What's New!

The free materials for this Take and Make (for ages 5-12), will be available at area PPLD libraries beginning April 14, 2023.

Materials and Directions:

Materials we provide:

Coffee Filter

Pipe Cleaner

Military person toy

Secure the Military person to the center of the pipe cleaner. You may choose to wrap the pipe cleaner around your person or thread it through any openings.

Poke one end of the pipe cleaner through the edge of the coffee filter. Poke the other end through the opposite side. Fold over the ends to secure.

Drop from a high place (or toss in the air) to watch your parachutist float down. It may help to pinch the center of the coffee filter first.

We all know that soldiers and other military personnel sacrifice a lot to serve the United States. Back in 1986, the month of April was declared the month of the Military Child. So, celebrate those kids around you whose family serve in the U.S. military and wear purple! Celebrate yourself too, if your parents are in the military. Kids make sacrifices too. Here's a booklist of great books to enjoy.

After a unanimous vote during a special public board session on Tuesday afternoon, April 4, Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Board of Trustees appointed Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs as the permanent head of the Library District. Shainidze-Krebs officially assumes the role of chief librarian and CEO on Mon., April 24.

Since April 1, 2022, Shainidze-Krebs has operated as the chief librarian and chief executive officer for the Library District after the departure of John Spears, who held the title for six years. Prior to her appointment, Shainidze-Krebs was the deputy chief librarian and chief public services officer where she led library services before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. She started her career with PPLD in 2007 in the adult education department as a part-time ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor. Years later, she became the director of adult education where she expanded public services for those seeking education and job opportunities to improve their lives.  

“Teona Shainidze-Krebs has been a staunch leader over the past year while serving as the Chief Librarian,” said Aaron Salt, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “She has upheld our core values and gone beyond previous administrations to promote neutrality, while ensuring all patrons are welcome. Mrs. Shainidze-Krebs has worked diligently to build community partnerships and engage our civic leaders. The PPLD Board of Trustees is excited to appoint Teona to lead our organization for years to come.”

“The Library gives me a profound sense of pride in this country. Not every community in the world has the same tools and resources to help people better their lives and adjust to the circumstances thrown their way,” said Shainidze-Krebs. “However, our local libraries are that space where people can choose resources and tools to connect them to opportunities that allow them to thrive. I am honored to lead the PPLD staff toward the betterment of our community.”  

Shainidze-Krebs is currently pursuing her master's degree in library science from Emporia State University and is expected to graduate later this year.  She already holds a B.A. in foreign language (English), along with two master’s degrees – one in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and another in communication. Shainidze-Krebs speaks Georgian, Russian, and English.