General

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Pikes Peak Library District! Explore the resources on this page recognizing the culture, experiences, and contributions of the Jewish American community. 

Programs 

Getting Started with Jewish Genealogy

Get started on your Jewish genealogy! Attend this in-person class to learn how to work with the unique challenges and advantages associated with tracing Jewish ancestry. Complimentary coffee will be provided, and an optional guided tour of the Regional History & Genealogy department resources will follow the class. Register here.

• Penrose Library: Sat., May 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. 

Resources

• Hoopla
  Explore Jewish stories and experiences in eBooks, music, movies, and more.  
• American Jewish Desk Reference
  Learn more about Jewish heritage with this reference book from the American Jewish Historical Society.  
• Kanopy
  Discover films and documentaries celebrating Jewish Americans on Kanopy. 

Regional History and Genealogy Resources (18+) 

• Archival Collections:
  • 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 Regional History and Genealogy (Books from Regional History and Genealogy)
  • Exploring Jewish Colorado by Phil Goodstein
  • A Colorado Jewish family album, 1859-1992 by Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society
  • A history of Jewish life in Colorado Springs (DVD – also available for checkout)
  • Getting started in Jewish genealogy by Gary Mokotoff
  • L'chaim: a guide to Jewish genealogical research by Zoe Henry
  • Dr. Charles David Spivak: a Jewish immigrant and the American tuberculosis movement by Jeanne E. Abrams
  • Jewish women pioneering the frontier trail: a history in the American West by Jeanne E. Abrams
  • A guide to the Jewish Rockies, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming by Amy Shapiro

Websites

• Jewish American Heritage Month – Library of Congress
• Jewish American Heritage Month – National Archives
• Jewish American Heritage Month – National Parks Service (National Register of Historic Places)
• Jewish Americans - PBS.  
  Watch clips and outtakes from the 3-part PBS documentary series The Jewish Americans. This collection includes resources for further investigation, lesson plans for high school educators, and opportunities to share your own story. Recommended for high school and older. 
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History  
  Go on a virtual tour of many of the fascinating exhibits now available online. 

PPLD is teaming up with Muse Comics & Games to offer Free Comic Book Day comic issues for teens on Sat., May 4. This annual nationwide initiative strives to put comics into the hands of both long-time and new comic fans alike. Comics are available at all PPLD locations during this one-day event while supplies last. 

Free Comic Book Day is an excellent way for teens to discover new comic series to fall in love with. Comic stores across the U.S. celebrate by giving out special Free Comic Book Day issues of comics, which can range from being the first issue of a comic series or short one-off stories of larger series. As a public library, we know that not all teens have a nearby comic store that they can visit for free comics. We are happy to connect teens in our community with free comic issues to add to their personal libraries.  

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

In May, join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Brunt, about instant bestselling debut non-fiction work The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. Register for the access link. 

Next, you are invited to join Nina Simon online as she chats about her lighthearted whodunnit that follows a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. Register for the access link.

For the last Virtual Author Visit in May, we welcome you to register for a thrilling conversation with Rebecca F. Kuang (R.F. Kuang) as she talks about her New York Times bestselling novel, Yellowface. The book grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. Register for the access link.

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

More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits 

• Mon., June 3 at noon: For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet with Smithsonian Curator Matt Shindell  
• Thu., June 13 at 6 p.m.: Psychological Thrillers and the Queen of Twists– An Author Talk with Freida McFadden
• Thu., June 20 at noon: Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System with Tiffany Jewell 

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans participated in the first Earth Day to increase awareness about environmental issues around the world. That movement has grown into Earth Month throughout all of April to continue spreading awareness locally and internationally. Learn about Earth Month, environmental issues, and ways to make your life more environmentally friendly through upcycling and recycling with the resources on this page.

Booklists

Adult Books for Earth Month
Earth Month Books for Kids

Resources

• Earth Month Displays at the Library  
  Colorado Springs Utilities is sharing information about wise water usage and conservation with informative displays at several Library locations. You’ll find information about utilities, energy rebates, water-wise planting, water and energy usage tips, and more! Stop by East, Cheyenne, Monument, Old Colorado City, Penrose, and Rockrimmon libraries, as well as Library 21c to learn more.  
• Green Living 
  A curated guide of resources to help you adapt to living a greener lifestyle.
• Learn to Make Reusable Bags at PPLD 
  Struggling with Colorado’s new single-use bag fee? This video has instructions on how to upcycle a t-shirt into a reusable shopping bag. (All ages)
• Create: Bee Gardens
  Learn some techniques to start your very own bee-friendly garden, including planting native wildflowers that attract pollinators, and making a bee bath out of polymer clay. (All ages)
• Create: Visible Mending
  Ripped shirt... throw it away? No way! In this video, you'll learn about visible mending, a technique for fixing up damaged clothes with a little extra flair. (All ages)

Recommended Websites 

• Earth Day – National Archives (all ages)
  A collection of Earth Day resources from the National Archives
• Earth Day - Smithsonian (All ages)
  Learn about Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson and explore exhibitions, resources, and Podcasts that highlight Smithsonian efforts to advance sustainability. 

Nonprofits make a difference in their communities. If you are involved in a nonprofit or are considering starting one, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has a variety of helpful resources available to support your efforts.

We have many resources available through the Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center located at Penrose Library. Here, you will find our nonprofit collection with a variety of helpful books and materials to support your nonprofit. Our strategic services librarian is also available to help connect you with helpful information.

Your PPLD library card also gets you access to several databases to support your research and grant writing efforts. Use the Colorado Grants Guide for information and assistance for nonprofit grant writing or explore Foundation Directory Professional (available at Library 21c) for trusted tools from a national nonprofit service.

For more resources, you can visit our Nonprofit Subject Guides and find information about education and training, grant writing, financial sponsorship, getting started, and more. Each guide offers useful insight to help you reach your nonprofit goals.  

Arab American Heritage Month highlights and celebrates the rich culture and achievements of Arab Americans and Arab-speaking Americans throughout U.S. history. In 2017, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative, which Congress recognized as a National Initiative in 2022. Celebrate by exploring the booklists and web resources on this page!

Booklists

• Children’s Arab American Month Booklist 2023
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Booklist
• Arab Americans (Hoopla)
• Overdrive
• Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Children’s, Adult Fiction, and Adult Nonfiction booklists 

Website Links

• Arab American Heritage Month (History Channel)
  Commemorate Arab American heritage with the History Channel and take a look at historic Arab immigration to the U.S., as well as information about things you can do to celebrate.
• Arab American National Museum
  The first and only museum dedicated to telling the Arab American story.
• Celebrate American Heritage Month (PBS)
  Watch documentaries and programs that celebrate the diversity and history of Arab American communities. 
• Arab American Foundation 
  Learn the history of National Arab American Heritage Month being established as a nationally recognized heritage month. 
• Flags of Arabic Nations for Kids
  A printable graphic for learning the flags of Arabic nations.
• Arab American History and Culture (The Smithsonian) 
  Explore photos and articles in the Smithsonian archives to learn more about Arab American history and culture.  
• Arab American Institute (AAI) 
  The AAI supports programs that promote greater awareness of Arab Americans in the United States, demographic research, and international outreach.

For anyone considering a major purchase such as a new vehicle, a comfortable mattress upgrade, or new appliances, a subscription to the Consumer Reports database is a good place to start. You will find unbiased ratings and reviews, performance scores, shopping advice, how-to videos, and the latest product news, among other helpful information. Consumer Reports can help you save money, shop smartly, and live better.

With your PPLD library card, you don’t need a subscription to access Consumer Reports. This database is available at any Library location. El Paso County residents (with a library card that starts with a 4) can use their library card to access this database from home.

If you aren’t quite sure what products to consider such as what mattress or crib to purchase, peruse articles reporting on the best of that type of product. If you already have several possibilities in mind, you can search them in the database to find and compare product specifications, rating, safety, and cost information to help find the best product for your needs. This database goes beyond product information with articles exploring ways to keep your home up-to-date, travel tips, things to consider for insurance, starting a college savings plan, getting better sleep, and more.

If you’re on a hunt for a new vehicle, visit the Cars section to find exclusive test results and survey findings to help you choose the best vehicle for you. You can explore by vehicle type, make, model, and year if you already have some options to consider, or peruse lists of the most reliable or cost-effective vehicles to find a good starting point. Road tests, overall scores, features lists, and pricing breakdowns offer key insights.

In addition to product information for items you are considering, you will find interesting articles with tips for updating and improving different areas of your home. Browse the Home & Garden section for a wide variety of products, including bed and bath, home improvement, kitchen, lawn and garden, and tools and power equipment. Learn how to furnish your bedroom for a more restful sleep, get expert tips on staining decks, read up on the Right to Repair movement, and more. 

There are even sections with information you can use beyond making purchasing decisions. The Babies section, for example, supports parents making safer and smarter choices for new family members. Explore articles about electronics and internet safety, financial planning, travel tips, and much more. You will even find articles on using privacy features of popular social media apps like Facebook. With more sections to explore, there is a lot more to discover in Consumer Reports.  

Explore diverse, varied experiences across the autism community with Pikes Peak Library District during Autism Acceptance Month this April. Below, you will find related booklists, resources, and websites.

Booklists

• Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Adult Nonfiction and Adult Fiction booklists
• Childrens booklist

Resources

• Library Sensory Tour videos
  Get a sensory-friendly preview of each of our Library locations, complete with information about sensory accommodations available at each.

Websites

• Autism Acceptance Month (Autism Society)
  Read about Autism Acceptance Month and learn more about the autistic community.
• Autism Society Colorado
  Discover a wide range of resources in Colorado and nationally, and learn about the autistic community.
• Autism Resources (Colorado Department of Education)
  Learn about resources and strategies for adapting and thriving on the autism spectrum.
• World Health Organization
  Find key facts about autism and find news and stories centering around the autistic community. 

Transition can be hard for our military families and their children. Moving multiple times for military service can be challenging for the children of military families, who often face the disruption of starting over at a new school and with new friends multiple times. This April, Pikes Peak Library District honors the Military Children in our community by celebrating their unique experiences.

Booklists: 

• Month of the Military Booklist

Resources

• Military & Veterans Resource Guide  
  PPLD provides military, veterans, and their families with access to free resources such as books, audiobooks, eBooks, and online databases, as well as events, workshops, and classes tailored to their unique needs and interests.

Website Links

• Sesame Street For Military Families 
  Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.
• Babies on the Homefront 
  Babies on the Homefront provides military and veteran parents ideas for enhancing everyday moments with their baby or toddler.
• Veteran Training – VA Resources 
  The VA's parenting program provides resources and support for military and veteran parents, including information on child development, parenting skills, and managing the challenges of military life.
• MCEC – Military Child Education Coalition 
  MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
• U.S. Department of Defense
  While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Each year, the Department of Defense (DoD) joins national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make.
• Military OneSource
  The Month of the Military Child recognizes the unique challenges children in military families face —such as long separations and frequent moves — and honors their service to the military community. Use these free resources to support your children, youth, and teens and power up your parenting. 

With a Pikes Peak Culture Pass, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can get no-cost entry passes to the ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame. It is only museum dedicated to both the history of professional rodeo and the ProRodeo Clown Association, as well as western heritage in the Pikes Peak region. 

A unique and popular summer exhibit brings to life the spirit of the rodeo through a livestock exhibition, bucking rodeo horses, and even the occasional bull! Few museums have live animals that guests can visit and learn about first-hand. While there, guests can stroll around a beautiful pond and waterfall as they take in the incredible statuary that captures the spirit of the west. This hidden gem has even served as a beautiful backdrop for weddings and special events. 

Forty-five years ago, the ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame made Colorado Springs its permanent home after relocating here from Denver. The City of Colorado Springs reached out to the organization in 1978 and worked with them to help them secure the current property where the museum sits today just west of I-25 at Rockrimmon Boulevard. The building opened in August 1979 and has grown with the museum. Later additions, including a pavilion, make up the Hall of Fame as it is today. 

To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the museum will host several activities in August 2024 with a rodeo clown reunion, demonstrations, and fun activities culminating with an open house celebration on Fri., Aug. 10. 

The ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame is one of the original Culture Pass partners to invite PPLD patrons to be a “tourist in their own backyard,” connecting more with our local community and providing educational programs. Since then, the museum has partnered with PPLD to offer discounted admission during Summer Discount Days in 2023 and has hosted our mobile library to connect museum visitors with Library offerings.

Learn more about the museum on their website, or check out a Pikes Peak Culture Pass and enjoy your time exploring this cultural attraction in-person.

PPLD cardholders have made great use of the Culture Pass program, checking out 3,192 no-cost passes in 2023 alone! The ProRodeo Museum and Hall of Fame is one of 12 Culture Pass partners that you can explore. Use your library card to check out a pass today!