Constitution Day on September 17 commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave people in 1787 and recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens through coming of age or naturalization. Celebrate this historic day with resources available at the Library!

• We the People U.S. Pocket Constitutions 
  Celebrate the penning of the U.S. Constitution by picking up a pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution from your local library beginning Wed., Sept 13, while supplies last.

Recommended Resources

Use your library card to check out books and eBooks exploring the Constitution and its history through different lenses.

• A Young Reader's Edition of Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story by McClay, Wilfred M.
• Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution by Mystal, Elie
• OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?: A Non-boring Guide to How Our Democracy is Supposed to Work by Sheehan, ben
• Ordinary Equality: The Fearless Women and Queer People Who Shaped the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Rights Amendment by Kelly, Kat; art by LaRue, Nicole
• For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why it Matters by Foster, Jeff
• eBooks available with your library card through OverDrive or by using the Libby app:
  • Two Revolutions and the Constitution by D.R. Philips, James
  • The United States Constitution (this title is always available)
  • The Great Debate – Advocates and Opponents of the American Constitution by Thomas Pangle, The Great Courses

Enjoy a selection of documentaries with your library card on Kanopy, including:

• An American (1775 – 1790)
• Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers, Episode 12: The Future of the United States Constitution
• History of the United States, Episode 14: Creating the Constitution

Take an in-depth look at the history of the U.S. Constitution with these web resources:

• Britannica Kids: United States Constitution 
  Spark young learners’ curiosity about the U.S. Constitution.
• History.com: This Day in History: U.S. Constitution Signed 
  Enjoy an overview of the efforts that went into the creation of the U.S. Constitution. 
• National Archives: Constitution of the United States – A History
  Dive into this in-depth look at the Constitutional Convention and the process of creating the U.S. Constitution. 
• National Archives: The First Amendments to the U.S. Constitution 
  Discover some of the first changes made to the U.S. Constitution and learn about the development of the Bill of Rights.
• U.S. History in Context database: Constitution and the Bill of Rights (you must be in a Pikes Peak Library District location or have a library card starting with the number 4 to access). 
  Explore the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the cultural pressures involved in its development.  

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Fri., Sept. 15 - Sun., Oct. 15, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The Library offers several opportunities to learn and celebrate. Scroll down to explore resources celebrating Hispanic heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Month Recipe Cards

Learn about favorite foods and make recipes from some of the cultures celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month. Available at all locations starting Fri., Sept. 15.

Resources

• Adults:
  • Hoopla
  • Kanopy films
  • Colorado Experience 
    Justicia Y Libertad (27 min., NR) 1968 was a pivotal year in American history: The Vietnam War hit its peak, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and riots shook the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. At home in Colorado, it marked the birth of the Chicano Movement. These pivotal times brought political activist Corky Gonzalez to the forefront as an early pioneer of equal rights for Mexican Americans.
• Regional History & Genealogy
• Archival Collections
  • Heidi Vazquez Guy Records (MSS 0408)  
    The Heidi Vazquez Guy Records consist of two series: Biographical Files and VHS Tapes. Biographical information provided in each file includes: birthdate, parents names, names and number of children, education, careers, and Colorado memories. Most files also include a photograph. The VHS tapes contain oral history interviews of people in the Biographical Files conducted by Heidi Vazquez Guy. See staff in Regional History & Genealogy if you want to find out more about this collection.
  • De Donde Eres oral histories 
    Conducted between the years 2003 -2005, ¿De Donde Eres? was an oral history project organized by Pikes Peak Library District’s Special Collections in an effort to document and promote understanding of the region’s Hispanic community and their many contributions to Colorado Springs. The collection is comprised of 25 individual videotaped interviews which have been digitized into audio-only format. A complete listing of the project interviews is available at the Regional History & Genealogy reference desk and transcripts are available for a few of the oral histories.
• Young Adults:
  • Color in Colorado Young Adult Booklist
• Families and Children:
  • Enjoy some incredibly colorful costumes and dance from Ballet Folklórico México Danza to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! The music is so energetic you might want to get up and dance with your family! Click here to view the video.
  • Children's Materials in Spanish at PPLD
  • Color in Colorado Children's Booklist
  • PBS Children's Booklist
  • eBooks from Libby/Overdrive
  • Children’s Booklist from ¡Colorín Colorado!

• Reference Books and Magazines 

  • Who's who among Hispanic Americans, by Gale Research Inc.
  • Early Hispanic Colorado, 1678-1900, by Joseph P. Sánchez
  • On the edge of purgatory: an archaeology of place in Hispanic Colorado, by Bonnie J. Clark
  • Hispanics in the U.S. Civil War: a compiled list of men who fought for the Confederacy and the Union, compiled and edited by Ricardo J. Rodríguez
  • Hispanic pioneers in Colorado and New Mexico, by Colorado Society of Hispanic Genealogy
  • National Society of Hispanic Genealogy Newsletter, by NSHG
  • Colorado Hispanic Genealogist, by Colorado Society of Hispanic Genealogy
  • Colorado Hispanic Leadership Profiles: Who’s Who among Colorado’s Outstanding Leaders by Doug McNair

  For more titles and information, visit Special Collections or search our catalog! Books are from the Carnegie Library - Special Collections. (Some titles are available for checkout from other library locations.)

• Websites
  • HispanicHeritageMonth.gov Hosted by the Library of Congress, this site provides access to curated arts exhibits and collections, audio and video collections, and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month.
  • La Fiesta Bonita Read about a historic local heritage celebration from right here in El Paso County posted by our friends at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. 
  • National Archives – Hispanic Heritage Month
  • National Today – Hispanic Heritage Month
  • History.com Provides an overview of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Public WiFi is about to get a boost at four Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) locations. We are working with Comcast to bring Comcast Lift Zones to Library 21c, as well as Penrose, East, and Ruth Holley libraries. Comcast Lift Zones are a second Wi-Fi network that library users can access at those locations, increasing the number of internet users that the public WiFi can support at one time. This means that users will have faster, more reliable internet that will make it easier to stream, complete projects, get work done, participate in remote classes and meetings, work on job applications and resumes, game, and more.  

Comcast selected these libraries as four of only seven libraries in Colorado to have Comcast Lift Zones in order to increase digital equity. Internet access is becoming more and more essential for the social and working worlds. Ensuring that everyone has access to the internet and other digital resources, known as digital equity, aligns with PPLD’s value of providing access for all to pursue their interests, needs, and goals. 

To access the Comcast Lift Zone at these four Library locations, users will need to open their device’s WiFi settings and select PPLD Lift Zone. After that, they will need to accept the terms and conditions when prompted, and they will connect to the network.  

The installation of these Lift Zones is one of several digital equity projects PPLD is currently working on. Two other projects in the works involve expanding access to digital resources outside of operating hours. The Library plans to expand the existing WiFi network a short distance outside of the building at Cheyenne Mountain, Ruth Holley, Penrose, and Sand Creek libraries, which will provide 24/7 access to Wi-Fi resources. We also plan to install holds lockers at these same four locations to allow patrons to pick up items they put on hold outside of operating hours. Both projects are made possible with funds awarded to PPLD through the City of Colorado Springs Digital Equity Grant Program. We are also working on a project to make a selection of Chromebooks available for patrons to check out and use outside of the library. There is no release date set for these digital equity projects.

Interested in getting involved as a leader in your community? Pikes Peak Library District’s Board of Trustees seeks applications due to an upcoming vacancy beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Members of PPLD’s Board of Trustees are appointed by a joint committee of the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. It is a governing board as opposed to an advisory board. Trustees serve without remuneration and must live within the Library District’s service area. They are limited to two five-year terms.

Responsibilities include attending regular board and committee meetings, following bylaws, serving as a community liaison, appointing and evaluating the performance of the Library’s CEO, setting policy, performing strategic planning duties, reviewing and approving the annual budget, and more. 

Applications for the vacancy close at 11:59 p.m. MST on Sunday, Sept. 10. Applications must be completed and submitted online. Learn more and apply at ppld.org/BOT

All applicants are requested to attend the PPLD Board of Trustees meeting on Wed., Sept. 20, 2023, at  
5 p.m. at Library 21c in the Venue, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive. A reception will follow the meeting so that applicants may introduce themselves, meet the current Trustees, and learn more about the position.    

Please RSVP for the Sept. 20, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting to Laura Foster at lfoster@ppld.org or  719-531-6333, x6009.  

Celebrate Colorado Day Mon., Aug. 1 and enjoy other events throughout the month of August.

Colorado Day: Ed Dwight

Join us as we celebrate Colorado through the life of Ed Dwight, the first African American considered for the NASA astronaut program! The two-hour event includes:

• Mark Dickerson, Col. USAF (Ret), on the confluence of African American and Aviation History
• Rachel English, the Director of the Space Foundation, on the importance of space to Colorado's history
• A screening of the 13-minute documentary The Lost Astronaut, a short film about Ed Dwight.
• Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required.

Register Now

Genealogy Basics (Colorado Edition)

Are you interested in researching your genealogy, but aren't sure where to start? Join us for an introduction to basic genealogy research strategies including getting started, organizing research, and selecting and searching for records.

In celebration of Colorado Day, this month's Genealogy Basics classes will focus on researching your Colorado ancestors!

• Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 - 3 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7 - 8 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.
• Saturday, Aug. 26 from 1 - 4 p.m. - Virtual - Registration is required.

Resources:

Adult

Have you checked out our digital archive? PPLD's Digital Collections features historic photographs, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps, oral histories, films and more that highlight the rich history of the Pikes Peak region. The materials come from the Special Collections of Pikes Peak Library District, housed in the 1905 Carnegie Library in downtown Colorado Springs.

Pikes Peak NewsFinder is our local historical newspaper index. This index contains citations to and scanned images of local news articles and obituaries from the Colorado Springs Gazette and other local newspapers from as early as the 1870s!

Children/Families

Need homework help? Check out our Colorado Homework Help page to get started with biographies, databases, and recommended websites.

Check some kids books about Colorado history, learn more.

Website Links:

Adult

Visit PPLD’s Regional History & Genealogy page to learn how you can research our local history. We have historic photos, manuscripts, books, and more!

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will host the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibit from the American Library Association and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. We are one of only 50 libraries nationwide and the only library in Colorado to host the exhibit. It will be at East Library from Sept. 5 – Oct. 11.

Learn about this period in American history and explore how people in the U.S. reacted to the Holocaust. Your journey will take you through the many factors impacting the decisions and opinions of the government, news media, organizations, and individuals in the 1930s and 1940s, including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism.

During the exhibit’s stay, we will have related programming that will include a workshop for educators, an open reception, and special presentations. We selected this year’s community read book for All Pikes Peak Reads to compliment this exhibit as well. The selected book isThe Girls Who Stepped Out of Line:  Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of WWII. Find the full schedule of events on our Americans and the Holocaust page.

Self-guided tours will be available during East Library’s open hours, or find out how to schedule a tour at ppld.org/holocaustExhibit 

We are pleased to announce the 2023 book for All Pikes Peak Reads, our annual community reads program. This year’s title is The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II by Mari K. Eder. Anyone interested in joining us for this engaging book can stop by any Library location any time starting Wed., July 19 to pick up a copy or access it with our eLibrary resources Libby and Freading (it is always available on Freading).

Several of our library book clubs are also reading the book in September. Find your nearest book club that is reading the All Pikes Peak Reads book together on our book clubs page. 

All Pikes Peak Reads improves community connection through literature and fosters dialogue across social, cultural, and generational lines. Every year, we select books that center around timely topics, and we pair the community read with related programming. Enjoy craft kits and coloring pages throughout the month, and join us for an author talk with Eder on Sat., Oct. 7 at Library 21c. Keep an eye on our website for information about additional programs coming soon. 

This year’s title, which focuses on the women who served, fought, and took action against devastating odds during WWII, compliments a traveling exhibit coming to the Library this fall. From Sept. 5 – Oct. 11, East Library will host Americans and the Holocaust, a traveling exhibit from the American Library Association exploring social, financial, and political factors impacting life in the U.S. during the 1930s and 1940s and how these factors influenced the way Americans reacted to the Holocaust.

Detailed information about this year’s All Pikes Peak Reads program is available on our All Pikes Peak Reads webpage. 

This summer the lawn and landscaping around Library 21c will undergo a turf conversion. This involves replacing non-native, manicured turf (lawn) with grasses native to our region. This is part of an initiative to be better stewards of our water and budget resources.

The landscaped areas of Library 21c currently consist of more than 1.5 acres of Kentucky Bluegrass turf which is a high-maintenance, high-resource using plant material. The cost to irrigate and provide routine maintenance to the lawn continues to increase each year. According to the Library’s water use monitoring, costs to irrigate the existing lawn areas at Library 21c exceed $20,000 annually. Converting the lawn to native grasses could save the Library as much as 60 – 70% of this cost and it will also greatly reduce water consumption. This conversion project will free up future financial resources that may be put to better use helping the community with other programs and services.

Over the next several months the Library will be working with Fisk Landscaping on the turf conversion. In general, the conversion includes adapting the irrigation system to serve the new grasses; killing the existing lawn; planting seeds for the new native “prairie”; watering for establishment and weed control; and installing sod where needed. The whole process is anticipated to take two growing seasons. This summer we will work on getting new native grass seeds germinated and growing, while next summer will focus on promoting healthy growth and establishing the native grass stand.

During the conversion process the Library asks patrons to please heed the warning signs to stay off of the lawn. This will help the conversion proceed as planned without unnecessary disturbance or damage to the new landscaping as it develops. We appreciate your cooperation. 

We are partnering with two more Colorado attractions, expanding the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program to 12 local attractions for patrons to explore! Enjoy even more local art and regional history through the Library. Use your library card to reserve passes for no-cost entry into the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery in Old Colorado City, and the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum in Victor. Check below for more information about these exciting attractions and reserve your pass today.

Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

Visit the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery and explore the works of sculptor Michael Garman. His large-scale Cityscape Street Scenes will capture the imaginations of all ages. The gallery features his largest creation, Magic Town, which is a 1/6th scale miniaturized urban neighborhood, complete with dozens of handcrafted buildings, alleyways, and sidewalk scenes. What especially brings these detailed creations to life are the “Magical Elements” that transform the miniature scenes in rooms before your eyes, make alleyways appear to go on forever, and show off other immersive visual and sound effects that bring the town’s stories to life.

Victor Lowell Thomas Museum

At the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, learn about the colorful history of exploration, ranching, gold mining, and railroading from the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Rush. You will be transported into the past as you explore the lives and relics of the gold mining era in the Pikes Peak region through artifacts, books, photos, and exhibits depicting life in Victor during its gold mining heyday. Immerse yourself in regional history with hands-on gold panning activities, walking tours, and guided bus tours.

The United States declared independence from England and its monarch on July 4, 1776. We commemorate this occasion with annual fireworks displays and other festivities. The Library is closed in recognition of this federal holiday, but we offer several ways to help you celebrate our nation’s Independence. On this page, explore information and fun resources, including music playlists, booklists, Take and Make kits, and web resources. Visit any Library location beginning Sat., July 1 to pick up a pocket Constitution of the United States booklet and United States flag. We will also be at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Street Fair in Monument on Tue., July 4. Come see us, and cheer on your Library during the 4th of July parade! 

Programs 

Author Becky Van Vleet – Patriotism in America Past and Present  
Will America ever have another “Greatest Generation?” Local author Becky Van Vleet explores that question in her new book Unintended Hero, a book about her father's up close and personal battles on the USS Denver in World War II in the Pacific Theater. She defines patriotism as “Our love for America where we can put aside our differences when we’re called upon to support our country. It’s a spirit of sacrifice and doing whatever it takes. That's what my father did." Join Becky for an interactive book talk about patriotism from the Greatest Generation from World War II to today. This event is being hosted by the Manitou Springs Heritage Center. Pre-registration is required via the Heritage Center’s website. Copies of Unintended Hero will be available for purchase and signing after the program. Learn more in our event calendar.

• Fri., July 7 from 6 – 7 p.m. – Manitou Springs Heritage Center

Take and Make: 4th of July Luminaries 
Starting Fri., June 23, pick up a red, white, and blue ribbon, tea light candle, and some twine with instructions on how to make a 4th of July luminary. For ages 18 & up. While supplies last. 

Kids Take and Make: Independence Day Firework Crowns
Starting Sat., July 1, pick up supplies to make a fun crown decorated with pipe cleaner fireworks. For ages 5 - 12. While supplies last. 

Pocket Constitution Book & United States Flag
Starting Sat., July 1, celebrate Independence Day by stopping by your local Library and receive a pocket Constitution book & United States flag! While supplies last.

Booklists 

• Adult Nonfiction Booklist
• Overdrive & Libby
  • Revolutionary Reads for Children
  • Revolutionary Reads for Adult

Websites 

• KKTV: 4th of July Happenings in the Pikes Peak Region  
  Find out where you can go to see fireworks and enjoy music from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic this year with this list from KKTV. 
• Library of Congress: Today in History – July 4th 
  Explore Independence Day history and enjoy historic photos and documents in this article from the Library of Congress. 
• Old Farmer's Almanac: Fourth of July 2023 
  Celebrate the 4th of July with history, traditions, and recipes in the Old Farmer’s Almanac. You can also look ahead to see what day of the week our next 4th of July falls on. 
• Smithsonian Institute: Independence Day 
  Take an in-depth look at artifacts from the past as you celebrate the birthday of the United States with this historic gallery from the Smithsonian Institute. 
• History Channel: Fourth of July 
  Watch Videos from the History Channel packed full of 4th of July facts you might not have known, including the first use of fireworks in 4th of July celebrations. 
• PBS: A Capitol Fourth 
  From bonfires and illuminations to picnics and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, learn about historic 4th of July celebrations in this PBS article. 

Resources

Freegal Playlists 
Use your library card to access 24/7 music to add pizzaz to your 4th of July celebrations.

• Land Of Liberty: A 4th of July Playlist
• 4th of July Playlist

History Subject Guide 
Explore history resources at the Library in this Subject Guide, including resources where you can learn more about why our nation celebrates Independence Day.

Kanopy 
Use your library card on Kanopy to access documentaries and historic dramatizations that delve into the founding of our nation, the Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, and other key moments in U.S. history.

• American Military History
• American Revolution: The Impossible War
• America’s Musical Heritage: Episode 2, “American Revolutionary and Wartime Music”
• Are We to be a Nation
• Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
• The History of the United States: Episode 14, “Creating the Constitution”
• Liberty in the Air
• The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen

Gale eBooks: American Revolution Reference Library 
In this eBook you will find a timeline of events during the American Revolution, as well as information about historic figures and the roles they played in key revolutionary events. 

Gale in Context: U.S. History 
Read about the 4th of July, from historic battles and the signing of the Declaration of Independence to celebrations commemorating Independence Day.