What's New!

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.





• 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.





• 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