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.

“The train screeched to a halt.” What comes next? That’s up to you.  

Grab your favorite writing tool and get ready for All Pikes Peak Writes, Pikes Peak Library District’s annual fiction writing contest. Submissions are open now to all El Paso County writers (ages 12+) with a passion for the craft. If you have ever wondered how your writing holds up or want a unique external motivator to get your creative juices flowing, this is the contest for you. Settle in with this year’s writing prompt (in quotation marks above) and have fun!  

Writers are separated into three categories by age group this year: Middle School and High School (ages 12 – 18), Young Adult (ages 19 – 24), and Adult (ages 25+). We are accepting submissions from Mon., June 12, through 9 p.m. on Sun., July 23.

Judges will evaluate entries based on their quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct mechanics in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. We will announce the first, second, and third place winners in each age category in late August. All participants receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the awards ceremony is complete. 

Read the full contest details here.

Whether you’re submitting a story yourself or want to enjoy work by local writers, check back for the collected anthology showcasing the top three contestants in each category. Take a look at last year’s anthology in the meantime! 

Join Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) as we honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers with a portrait unveiling and appreciation reception.  

The reception will be the grand unveiling of her portrait, painted by Kevin Johnson, at its permanent home at Library 21c. Register here.

Tue., June 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. 

Peggy Shivers and the late Clarence Shivers created the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, which supports the Shivers African American Historical and Cultural Collection at PPLD. The fund creates educational and cultural opportunities for young people through scholarships and programming. It also provides opportunities for our community to celebrate culture, history, and the arts.

Classical Music Live for kids is coming to East Library on Wed., June 14 at 9:30 a.m.! Families with children ages 2 – 12 will enjoy live music and opportunities to learn about classical music from professionals. Colorado College Summer Music Festival Fellows, pre-professional musicians from around the world will perform classical music pieces from their current study. There will be time to ask questions and visit with the fellows.

The musicians will also give a preview of the free Children’s Concert, Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf, which will take place in the Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For kids ages 2 – 12 with their families.

The concerts at Colorado College on Thu., June 15 are free, but tickets are required. Visit their website to reserve tickets. 

Pikes Peak Children's Museum Discount Day is cancelled

The Pikes Peak Children's Museum has let us know that they won't be able to be open on Fri., June 30 for the planned discount day. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Library card holders can enjoy discounted admission at several local attractions this summer thanks to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass program. Grab your PPLD library card and take advantage of special discounted admission to several cultural attractions in the Pikes Peak region!

During Culture Pass Discount Days, between June 14 and August 4, library cardholders can visit a different Culture Pass partner for special discounted admission by simply showing their library card or card number.

Our mobile library will be at each Discount Days event in the morning. Join us for a special craft activity, a game, or story time. You can also sign up for a library card for discounted admission and check out materials while you’re there.

We are excited to team up with our Culture Pass partners so families can experience many of the great cultural attractions that are right in our backyard. With a new place to visit each week there’s something for everyone, and it can even count towards an activity for Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado. 

Weekly Culture Pass Discount Days Schedule 

Be sure to check Culture Pass partner websites for hours of operation and to plan your visit. 

The Culture Pass Program recently added two new local attractions, the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum and US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and now offers 10 local attractions in El Paso County and Denver for library cardholders to visit by checking out a no-cost pass. Learn more and get started at ppld.org/culturepass. 

Juneteenth, occurring annually on June 19, honors the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On that date, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and freed enslaved people who had not been liberated following President Abraham Lincoln’s ruling. Celebrate this important history with the Library!  

Programs 

• Hand fans for Juneteenth  
  Celebrate Juneteenth with the Library by picking up a hand fan to keep you cool and commemorate this celebratory American holiday.
• Juneteenth Family Storytime
  Sat., June 17 from 2pm – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library
• Take and Make: Juneteenth Recipe Postcards  
  Celebrate Juneteenth by picking up recipe cards at your favorite PPLD location! Recipes come from books in our collection and from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
• Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild Trunk Show 
  Join the Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild for an informative program on the traditions of African American quilting. Registration required. Intended for ages 18+. – Sat., June 24 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Penrose Library

Booklists

• Children’s booklist

Resources

• Basic Search - Gale In Context: U.S. History
  Use the search word “Juneteenth” to explore the history of this holiday. 
• Basic Search: EBSCOhost  (available for in-library use, or sign in with your library card if the card number starts with a 4)
  Use the search word “Juneteenth” to find articles about Juneteenth.   
• Gale in Context Elementary for kids
  Elementary students and homeschoolers can use the search term “Juneteenth” to learn more about this historic holiday.

Websites

• Lifetime Biography of Opal Lee for adults
  Watch this Lifetime video and learn about Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth.
• Kids activities for Juneteenth
  Discover free activities and lesson plans for kids exploring different elements of Juneteenth.
• Happy Toddler Playtime
  Enjoy a selection of fun, easy crafts and activities for kids.
• Juneteenth for Kids video
  Kids will enjoy this video from Seed of Melanin Kids! exploring history in an accessible, fun way.