., Sept. 30 following completion of parking lot repairs. Regular service hours and operations, including book drop will resume. Library users with holds on the East Library holds shelf will have 7 days to pick up their holds beginning Mon., Sept. 30. East Library checkouts that became due during the closure will have their due dates extended through the reopening of the Library.
 


East Library will be Closing to Complete Parking Lot Repairs

Published Fri., Aug. 23, 2024

Due to the extensive parking lot renovations taking place at East Library, Pikes Peak Library District has decided to temporarily close that location starting Mon., Sept. 16. East Library will remain closed until the renovations are complete which, as of this time, are expected to be finished near the end of September. Please stay tuned to ppld.org for more information.

In an effort to continue to serve the patrons of the busiest Library in the District, PPLD felt it could approach the East Library parking lot project in phases; that would have allowed us to still serve the community while we improved the parking lot. Now that construction has started, it has brought to light overwhelming parking constraints and safety concerns. To ensure everyone’s safety and to allow the work to be completed without issues, the Library will be closed for the duration of the project.

  • The book drop will be closed during the renovation process.
  • Holds on the East Library hold shelf at closing on Saturday will be given extended expiration dates, allowing seven days for pickup once the Library reopens.  If they would like their holds sooner, patrons can call (719) 531-6333 and select 0 for staff assistance in moving their holds. 
  • East Library checkouts that are due during the closure will have their due dates extended through the reopening of the Library.
  • East Library programs will be canceled as of Thu., Sept. 12. 
  • Library staff will be contacting 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 as we improve the parking lot and our patrons’ experiences at East Library.

A Google Earth map showing  East parking lot repair phase 1 through 5. Repairs start at the back of the lot and will end at the Union Blvd. access.

The project will be completed in five phases (see map): 

  • Prep Phase – concrete and curb repairs (not shown) 
  • Phase 1 (red) – back/northwest corner of lot 
  • Phase 2 (yellow) – north lot that includes the drive-through book drop 
  • Phase 3 (green) – front/east lot and a portion of access road outbound lane 
  • Phase 4 (blue) & Phase 5 (lavender) – access road inbound and outbound lanes between Library Lane and Union Blvd.