What's New!

Library’s Strategic Planning & How You Can Be Involved

Pikes Peak Library District recently released its new vision, mission, and values, and now will embark on a strategic planning process for 2023 - 2025.

As part of this, we heard from community members from July 1 - 30. This input will help inform the Library’s direction for the next three years!

In early August, we’ll review and analyze all public and staff input to identify common themes. Then, a planning committee of Library staff, members of PPLD’s Board of Trustees, and community representatives will begin the actual process of developing the strategic plan in August. All collected data will help inform PPLD’s top areas of focus, which will then impact the key strategies and tactics, for 2023-2025.

The Library will release the new strategic plan to the public sometime in October 2022.

Have questions? Contact us!

Summer Adventure Made Me an Avid Reader and Loyal Patron

An interview of PPLD patron Philip Riegert – By Anthony Carlson

When I was growing up in Monument, one of the first things my family did when starting to pack for our annual family trip to the east coast was to visit Pikes Peak Library District's (PPLD) Monument Library. Our family car never needed a DVD player to keep us busy on vacations. The Sisters Grimm, Ranger’s Apprentice, and Harry Potter were just a few of the book series that kept mine and my brother’s minds occupied on the 28-hour road trip to visit family. We’d finish reading our book, then trade with each other to read whatever novel or series the other was finishing up.

,p>PPLD wasn’t just a place we visited seeking entertainment for our family on long trips (and to probably save my parent’s sanity traveling with two young boys!), it was a staple in our lives. My mom and dad moved the family to Monument when I was approximately eight years old. Mom would take us to the Monument Library once a week and we would load up on books, movies, and CDs. It was normal for my brother and I to bring home 30 - 40 books and devour them in a week. Even at a young age, the library catalog system was easy enough that I could check out or put books on hold all on my own. However, access to books wasn’t the only thing that made the library feel like the best place to be. Whether it was puppies visiting the library to play with or craft workshops, there was always something fun and adventurous for a kid to do.

Once I transitioned from elementary to middle school, I found myself at the library daily. It was such a great place to do homework, read a book, and provided a safe place to hang out.

Eventually, I started volunteering at PPLD, helping support my favorite program — the Summer Reading program (now the Summer Adventure program). As a kid who loved reading, there was nothing better than reading a bunch of books and being rewarded for completing the program. The prizes I received as I completed books and worked toward finishing the program really motivated me to keep reading. Frankly, the Summer Reading Program is a big reason why I’m such an avid reader today.

Anthony older

My love of the library has only grown over time. When I was a kid I loved the easy access to books, movies, CDs, and the fun programs the library held for the community. However, today I’ve also grown an appreciation for the impact PPLD has on neighborhoods and families. Books aren’t necessarily the cheapest thing in the world. A new hard-covered book will cost you at least $20. Without the library as a resource, many kids and adults would be deprived of the joy of reading. With its wide range of programs and services, the library makes it easy for families new to town to quickly plug in and integrate into a new community. However, what’s amazing is how accessible our library is today. I have three library-specific apps on my phone and can download books directly to my Kindle. I typically rotate through 15 - 16 books at a time. Our library is accessible to the entire community, regardless of whether you want to travel in person to a location or if you simply want to check out a few books from the convenience of your kitchen table. And this is all available to the public for free!

The library inspired my entire family to grow into avid readers. When I was growing up, it gave me a sense of place and community. If you’re someone just dipping your toes into what PPLD has to offer, I encourage you to start with its summer reading program. There are tracks for kids and adults. After all, we’re never too old to be excited about getting free goodies for completing a few good books!

Click here for more People of the Pikes Peak Region stories!

All you need is your library. But your library needs you, too! Support Pikes Peak Library District by making a charitable gift to the PPLD Foundation. Click here to make your donation today. Thank you!

Summer Favorite: Firefly Jars

Supplies:

Clean, clear jar with lid
Thin glow stick
Scissors
Table covering or tray
Glitter (optional)
Directions:

With a grown-up's help, cut the tip off the glow stick.
Place the open end of the glow stick in the jar and shake it back and forth so that it splatters. Turn the jar as you splatter.
Add a small pinch of glitter, sprinkling onto the sides of the jar where the splatters are.
Cover with lid and take into a very dark room.
Fireflies are not flies but beetles and do exist in Colorado! They hang out by permanent water sources like ponds, lakes, and streams. Watch this project at: https://youtu.be/LRNWJVQRFYw

File Folder Airplane Launcher

Take and Makes for this project, for ages 5-12, will be available at area PPLD libraries beginning this Friday, June 10, 2022.

Supplies and Directions:

Materials We Provide:

File Folder

Origami Paper

Rubber Band

Materials You Provide:

Stapler

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil
Directions: (for additional pictures, see pdf link below:
1. Draw a rectangle along the fold of your file folder that’s approximately 4.5 x 7 inches. The folded edge should be part of your rectangle. Cut it out, but don’t cut the folded edge. When you open your rectangle, it should be about 9 inches x 7 inches.

2. Fold one side down to the folded edge. Turn the folder over and do the same to the other side.

3. Fold each side back up to the top. Crease well.

4. Open the folder up along the original fold. Staple the rubber band to one end near that center fold.

5. Use the origami paper to fold a classic dart airplane.

6. Stretch the rubber band around the front of the launcher and around to the back. Hook it to the back near the top.

7. Slide the airplane into the center slot of the file folder launcher. It should rest all the way back against the rubber band.
8. Pull the sides of the launcher apart. The rubber band should propel the airplane forward!

To expand this project, experiment with different weights of paper for your airplane, different rubber band thicknesses, and different launcher lengths. You could also change the trajectory to see how the distance traveled changes.

Based on: https://frugalfun4boys.com/file-folder-paper-airplane-launcher

Summer Adventure presented by Children's Hospital Colorado - Coming soon! June 1 - July 31, 2023

Have an adventure with Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado helps kids and teens stay engaged and active over the summer months. We know you’re looking for engaging activity ideas, and we are here to help!

Anyone ages 0 - 18 can participate and win prizes through reading, moving, and imagining. Either participate in one of our programs or use one of our activity ideas!

Be in the know: Sign up!

Receive a reminder email at the start of Summer Adventure and emails throughout June and July for summer programs, activities, and more for ages 0 - 18. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Summer Lunches

Kids and teens can enjoy lunch (and books) at no cost this summer!

School District 11 will bring their mobile unit to East Library every weekday from June - July!

Anyone up to 18 years old can stop by for a free lunch. In addition to meal service, they'll also have a basket of age-appropriate books that kids and teens can take with them.

Outside of East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
June 1 - July 29 (every weekday except July 4)
11 a.m. - noon

The Summer Food Service Program, funded by USDA, provides nutritious meals to children and teenagers 0-18. There are no income or registration requirements for participation.

To find other nearby summer meal sites, visit KidsFoodFinder.org.

Take and Make: Nature Suncatcher

Take and Makes for this project (from May 13, 2022) may still be available at area PPLD Libraries!

Supplies and Directions:

Materials we provide:

Paper plate
Contact paper
Yarn

Materials you provide:

Natural materials
Scissors

Directions:

Go outside and pick up a variety of natural materials.
Cut out the center circle of your plate.
Peel the backing off your contact paper.
Place your contact paper sticky side up on your surface.
Place the outside plate circle over the contact paper.
Arrange your natural materials on the sticky side of your contact paper.
Use the yarn to hang your suncatcher.

Based on https://handsonaswegrow.com/craft-for-toddlers-nature-collage-suncatche…

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at the Library

Pikes Peak Library District established the new public service area of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in January 2021. With this newer public service and dedicated staff, we can ensure our spaces and programs are welcoming and accessible for every resident. This includes those with disabilities, members of the military and their families, older adults, those of different faiths, people of color, immigrants, LBGTQIA+ individuals, those who live in more rural parts, and many other identities within our county.

Here’s a snapshot of their focus and goals: “Pikes Peak Library District is committed to treating all individuals with respect and dignity by embracing the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We will achieve this by following PPLD’s new vision, mission, and values; ensuring our policies and programs promote the representation and participation of all El Paso County community members - past, present, and future.”

This small team provides EDI-focused services and outreach to our community, along with guidance to staff, to name a few things. For example, the EDI team now directly oversees our accessibility resources, services, and programs for the public. This includes ADA accessibility needs, assistive technology available at our Library locations, and our Library Explorers program that’s open to people of all abilities.

They also provide resources and programs specifically for older adults, so people can avoid isolation and loneliness, learn about Medicare, and find whatever else they need at this stage of life. In addition to this, our EDI team has expanded Library outreach to military families and veterans, as well as the faith-based community. They often collaborate with other entities to ensure anyone seeking support can access what they need.
Thanks to our EDI team and other Library staff, we can fulfill a part of our new mission – cultivating physical, digital, and other spaces for belonging – and being here for everyone in our community.

Interview with Shirley Martinez, PPLD’s Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

This was originally featured in our Winter 2022 issue of the District Discovery magazine, and we’re resharing now to address some of your most common questions.

What is equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)?

Equity is about making sure individuals are treated equitably, not just in jobs. It could be at the grocery store. It could be at the doctor's office. It could be pay.

Diversity is about story. It's about the things that make up who you are, your experiences, your education, background, where you come from, the things that you do.

Inclusion is about the action. It's about the things that you do to include people in decisions, programs, marches, art… That's what inclusion is about.

EDI is about the story that is told and being equitable in order for people to feel like they belong.

It's about ensuring that everybody has a seat at the table, that they have an outlet for their voice. And this doesn't mean that it stops anyone else from having a voice. It's about having dialogue and being able to have courageous conversations and not be offended. You don't have to like what somebody says. We're not there to make everybody change their minds. We're there to educate and provide tools. Hopefully, they get something from it.

What are some common misconceptions about EDI?

I would say 50% of the people think that EDI is about race and race issues between blacks and whites. But when you dig a little deeper, you understand that it's also about individuals with disabilities. It's about women. It's about LGBT. It's about all the things that make us different.

What goals have you set for EDI initiatives at the Library?

One of them is improved staff perception and giving them meaningful work on how to help the Library move itself into a place of being truly inclusive. If we're open to the public, we need to be open to all.

Another way is continued compliance with ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act], with Title II [which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all services, programs, and activities]. We look at equipment, our books, our posters, our facilities… Can people use our systems with JAWS [a computer screen reader program]? Are they able to check out a book at the self-checkout?

We also want to build and strengthen relationships with our patrons and contribute to the Library’s community engagement and outreach. We need to reach out to the military veteran community and the faith-based community.

Also with diversity, we need to look at benchmarking, program measures, and accountability. We need to identify what measures are working.

STEM Favorite: Water Balloon Parachute

Can your water balloons survive a big drop? Find out with this experiment.

Supplies and Directions:

One balloon
Water
One plastic shopping bag
One rubber band

Directions:

Add water to your balloon, don't fill the balloon, leave lots of room to tie the balloon closed.
Cut the ends of the handles of the bags. Tie or rubber band them to the knotted end of a water balloon
Go outside and drop it from a high place to see if it breaks when it lands.
Test and retest until your balloon breaks.
Try it again with another balloon.
See what else you can attach to your parachute and let drop.

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with PPLD!

Library Program and Craft: Paper Lei
In celebration of Lei Day and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn the history and story around the lei as you create your very own. All materials will be included for this one-hour program.

When: Wed., May 25 from 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Knight of Columbus Hall, 20 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Click here to register.

Resources:

Regional History & Genealogy Resources:

Books from the Carnegie Library - Special Collections (Some titles are available for checkout from other library locations)

Website Links:

Jewish American Heritage Month

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with PPLD!

Resources

Regional History & Genealogy Resources Archival Collections

Colorado Springs Jewish History Project Records, 1920-2013 (Archival Collection MSS 0419) The Colorado Springs Jewish History Project records consist of oral history interviews, photographs, and a documentary film.
Archival Collection MSS 0415) and Mohl Family Photographs (Digital Photograph Collection)
- Leo and Hertha Mohl were long-time residents of Colorado Springs, small business owners, dairy farmers, and world travelers. They were also some of the first European war refugees to live in Colorado Springs.
- Hertha Mohl was born in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a dressmaker until, after almost getting caught passing out anti-Nazi literature, she smuggled herself into England. While living in London, Hertha served in the British Air Raid Precaution Service. Also born in Vienna, Leo Mohl served as secretary of the trade union movement. Leo was taken to concentration camps in Dachau and Buchenwald for his political activities. In 1939, he was released and immigrated to England, where he met Hertha.
- The Mohls immigrated to the United States in 1940, eventually making their way to Colorado Springs. They raised dairy cows on farmland that is now owned by the Air Force Academy, operated a bookstore called The Book Home, and owned a reweaving shop called Master Weavers of America.
Various Photographs (from PPLD’s Digital Photograph Collection) Photographs of the Colorado Springs Jewish Community.
Books from the Carnegie Library - Special Collections (Some titles are available for checkout from other library locations)

Website Links: Jewish American Heritage Month: The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society.

Friends of the Library Announce Literary Awards Recipients

International best-selling author Jim Fergus has been named the 2022 recipient of the Frank Waters Award by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. Fergus, a Colorado College graduate, received the award and was the keynote speaker at the annual Literary Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.

Fergus’s first novel, “One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd,” was published in 1998. The novel won the 1999 Fiction of the Year Award from the Mountains & Plains Booksellers Association. It has since sold over 700,000 copies in the United States.

Fergus has also published a collection of outdoor articles and essays, titled “The Sporting Road.” In 2005, his second novel, “The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles” set in the 1930’s in Chicago, Arizona, and the Sierra Madres of Mexico, was published. In 2018, he published “The Vengeance of Mothers,” a sequel to his first novel. followed by “Strongheart” in 2021. Fergus divides his time between southern Arizona and France, where he also is a best-selling author.

The 2022 Golden Quill award was also presented at the luncheon. The annual prize, given to a local author or publication, went to John Anderson, former El Paso County sheriff, historian and writer. His works include: “Sherlock Holmes in Little London: 1896 The Missing Year”; “Rankin Scott Kelly: First Sheriff of El Paso County Colorado Territory 1861-1867”; and “Ute Prayer Tees of the Pikes Peak Region.”

Proceeds from the event benefitted Friends, who support library district programs and needs.

Library District announces new vision, mission, and core values

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Our service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County with population of about 700,000 – people of all ages and backgrounds with varying views and interests. Thanks to taxpayer funding, we provide residents with access to 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all. We strive to make our physical and digital spaces safe and respectful for diverse voices, perspectives, and pursuit; to foster community dialogue and connections; and to help people achieve their goals and dreams in life.

Beginning in January 2022, we initiated a process to revisit PPLD’s mission statement and develop a vision statement and organizational values that reflect our public library system and growing community. Having such clearly defined statements and values also will allow us to prepare for the next stage – working on a new strategic plan that we hope to release later this fall.

In partnership with a local third-party vendor, Library leadership engaged all staff in a design thinking process to gather individual input and collectively see which themes emerged – and it resulted in much alignment from frontline staff to management. With such rich qualitative data, PPLD’s Board of Trustees and leadership team were able to craft new statements and values that capture our core purpose and aspirations for a public institution that’s here for everyone.

We are excited to share them with you, our Library cardholders and patrons.

VISION

Access to resources and opportunities leads to thriving people and connected communities.

MISSION

Cultivate spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities.

VALUES

Access: We ensure all people feel safe to connect with services, resources, and experiences.
Service: We remove barriers to provide access for all to pursue their interests, needs, and goals.
Freedom: We ensure the right of community members to interact with and experience library services as they choose.
Accountability: We responsibly steward resources with integrity and transparent practices.
Creativity: We foster imagination and resolve problems in new ways.
Community: We bring people together.

You will see these new statements in many places going forward, and they are already featured on our About Us page. We look forward to fulfilling our new mission, upholding our new values, and aiming to achieve our vision for this great community.

D49 students can now enjoy PowerPass!

The new partnership between Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and the fastest growing school district in El Paso County, District 49 now places the Library’s numerous digital resources at the fingertips of more than 77,300 El Paso County students.

As of Mon., April 25, each of the 12,899 students in D49 will have a PowerPass, a digital PPLD library card just for students. D49 is the fifth school district in El Paso County to provide this access to its students, joining Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, Academy School District 20, and Calhan School District.

PowerPass grants access to PPLD’s digital resources, like databases, eBooks, and song and movie downloads, all available at ppld.org. Each PowerPass holder can also check out five physical items at a time from any of the 16 PPLD locations or mobile library services.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with PPLD to provide access to Library resources with PowerPass for all D49 students. As a district, we are committed to engaging with parents and the community in literacy improvement efforts. This access will broaden opportunities and eliminate barriers for student learning,” said Stacey Franklin, Coordinator of Literacy Performance for District 49.

Students can also use PowerPass for online access to live tutors and foreign language courses, get help with homework and projects, and to access audiobooks and digital education resources. High school and middle school students can also prepare for their future with practice driving and SAT tests.

“With the addition of D49 to PowerPass, PPLD is now serving more than 10 percent of El Paso County’s population with PowerPass,” said Joanna Nelson Rendon, PPLD’s Director of Young Adult Services. “Our goal is to serve as many students as we can with this program. We look forward to partnering with more public, charter, and private schools over the next few years as PowerPass is an effective way to lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with the people in our communities.”

Learn more at ppld.org/PowerPass.

Show Your Library Love

PPLD's “Show Your Library Love” bumper sticker campaign and contest welcomes all library lovers to participate. Just stop by one of the 17 PPLD locations (including Mobile Library Services), and ask for your favorite of the three stickers at the Service desk. (Only one sticker per person while supplies last.)

We hope to see stickers throughout El Paso County and to encourage others to seek out PPLD and discover the “Library Love” for themselves!

We’d love for you to post it where everyone can see it: your car, your window, your water bottle, wherever! Take a photo of where you put it, then either share that photo on social media with the hashtag #ILOVEPPLD or email it to Communications@ppld.org to win one of 10 engraved water bottles. One winner will be selected each week.

Standing firm with the Library and First Amendment rights

Several current and former Trustees respond to recent criticism by editorial board

You may have seen the The Gazette editorial board’s recent criticism of our Library District on Wed., March 30. Several current and former members on our Board of Trustees decided to come together and submit a collective response on Mon., April 4. The daily newspaper published an abridged version of the letter, but these Trustees wanted to share their full response with you, our Library cardholders and patrons.

As current and former Trustees for Pikes Peak Library District, we felt compelled to respond to The Gazette editorial board’s recent criticism of the library system that was peppered with inaccuracies (March 30). PPLD is a public institution that’s here for everyone, valuing intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to all points of views. That’s what enticed many of us to volunteer and serve on their Board. While each of us has varying political and religious affiliations, we collectively stand firm that PPLD should be a bastion for democracy that protects First Amendment rights for all.

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, PPLD has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Their service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County and a population of about 700,000, including the top 10 best-performing city of Colorado Springs. It’s essential for PPLD to provide a wide array of resources and services that reflect our region’s continuous growth and changes. Everyone – regardless of origin, age, background, or views – should have the ability to access the information they seek, even if others do not agree with the subject matter.

PPLD’s 16 facilities and three mobile library services provide safe, respectful spaces for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering community dialogue and connections. Though described as canceled, Monument Library still hosts Socrates Café that welcomes freedom of thought and expression. It also means that PPLD makes meeting rooms available to all individuals and groups at no cost; they can be used for any purpose so long as it doesn’t violate the Board-approved Meeting Room Policy. Denying this service to the community group who hosted Drag Queen Story Hour in 2018 would have been a violation of the First Amendment.

Library staff continuously evaluate what’s offered to ensure they’re serving people of all ages, interests, and zip codes. As part of this, a team of trained professionals develop and maintain physical and digital collections that are as diverse as our county’s population. There are nearly 245,000 children’s options available, covering countless genres, topics, and parenting styles like children’s Bibles, science books, and homeschooling materials to name a few. It’s also worth noting that some of the mentioned books in the editorial are not even included in PPLD’s collection, and none are actively promoted. We welcome everyone to visit their local library to browse the collection, where parents and caregivers can make selections without inhibiting another parent’s right to choose what’s best for their own family’s circumstances, views, and educational goals.

PPLD did hire a third-party vendor to conduct an audit in 2020 that examined its staffing, resources, and services through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion to better serve and reflect our changing community. While the editorial only focused on race, this assessment and following efforts extended well beyond that – encompassing a broader view and focus on EDI that only expends about 0.5 percent of the Library’s annual operating budget.

With a new EDI public service and dedicated staff, PPLD can ensure their spaces and programs are welcoming and accessible for every resident. This includes those with disabilities, members of the military and their families, older adults, those of different faiths, people of color, immigrants, LBGTQIA+ individuals, those who live in more rural parts, and many other identities within our county. Some of the Library’s recent work includes improving accessibility and making accommodations for those with disabilities, expanding services for veterans, working with Focus on the Family to develop book lists for teens and children of the Christian faith, and collaborating with other entities to ensure anyone seeking support can access what they need.

As a public institution that’s funded by taxpayers, PPLD makes decisions in the best interests of all residents and directly reinvests back into our region by creating physical and digital spaces for belonging, personal growth, and stronger communities. That’s why we all stand with PPLD and the values of public libraries to uphold intellectual freedom. No one can thrive if the Library is exclusive and impeding people’s rights instead of being inclusive and welcoming to all.

Dr. Ned Stoll (PPLD Board president), Scott Taylor (vice president), Dora Gonzales (secretary & treasurer), and Debbie English (past president), along with former Trustees, Judith Casey, Cathy Grossman, Tom Herd, JoAnn Orsborn, and Kathleen Owings

April is Earth Month: Recycle Art

Happy Earth Month!
Does your family recycle? There are tons of companies in town that recycle. Maybe you could encourage your family to join in this simple process but yes, it's does cost something. Try cleaning and saving some plastics with caps and cardboard and other stuff. Make a Trash Art creation!

Did you know you can't just recycle anything? According to one recycle business in town, here's what you can/cannot recycle:

Do Recycle:
CLEAN glass jars and metal lids (but not all companies accept glass)
CLEAN plastic bottles and containers. Look for the recycle symbol with a #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
Flattened cardboard cereal and other dry food boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, moving boxes, soda cartons, TP/paper rolls
CLEAN aluminum, steel, or tin cans and lids
Newspaper, scrap paper, paper bags, index cards, envelopes

Do NOT recycle:
Styrofoam
dirty cardboard like pizza boxes
electronic devices and monitors
yard waste
shredded paper
plastic bags
plastic caps unless there is a recycle symbol on it
food
dishes
paint cans
motor oil containers

Tween Make: No Sew Dog Toy

Supplies and Directions:

Supplies:

All you need is three long strips of fleece and scissors.

Directions:

Trim your pieces of fleece so you have three pieces that are each 2 in. wide by 2 ft. long.
Take your three pieces of fleece and tie them together at one end.
Braid the three pieces together.
Tie them together in a knot at the other end.

Make Art: Leftover Art Sculpture

Do you have some leftover art pieces sitting around? Make new art by cutting past art into pieces and creating new art.

Supplies and Directions:

Past art that can be cut into pieces (get permission first)
Cereal box cut into pieces or index cards
Glue

Cut art and glue onto index card or piece of cereal box cardboard. (Watercolor paper is strong enough to stand on its own). Let glued pieces dry.
Using one art piece as the base of your sculpture, plan how you'd like to arrange the other pieces sitting on top of the base art piece.
With an adult's help, if needed, cut slits into the art pieces and arrange into a sculpture. You may have to glue some corners and sides for strength, it's up to you.
Get creative and show off your new leftover art sculpture!

STEM Take and Make: Wind Sock

Take and Makes for this project will be available at area PPLD libraries, beginning Friday, March 11, 2022.

Materials and Directions

Materials we provide:

Colored Paper
Stickers
Ribbon or yarn

Materials you provide:

Tape or stapler
Crayons or markers

Directions:

Color one side of your paper if desired. Apply stickers to the same side.
Roll the paper into a tube with your decorations facing the outside.
Use tape or a stapler to fasten the short edges of your tube together.
One end of the tube has multiple holes punched in it. Tie ribbons or yarn through each of the holes.
The other end of the tube has just 2 holes. Tie one ribbon through those holes to allow it to hang.

Women's History Month Books for Kids: Inspiring Girls

PPLD celebrates Women's History Month with a booklist that aims to inspire girls in 2022!

Makerspace Open Houses

Spring Open Houses!

Drop by the makerspaces to create some fun spring crafts and explore what the spaces have to offer! Experiment with cardmaking, laser cutting, flowerpot painting, and other projects to give as a gift or keep for yourself. All ages welcome and all materials provided.

When: Fri., April 29 at 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Library
Click here for more information.

When: Sat., April 30 at 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: Sand Creek Library
Click here for more information.

When: Sat., April 30 at 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: Library 21c
Click here for more information.

Projects:

Cardmaking
Precut laser designs for Mother’s Day gifts
Paper flowers
Mini flowerpots and seed packets
At Sand Creek Library, explore Studio916 and test out their instruments

Pikes Peak Children’s Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science join PPLD Culture Pass

In PPLD’s efforts to continually provide resources and opportunities that impact individual lives, we’re excited to announce two new additions to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass. The Pikes Peak Culture Pass is a museum pass program that lets patrons explore attractions at no cost by making an electronic reservation similar to checking out an eBook or other digital resource.

Pikes Peak Children’s Museum is a community-built, hands-on educational destination that engages ALL children and their grown-ups by sparking creativity and a passion for life-long learning through purposeful play. Patrons can explore exhibits like outer space, simple machines, and farm to fork. Pass allows for admission for one adult and one child, additional children under 2 years old are free.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science encourages exploration of world-class wildlife displays that take you to Earth’s wildest places, huge dinosaurs that transport you back in time, interactive space exhibits that make your mind wonder, and personalized health science fun that puts your body to the test. Pass allows for admission for up to 7 guests and additional children under 3 years old.

These organizations join existing Culture Pass partners: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Glen Eyrie, The Money Museum, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site, Space Foundation Discovery Center, and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.

Food Industry Training

Start a new career path today!

Pikes Peak Library District is offering Food Industry Training, a five-week training program that gives you the entry-level skills you need to find or advance in employment as a qualified prep cook or line cook. The program will help you learn basic culinary fundamentals, practice professionalism, explore career opportunities in the culinary industry, and earn your ServSafe Food Handler certification. Gain vital skills to help revitalize the Colorado Springs hospitality workforce and join an industry with unlimited possibilities! Starting pay rates in the Colorado Springs area range from $13 - 14 per hour depending on the position.

No previous experience is required and there is no cost to participate. Participants must intend to pursue a career in the culinary industry. Food Industry Training will be offered multiple times each year. Check back for future dates or contact us to be notified of future dates.

Students must be:

Able to attend the scheduled program
Eligible to work in the U.S.
Pursuing a career in the culinary industry
18 or older

Class Dates: Announced in August 2023. Please check back.

Time: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Library 21c
Address: 1175 Chapel Hills, Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Applications will open later this year. Please check back for more details
Applicants must attend an informational meeting and pre-test before they are officially admitted to the program. This test is purely to determine what additional in-classroom support may be needed. Test results have no impact on whether or not you will be accepted to the program. Sessions will be announced later this year, please check back later.
If you are officially accepted into this training program, orientation information will be sent to you.

What you’ll learn:

Recipe reading and conversion
Proper food handling
Product identification
Basic stocks, sauces and mother sauces
Proper Cooking Methods, from different products to different techniques

Appropriate temperatures as related to the industry
Professional appearance
Resume building
Team building

More About the Food Industry:

Wondering if this class is right for you? Learn more about the careers this training will prepare you for:

What does a food preparation worker do? This short video walks you through what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis.
What does a cook do? This short video walks you through what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis.
Read about the wide variety of jobs in the culinary industry in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It covers training, wages, and duties.
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program estimates that the mean hourly wage for Food Preparation and Serving Related in Colorado in 2021 was $16.46. Average employment in 2021 was 223,030.

Any questions, please contact the Adult Education Department at (719) 531-6333, x7225 or clayton@ppld.org.

Junior Ranger Packs

The Junior Ranger Nature pack provides self-guided activities to encourages children and their families to get out, explore, observe, describe, and engage the senses any time during the year. Designed for ages 7-13, and align with Colorado Academic Standards for Science and Social Science. Provided and in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Parks, Trails & Open Spaces.

Click here for more information about the Junior Ranger Nature packs.

Bring your completed Junior Ranger Book to a swearing-in ceremony to take your Junior Ranger pledge and receive your Park Expert sticker/Junior Ranger badge! The ceremony will be followed by a Ranger-Guided hike.