Your library card gives you access to a world of possibilities at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). In addition to the wide selection of physical and digital items you can check out, you also have access to a variety of online resources and databases. This month, take a closer look at Morningstar Investment Research Center and the equipment available in PPLD’s audio and video studios.

You will need a library card that starts with a 4 to access some of the resources on this page outside a Library location. 

Morningstar Investment Research Center

Anyone interested in or currently pursuing investing will find useful resources in the Morningstar Investment Research Center. This database provides independent analysis of over 1,700 stocks, 2,200 mutual funds, and 300 exchange rated funds to help you make informed decisions. It also includes up-to-date data on 35,000 stocks and funds, as well as industry and marketing data.

Log in with your PPLD library card, and you will see a user-friendly dashboard with displays showing U.S. and global market barometers, market indexes, stock splits, summaries, commodity futures, the date and time for upcoming U.S. economic reports, and other key information. The page also displays recent news and commentary from analysts.

Tools along the left side of the page offer different options, whether you want to learn more about investing, see the latest research, or look at information for specific investments. The Compare tool allows you to compare data on multiple investments at once.

On the Morningstar Insights page, investors will find further reading to heighten their market prowess. Browse research publications, investment insights, and even the latest in personal finance and retirement information. Pages for stocks, mutual funds, EFTs (exchange-traded funds), and more provide further information focused on the type of investing you are interested in.

For people seeking to further enhance their investment knowledge, Morningstar includes prerecorded webinars and online courses (under the Investment Classroom link) on a wide variety of topics.

Studio Equipment

The studios at Library 21c and Sand Creek Library offer the audio and video equipment you need to bring your projects to life. Plus, our staff can help you learn how to use the equipment! Library users have created music videos, studio photo shoots, podcast episodes, commercials, school projects, music records, and more using the professional recording equipment in these spaces.

Step into Studio916 at Sand Creek Library and Studio21c at Library 21c and you will find yourself surrounded by audio equipment and a sound booth designed for the best acoustics. Here, you can choose an array of different microphones that suit your needs, from ribbon mics and dynamic mics to condensers. There are even guitars, piano keyboards, and an electronic drum set for you to use.

The studios are split into two rooms, a Live Room where you can record your sounds, and a Control Room where the editing magic happens. A computer in the Control Room offers specialty editing software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Audacity, and Final Cut Pro X where you can enhance your recording and edit it into its final form.

Studio21c also includes audio equipment and editing software, as well as the tools you need for videography and photography. This fully equipped studio includes professional cameras, tripods, a teleprompter, adjustable lighting equipment, and a variety of microphones to suit the visual needs of your project. There is also a green screen available so that you can easily change your background. 

These spaces are available by reservation using your PPLD library card for anyone age 18 and older. Our dedicated staff is here to support your project needs. 

What will you create? 

Published on Fri., Oct. 3, 2025

Penrose Library’s improvements continue as the Library begins Phase Three of a multi-phase project to enhance the Library’s security and improve patrons’ experiences.

The third phase starts Mon., Oct. 6 with preliminary work needed to install the perimeter fence – fashioned like the existing fence at the Carnegie Library Garden – at Penrose Library. Patrons will see the work underway on the upper east lot.

The Library will remain open during construction. Patrons may use the lower west lot to park. The front entrance to the Library remains open for patrons who walk to the Library.

This phase of the project follows other upgrades at Penrose Library, including renovations and updates to the Computer Lab and Children’s areas, lowering bookshelves, and installing lockers, security cameras, and service desks at each entrance.

The fence installation is scheduled to be completed by late fall, depending on the weather.
 

Penrose Library will complete improvements and reopen the Computer Lab and Children's area on Tue., April 1. 

Published on Mon., March 31, 2025

Until the Computer Lab and Children's area reopen:

• Laptops and Chromebooks are available to checkout for in-library use at the Service desk.
• All Children's programming will continue as scheduled. To participate, please enter through the Aspen Meeting Room.

Join us outside the Children's area for a reopening ceremony and celebration on Tue., April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Learn about how Updates at Penrose Library Enhance Library Users’ Experiences.
 

Penrose Library will undergo the next stages of its improvement project starting on Mon., Jan. 6.

Published on Jan. 3, 2025 | Updated on Thu., Jan. 30, 2025

Building on efforts started in February 2024 to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Penrose Library is gearing up for another round of updates starting in January 2025. Plans have been made to update the Computer Lab, Children’s area, both the east and west entrances, and the security monitoring and alarm systems. 

Penrose Library will remain open for the duration of this project. The Computer Lab and Children's area will be closed during construction. Library users can check out laptops or Chromebooks for use inside the Library by visiting the service desk. All Children's programming will continue as scheduled. Participants can join the programs by entering through the Aspen Meeting Room.

The user experience in the Computer Lab will be enhanced with a more open floor plan allowing for smaller collaborative spaces and increased availability of computers. New desks will be installed that will increase user privacy and create a more user-friendly environment. The service desk will be updated to provide for safer and comprehensive management of the computer lab. A Chromebook charging kiosk will also be installed. 

The shelving in the Children’s area will be lowered to improve sightlines and lighting. To increase child safety and provide noise reduction, a glass storefront will be installed to enclose the area. Also, the Library’s youngest patrons will be welcomed into their renovated space with a new hand-painted mural by a Colorado artist. 

Both the east and west entrances will receive updated exterior doors. New service desks will be installed at both entrances with an ADA approach height so that all patrons and staff can enjoy interactions at a desk suited to their needs. The east entrance (off Cascade Ave.) will have an energy-saving air curtain installed and be designed for better incoming and outgoing traffic flow. The Friends of PPLD will also be expanding their bookstore.  

To increase security throughout the building, an updated security monitoring and alarm system will be installed. 

PPLD is looking forward to completing these updates and continuing to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all users of Penrose Library. This Library is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area and is proud to continue to be a contributing part of the thriving Downtown community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Updates are expected to be completed in March 2025.  

Penrose Library reopens with Open House!

Published on Mon., April 1, 2024

Penrose Library will be completing the first stage of updates planned for 2024 and reopening to the public on Wed., April 10 at 4 p.m. This is the only stage that requires closing the building to complete, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the Library is open.

During National Library Week, April 7 – 13, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be hosting open houses throughout the Library District to celebrate libraries and what they bring to our communities. When Penrose Library reopens at 4 p.m. on April 10, this will serve as that location’s Open House and everyone is invited.

Penrose closing for security updates starting February 2024

Published on Mon., Jan. 8, 2024

Updates are coming to Penrose Library in early 2024. In a concerted effort to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Library leadership has determined that a significant investment in the systems, structures/facilities, and resources in use at Penrose Library is paramount. Staff and community members have asked that the Library District address this location specifically, and leadership has listened to that feedback. After careful evaluation, the Library District determined the most efficient updates that are financially feasible for PPLD and that provide the biggest return on time and funds invested. 

Although Penrose Library will not need to be closed for the majority of the plan implementation (predicted to take most of 2024 to complete), the beginning stages of the plan do require closing the facility. Penrose Library will be closed for approximately two months starting Thu., Feb. 1 in order to complete this stage of updates. During the closure, bookshelves will be shortened and reconfigured to increase shelf space, brighten the area, and increase visibility and accessibility. This process requires removing all of the books, disassembling the shelving units, sending them out for modification, and then reassembling them in their new configuration before reshelving the books. Only this stage will require closing the building, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the building is open. Other elements of this project will require the closure of smaller sections of Penrose Library for shorter periods of time in the coming months. Here are the planned changes that will not require a building closure to complete:

• Moving the lockers currently located along the wall near our Regional History & Genealogy department to the west entrance and installing another set of lockers at the east entrance for patrons to store belongings during their visit.
• Installation of boulders in the outdoor areas around the windows of the Children’s section.
• Interior stairwell fencing installed below the main and west stairwells.
• A visually appealing steel fence (resembling the one around the Carnegie Garden next to Penrose Library) installed around the premises.
• Creation of a permanent structure in the back parking lot in which people with large belongings may store their items short-term during their visit.
• Remodel of the computer lab.
• Replacing existing tables and chairs with more functional furniture.
• Removal of outlets and installation of a charging station near the front entrance.
• Repositioning staff desks to strategic locations throughout the building.
• Sectioning off the Children’s area to make it its own distinct room.
• Updating all security hardware throughout the building, including the installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant speakers.

PPLD is excited to update Penrose Library to improve safety and security for all patrons and staff. Penrose is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area, and the Library is proud to continue to be a contributing part of this thriving community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Accessing Regional History & Genealogy

While Penrose Library is closed, limited Regional History & Genealogy resources will be available.

Virtual assistance

When needed, patrons can schedule a virtual meeting with Regional History & Genealogy staff for one-on-one help to address specific research needs.

Microfilm

While Penrose Library is closed, Microfilm may be requested from Regional History & Genealogy, in advance, to be sent and viewed at East Library. Patrons will need to give four-days’ notice before the film will be available to them. East Library staff will contact patrons when their film is ready to view. Patrons must view the film at East Library (items do not circulate outside of the library). Microfilm requests from Interlibrary Loan during this time will also be available from East Library.

Database Access

Certain PPLD databases that are only available at Penrose Library are currently available at other locations while Penrose Library is closed.

• Westlaw: Available at East Library
• Foundation Directory Professional: Available at Library 21c

If ghosts are on your mind this time of year, you are in good company at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). You will find hauntingly good books in our collection and spirited fall programs like Spooky Stacks and Spooky Stroll-a-Story to put you in the seasonal mood. In addition to these offerings, we also have a few ghost stories of our own. Some of our Libraries are said to be haunted.

Palmer Lake Library

At Palmer Lake Library hangs a portrait of Lucretia Vaile, a Denver librarian who donated funds that went to the purchase of the building. Staff frequently observe the lights that illuminate the portrait flickering in the evening. The electrical system has been checked for shorts or bad bulbs, but none have been discovered. Perhaps Lucretia is still around enjoying the beautiful views. 

Old Colorado City Library 

With over 120 years of history under its roof, it may not come as a surprise that Old Colorado City Library is said to have a haunted basement. From time to time, night crews cleaning after hours have heard muffled conversations between two distinct voices floating up the stairs when nobody else should be around. When they investigate, the basement is always empty. Night crews have also mentioned experiencing strange sensations or seeing mysterious shadows moving through the brick-and-stone rooms downstairs. 

Calhan Library

When you visit Calhan Library, you can see the whole building if you stand in the middle of the room. What you won’t see, however, is the mysterious force behind the unexplained happenings that staff frequently deal with. It isn’t uncommon for staff to hang flyers for upcoming Library programs only to find them on the floor when they come in the next morning. Clocks have also been known to regularly fall off of the wall, and the doorstop that holds the bathroom door shut occasionally flies into the air for no observable reason. Staff also often hear typing sounds coming from the printer kiosk when nobody is standing near it.

Penrose Library

Our historic newspaper archives reveal another mysterious happening at the Library District that has never been solved. In December 1976, The Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph published a story about shelving units in the lower level of Penrose Library that toppled over in the night. An entire section of bookshelves holding 30,000 books fell like dominos. Library staff were puzzled and had no explanation at the time of publication. With no follow-up story in the archives, we may never know if this was the work of vandals, an undiscovered problem with the shelving, or something otherworldly. 

As fall settles over the Pikes Peak region this October, bringing with it longer nights and a chill to the air, it is a perfect time for sharing haunted tales. Our Regional History & Genealogy team invites you to explore the eerie side of history during this year’s Spooky Stacks.

For two evenings, the Regional History & Genealogy department located in the historic Carnegie Library building at Penrose Library will be transformed with spooky ambiance. Staff will guide visitors on tours through the dimly lit stacks and encounter the spirits that linger in our history collection. Delve into chilling tales of famous deaths in the Pikes Peak region and discover the darker corners of our region’s past.

Tours will begin on a first-come basis starting at 5:30 p.m., with the last tour starting at 6:30 p.m.

Please note that this is a low-light event, perfect for those who dare to discover the darker corners of our region’s past. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Mon., Oct. 27 starting at 5:30 p.m.
• Tue., Oct. 28 starting at 5:30 p.m. 

Take a spooky stroll in Old Colorado City and read The Baddies by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Pick up a map at Old Colorado City Library, or print one here. Find a page at each location featured on the map, and head inside - there may be a special treat waiting for you! The story will be available Oct. 1 - 31.

Old Colorado City October Strolls

The Baddies by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler - Download the map!

1. Old Colorado City Library
2. Jives Coffee Lounge
3. Carnelian Coffee Co.
4. Circa Vintage by Eclectic CO.
5. Jen’s Place Boutique & Gift Shop
6. Stella & Beau
7. Eclectic OCC
8. Simple Body
9. The Spark
10. EllyBLUE
11. Squash Blossom
12. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
13. Dice Guys
14. Old Colorado City History Center 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to present Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to tips on decluttering homes. 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 your home. 

In October, join us on Thu., Oct. 2 at noon for a conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss the book Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. Register for the access link. 

Tune in on Thu., Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. to hear from Leigh Bardugo, whose highly popular book Six of Crows has taken the world of Young Adult literature by storm–and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself and celebrate the release of Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition). Register for the access link.  

On Wed., Oct. 22 at 5 p.m., be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Yousafzai reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is. Register for the access link. 

For the last Virtual Author Visit of October, settle in on Wed., Oct. 29 at noon for a conversation with the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory, as she returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. Find out about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025). Register for the access link. 

Learn more and see upcoming authors on our Virtual Author Visits page or check out past Virtual Author Visits!   

More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits

• Wed., Nov. 5 at noon: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee
• Thu., Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.: The Search for Truth and the Persistence of Love Across Time with Novelist Amanda Peters
• Tue., Nov. 18 at noon: Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg 

Your library card gives you access to a world of possibilities at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). In addition to a wide selection of physical and digital items you can check out, you also have access to a variety of online resources and databases. This month, take a closer look at HelpNow and Pikes Peak Culture Pass. 

You will need a library card that starts with a 4 to access some of the resources on this page outside of a Library location. 

HelpNow 

Your library card gives you access to HelpNow, an excellent resource for learners of all ages. HelpNow is jam-packed with study resources for grades K – 12 and college students, live online tutoring, a writing center, lessons to help adults learn a range of office technologies, college entrance exam study resources, English language learning tools, and more. There is a lot to explore, so here are a few highlights:

HelpNow offers live online tutoring for K – 12 and college students daily from 2 – 11 p.m. Choose from a wide range of topics from first grade reading to college trigonometry. The live tutoring also offers Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance for students seeking financial aid for college.

The SkillsSurfer and LEAP Learning Platform sections offer lessons, videos, and practice tests for a variety of subject areas and skill sets. An elementary student might read a lesson on story plot, while a middle-school student could watch a video on box plot graphs, and a high-school student takes a statistics quiz or a practice SAT test. Learners of all ages will also find lessons that teach skills in computers and technology, life skills, English as a second language, GED subject areas, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more. 

There is also a Writing Lab to help students with papers and an option for sending specific questions for the HelpNow experts to assist with. Students can also create and share flashcards and quizzes to help themselves study using the FlashBulb section. 

Visit HelpNow and discover your favorite no-cost learning tools today!

Pikes Peak Culture Pass

It is often said that a library card is a ticket to adventure because books transport readers to wherever they take place. Your PPLD library card also allows you to take local adventures through our Pikes Peak Culture Pass program. Use your library card to check out entry passes to local museums and attractions throughout the Pikes Peak region and into the Denver area.

Through Culture Pass, our community has access to enriching cultural experiences right here in our region. We are proud to partner with 14 destinations for you to explore.

Take a trip to the Money Museum to find out how gold shaped exploration in North America. Step into the Center for Colorado Women’s History to learn the unique stories of resilient women who overcame obstacles to make their home here in Colorado. Or fuel your imagination with the miniature world of Magic Town at the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery. These are only a few of the destinations you can visit.

You can also enjoy seasonal passes that are available for limited periods, so there is often something new to enjoy. 

Reserving a pass is easy. Passes can be checked out up to 30 days in advance using the Culture Pass Reservations page. Any date beyond 30 days will show as “unavailable” because it is too far away to reserve passes yet, so be sure to check back.

If there are no passes available for a particular attraction for the day you want to visit, consider visiting another location with passes available. You never know what you will discover! Reserve a pass today!

In January, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) launched a new website designed to make it easier for you to explore our resources, find events, and access the Library anytime, anywhere. Now that the site has been live for several months, we want to hear about your experiences! 

Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey:

Take the Survey » 

Your feedback will help us understand how you use the website, what is working well, and where we can continue to improve. Whether you search the catalog, browse events happening at our Library locations, or use one of our digital resources, your input will make a difference. 

The results from this survey will help us decide future improvements on the PPLD website. 

Thank you for helping us grow and improve! 

The Teen Art Contest returns in Spring 2026. More details are coming soon. Check back starting in December for contest theme, rules, and entry requirements. 

The Regional History & Genealogy collection at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) houses pieces of our region’s rich history. Researchers and PPLD staff know about the many stories told by the city record logs, letters written by residents, local newspapers, regional history books, and thousands of digitized photos and documents in the collection. With the launch of a new series, you will too!

Join us for the inaugural event of the Peak Legacies series and learn about local photographer Myron Wood. Each entry in the Peak Legacies series will highlight individuals with a prominent place in PPLD’s archives and in Colorado history.

Myron Wood
Sat., Sept. 20 from 3 – 5 p.m.
Library 21c: Venue
Registration required 

India Wood, daughter of renowned local photographer Myron Wood, shares stories and insights from her trek across Colorado—literally corner to corner—and how the journey deepened her understanding of her father’s life and his work in the state. The discussion is part of PPLD’s Regional History department’s new series Peak Legacies, which highlights individuals with a prominent place in our archives and in Colorado history. A concurrent display at Library 21c will feature a selection of Myron Wood’s photographs.