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.

Outdoor concerts return to Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join us in Manitou Springs and Monument for sunshine and music all summer long. You’ll hear a variety of music, from pop folk and big band music, to bluegrass, and beyond.

Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series

Each concert from the Manitou Springs Lawn Concert Series takes place in front of the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library building, 701 Manitou Ave., located at the southwest corner of Manitou and Pawnee avenues. Wednesday nights from 6 – 7:30 p.m. June 6 – July 19. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be canceled.

• Wed., June 7 – Kicking off the series, enjoy the pop folk music of Edie Carey. 
• Wed., June 14 – Enjoy the lovingly crafted music of Jeremy Facknitz for the second concert of the series. 
• Wed., June 28 – The third concert features the sounds of Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band. 
• Wed., July 5 – Catch music by The Mitguards during the fourth concert of the summer. 
• Wed., July 12 – Crystal and the Curious will perform during the fifth concert. 
• Wed., July 19 – The sixth concert will feature music from A Carpenter’s Daughter.
• Wed., Aug. 2 –  Wrap up the summer fun with music from Academy Jazz Ensemble

Palmer Lake Library Village Green Concert Series 

Celebrate summer with a live, three-concert series at the Palmer Lake Village Green! These concerts are no-cost, and everyone is welcome to attend. The Village Green and gazebo are located right next to the Palmer Lake Library, 66 Lower Glenway Street.

Keep an eye out for musician announcements later this summer!

• Fri., Aug., 11 from 6 – 7 p.m. 
• Fri., Aug. 18 from 6 – 7 p.m. 
• Fri., Aug. 25 from 6 – 7 p.m.

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. 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Month in June. Join us in celebrating individuality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Pikes Peak region with programming and resources on this page. Explore booklists, LGBTQIA+ history, Library programming, and more.

Programs

• Pride Flag Painting
  Show your LGBTQIA+ Pride! During this program you will paint a flag of Colorado with your choice of Pride flag colors on a canvas board. We'll include images of Pride flags you can reference!
  • Sat., June 3, 2 p.m. – Fountain Library
  • Wed., June 7,    2:30 p.m. – Rockrimmon Library
  • Fri., June 9, 2 p.m. – Ruth Holley Library
  • Tue., June 13,    2 p.m. – Penrose Library
  • Mon., June 26, 10:30 a.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Wed., June 28, 5 p.m. – Sand Creek Library
     
• Rainbow Storytime            
  Join us in celebrating inclusion, diversity, and positivity at this interactive storytime for Pride Month. All ages are welcome; stories are geared towards preschool-aged children and older. Registration required.
  • Thu., June 8 from 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Library 21c 
  • Fri., June 9 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Ruth Holley Library 
  • Sat., June 10 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Manitou Springs Library
  • Mon., June 12 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Monument Library
  • Fri., June 16 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
  • Sat., June 24 from 2 – 2:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Sat., June 24 from 11 a.m. - noon – East Library
  • Fri., June 30 from 10:30 - 11 a.m. – Penrose Library
     
• Patrons of Influence: El Paso County’s Diverse Voices 
  The Library and Citizen-Powered Media celebrate local leaders who are providing positive influences in the areas of culture, business, and leadership in El Paso County. Panelists will discuss their shared interest and experiences on how organizations and communities are strengthened by diverse voices. 
  
  There will be a Question and Answer session following the panel discussion.           
  
  This is an in-person event. Registration is not required but strongly recommended. There is a Livestream option for this event (registration required).
  • In-person at Penrose Library: Wed., June 14 from 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Register here for the livestream option. 

Virtual Teen Programs 

• Teen Tech: Ziggy Stardust 3D Designed Earrings - Learn basic 3D modeling and celebrate bisexual icon David Bowie with a 3D-modeled Ziggy Stardust earring. 
  

   
   

• Teens Read: Books for Pride  
  Discover books centered around Pride in this video.   
  

Booklists 

• Young adult books on the Libby app and Overdrive website 
• Picture books for kids 

Regional History and Genealogy Resources 

• The Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival Records (archival collection MSS 0342) 

  Colorado Springs has a fascinating and often tumultuous history with the LGBTQIA+ community. When the Lavender Film Festival began in 2000, it was the only LGBTQIA+ film festival in the state of Colorado. The material in this collection provides valuable insight into this groundbreaking event.

  The collection includes VHS tapes and DVDs of the films shown at the festival. Newspaper clippings provide a glimpse at how the event was promoted and, in turn, viewed by the local community. The opening remarks of the event give us an understanding about why the organizers felt the festival would help bring awareness and educate people about LGBTQIA+ issues and filmmaking. Various budgets and meeting minutes provide a detailed look into the work involved in bringing this innovative event to the community. 

• Colorado Springs Pride Center Records (archival collection MSS 0461) 

  The Colorado Springs Pride Center was one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States. Founded in 1978, the Center offered assistance and support programs to people across the Pikes Peak region. In 2014 alone, more than 8,400 people contacted the Center for help. Topics covered in this collection include – but are not limited to – Amendment 2, marriage, hate crimes, local news, and legal cases. News releases, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks show the highs and lows of what was happening in the community. This nonprofit organization served as a much-needed medium for marginalized voices in the Pikes Peak region.