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Our Response to COVID-19

Last updated June 6, 2022

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is here to serve you, regardless of the circumstances! You’re welcome inside all of our libraries, now with almost all services, resources, and spaces available to you again. Open hours and specific services may vary by Library location, so please check in advance. PPLD continues to prioritize the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and greater community during the ongoing pandemic while making our resources and services accessible to everyone. PPLD has lifted its mask requirements, following CDC and State of Colorado guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. Face coverings (including masks and shields) are now optional inside all of our libraries, but strongly encouraged for those 11 years and older who are not fully vaccinated. (If you need an accommodation, please contact your local Library directly.) Get vaccinated at a Library-hosted clinic in partnership with Governor Polis’ Vaccines for All plan!

What can I expect when visiting the Library inside?

During your Library visit, you can do the following:

Here’s what to expect during your Library visit to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Face coverings (including masks and shields) are now optional inside all of our libraries, but strongly encouraged for those 11 years and older who are not fully vaccinated. (If you need an accommodation, please contact your local library directly.)
  • Self-service cleaning stations are available at locations, in which patrons can use supplies to wipe down furniture and equipment before or after use if wanted. Staff will no longer clean such surfaces between patron use. There are sanitation protocols for equipment checkouts, along with public-use areas like makerspaces, studios, and meeting rooms. PPLD’s contracted cleaning service regularly cleans each facility using enhanced flu season protocol.
  • Other areas and items that remain temporarily unavailable with plans to resume soon: Some computers and children’s play area.

Please remember that open hours and specific services may vary by Library location, so please check in advance.

What else can I expect from PPLD?

In addition to services offered inside our libraries, we also offer:

Here’s an overview of what is available – and not available – to our Library cardholders and patrons at this time:
 

  • Want to return items and pick-up holds? Curbside services are available at all libraries! Use the link to find out more and access your library’s service hours and pickup instructions.
  • There are so many ways to use the Library remotely! Browse our Online Catalog. Stream and download books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, music, and videos. Use our databases to conduct research, access ample resources for kids and teens, and more from your couch.
  • Check out our virtual programs! Our librarians are bringing their services to you, anywhere and anytime.
  • Have a question? Ask a librarian! Our staff are available to help you by phone, live chat, and email. You also can book an appointment with a specialized librarian.
  • Checked out items: Please check your PPLD accounts either through our Catalog or on the PPLD mobile app for return dates, which will be listed by item. (Returns are accepted outside of all libraries as part of curbside services and will no longer be held in quarantine effective Mon., April 5.)
  • Fines & fees: We officially went fine-free for most Library materials in early 2019, as long as they are not lost or damaged. (See above regarding checked out items.)
  • OverDrive: Cardholders can have 20 checkouts for a total of 21 days each with a total hold limit of 30. PPLD will continue to add copies of digital materials to our collection as our budget allows. Some digital checkouts can be returned early so others have opportunity for access. (Instructions for checking out and returning are available here.)
  • Use of meeting & study rooms: Meeting and study spaces are reopening at full capacity across the Library District, with the exception of the community room at East Library, the venue at Library 21c, and the Columbine room at Penrose Library. View what’s available and make a reservation online.
  • Library programs & events: The Library continues to host programs virtually as well as provide at-home options like take and make kits, discovery kits, and Dial-a-Story and TeleGram by phone. Now there are drive-in, outdoor, and indoor options at libraries and other community locations (like Storytime)! View our event calendar for all opportunities right now. More in-person activities hosted by PPLD and held inside of our facilities will continue to be reintroduced safely.
  • Use of creative spaces & services: Cardholders can take advantage of 3D print drop-off services, plus plus check out Studio equipment. Our makerspaces and studios are open, too. These services are only available at select libraries and hours may vary by location.
  • Use of family & children’s spaces: The Educational Resource Center at East Library reopened for public reservation on Wed., April 7. Other children’s play areas remain temporarily closed with plans to reopen soon.
  • Library card signup: Register online and start using your card immediately! If you sign up online during this time, your temporary account will be available for 90 days (instead of the usual 12-day limit), giving you immediate access to OverDrive and other digital resources from home. Bring your ID and proof of address to your nearest Library and they can activate your full privilege account inside or via curbside!
  • Account expirations & renewals: Library card/account expirations will be extended, including accounts that expired in the past 24 months.
  • Interlibrary loans: Due to staffing restrictions based on guidance from local public health officials, maintaining the current number of requests is not feasible. Therefore, we are decreasing the number of Interlibrary Loans requests to three per library card. We expect requests to take longer to fulfill (borrowing or purchasing), with a potential wait time of four to eight weeks.
  • WiFi access: All Library facilities continue to provide open WiFi access, which should be also available outside of most PPLD buildings.
  • Friends of PPLD and book donations: PPLD Friends Bookstores have reopened their bookstores inside of our libraries. Online sales continue with curbside pickup at East Library. Shop our collection now! Have donations for us? Complete the form here to request an appointment to donate your materials.

Our team also continues to work with community organizations, school districts, and other partners to support El Paso County residents with many different needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Information About COVID-19

Vaccinations Vaccines are now available to all Colorado residents 12 years and older! State and local public health officials encourage you to get vaccinated. It’s free, safe, and effective in protecting you against COVID-19; no ID or insurance required. Learn more and find a local provider to book your appointment in El Paso County. You also can call 2-1-1 or text “vaccine” to 667873. Get vaccinated at a Library-hosted clinic! As part of Governor Polis’ Vaccines for All plan, PPLD has been selected to host vaccine equity clinics. Learn more about participating locations, dates, and registration! Have questions about the novel coronavirus? We understand that people may be concerned about COVID-19 and how it may affect them. Please check out the following public resources for more information:

What should I do? To help stop the spread of germs and any contagious illness, local and national public health experts recommend that everyone should take everyday preventive actions and practice good hygiene. Here are some tips from the CDC specific to the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly for those who are not fully vaccinated:

  • Put distance between yourself and other people; at least 6 feet apart.

  • Stay home if you’re sick.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover whenever inside public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, and other crowded spaces.
  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if you cannot wash your hands.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid touching with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then properly wash your hands.
  • Clean surfaces and personal items, such as cell phones, using household disinfecting products.

What is COVID-19? There is a global pandemic situation involving a respiratory illness named COVID-19, which is caused by a new coronavirus that spreads through coughing or sneezing, much like influenza (also known as the flu). Vaccines have been approved and are being distributed. For current information and updates on the pandemic:

 

puffy paint

Microwave Puffy Paint

Supplies and Directions

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2-4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Ziploc bags
  1. Mix 1 cup flour, 3-4 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and enough water to make a dough the consistency of pancake batter.
  2. Divide your dough into ziploc bags. (Snack sized ones are ideal!)
  3. Add food coloring to each bag and squish to make the color you like. Squish carefully as to not pop the bag. The mixing could take several minutes.
  4. Snip a tiny piece of the corner and squeeze the paint out the bag through the hole to paint on a piece of paper.
  5. After painting, pop the paper in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. The paints will set and become more solid.
Top Titles of 2021 blog

Top Titles of 2021

Check out these stats and our top title of 2021 below.

PPLD donated over 4,100 items to 20 organizations, including several schools, nine assisted living facilities, the Salvation Army shelter, Girl Scouts, Greccio Housing, and the Community Justice Center.

Top 10 Adult Titles

  1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
  2. Hidden Valley Road : Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
  3. A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
  4. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
  5. Dark Sky by C.J. Box
  6. Daylight by David Baldacci
  7. A Gambling Man by David Baldacci
  8. The Last Thing He Told Me : a novel by Laura Dave
  9. Anxious People : a novel by Fredrik Backman
  10. Ocean Prey by John Sandford

Top 10 Young Adult Titles

  1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
  2. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
  3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
  4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
  5. All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey
  6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  7. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  8. The Giver by Lois Lowry
  9. The Hate u Give by Angie Thomas
  10. Shadow and Bone Leigh Bardugo

Top 10 Children's Titles

  1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Deep End by Jeff Kinney
  3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
  4. Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney
  5. A Long Walk to Water: a Novel Linda Sue Park
  6. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  7. Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osborne
  8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney
  9. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  10. Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis

Top 10 Movies

  1. Wonder Woman 1984
  2. News of the World
  3. Soul
  4. Tenet
  5. The Courier
  6. Minari
  7. Mulan
  8. Black Widow
  9. F9, the Fast Saga
  10. Godzilla Vs. Kong