Pikes Peak Library District’s Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears announced his upcoming departure for a new opportunity after more than six years of service to El Paso County residents. He will become head of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library with 36 locations in western New York, beginning in mid-April.

Spears has directed Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) – a library system of 16 locations, three mobile library services and a large online hub of resources, all provided through more than 400 staff and 550 volunteers – since 2016. During his tenure, PPLD eliminated overdue fines for most Library materials, opened Calhan Library to expand access in rural parts of the service area, established a co-location partnership between Manitou Springs Library and the Manitou Art Center, and revived Knights of Columbus Hall as a community space in downtown Colorado Springs.

In addition to those notable successes for El Paso County, the Library District also launched a new food industry training program and student-access partnerships with local school districts. Two new public services were introduced to better serve the community as well. The Library added a social worker on staff to help patrons navigate community resources during difficult times, as well as a new service that broadly focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all feel welcome using the Library, including those with disabilities, older adults, people of color and different faiths, and military service members, families, and veterans.

“It’s been a great honor to lead PPLD and its dedicated staff through times of uncertainty, change, growth and opportunity,” said Spears. “With those serving on the Board of Trustees and PPLD’s leadership team, I’m confident there will be a smooth transition and staff will continue to connect people with what they need to improve their lives and the Pikes Peak region.”

Spears also led PPLD through the on-going pandemic, with District-wide efforts ranging from a full closure to reopening all services inside Library facilities, along with launching virtual programs and curbside services. His numerous accomplishments supported PPLD in receiving the prestigious four-star rating from the Library Journal for several years, in addition to being awarded “District of the Year” by the Special District Association of Colorado in 2019.

“The Board of Trustees is beyond grateful to John for his leadership, commitment and achievements during his tenure with our Library District,” shared Dr. Ned Stoll, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “John has positioned us for continued success in the future, where all residents of El Paso County can access information, resources, services and opportunities. We wish him all the best in his new state, city and role.”

Spears’ last day will be Fri., April 1. PPLD’s Board of Trustees will appoint Teona Shainidze-Krebs as interim Chief Librarian & CEO. She currently serves as the Library’s Chief Public Services Officer & Deputy Chief Librarian.

Native American Beading culture crosses many tribes and has significant meaning in who we are in our tribes as well as what we believe in within ourselves. Join Ela Diel, a Cherokee native, as she shares with you pieces of her culture. Help keep some native traditions alive through beading art.

• Seed-Beaded Bracelets

  In seed-beaded bracelets we’ll cover designs and two different ways to string the beads. Come make something with me that you can wear on any occasion with pride as you make what resonates with your spirit.

  • Wed., March 30 at 5 p.m. at Old Colorado City Library
  • Thu., April 7 at 5 p.m. at Sand Creek Library
  • Sat., April 30 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie Library
  • Fri., May 6 at 1 p.m. at Monument Library
  • Sat., May 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Wed., May 18 at 11 a.m. at Manitou Springs Library
  • Thu., May 26 at 5 p.m. at Fountain Library
• Seed-Beaded Rosettes

  In seed-beaded rosettes we will learn a way to meditate in beading in the round to make beautiful centerpieces that can be made into centerpieces, wall décor, pendants and more.

  • Wed., March 23 at 5 p.m. at Old Colorado City Library
  • Sat., April 16 at 11 a.m. at Manitou Springs Library
  • Sat., May 28 at 2 p.m. at High Prairie Library
• Seed-Beaded Earrings

  In seed-beaded earrings we’ll be making beautiful pieces that will compliment any outfit and share our native art with all who admire them.

  • Sat., April 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Mon., April 11 at 5 p.m. at Fountain Library
  • Tue., May 3 at 5 p.m. at East Library
  • Mon., May 9 at 5 p.m. at Library 21c
  • Fri., May 20 at 2 p.m. at Ruth Holley Library

Community Project

Drop in for open hours helping Maker in Residence Ela Diel create a community-based project in Native American Beadwork!

Ela will guide you on how to contribute beads to a community canvas that will be displayed in the Library in the future.

• Fri., April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c
• Fri., May 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Library 21c

Artist Biography

Hello! I'm Ela. I'm Tsalagi (Cherokee) native. My Tsalagi name is Unega-Waya, which means Happy Wolf. This is my heritage: My grandmother grew up in Appalachia in what is modernly known as North Carolina. My grandmother moved away from the tribe to marry my grandfather, an Irish-American to live in New York where they had four sons. She passed away when I was only two, however my father passed on our culture and traditions, and I have since reconnected with the tribe. I love art and beading is a great way to express art and keep my family's culture alive. I am autistic, so if I don't look you in the eye or stutter a little please forgive me. Outside of that, let's have some fun, bead and celebrate the Tsalagi culture together! A'ho!

Check out these stats and our top title of 2021 below.

• Physical material checkouts: 3,813,688
• Additions to physical collection: 21,349 titles and 67,400 items, plus 14,525 magazines
• OverDrive checkouts: 2,541,010
• Freegal:
  • Song Downloads: 66,333
  • Songs Streamed: 222,405
• Kanopy: 61,738 videos streamed
• Hoopla: 38,028 checkouts, movies and television mostly
• New cardholders during 2021: 17,165 patrons and 36,158 students with PowerPass.

PPLD donated over 4,100 items to 20 organizations, including several schools, nine assisted living facilities, the Salvation Army shelter, Girl Scouts, Greccio Housing, and the Community Justice Center.

Top 10 Adult Titles

1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
2. Hidden Valley Road : Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
3. A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
4. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
5. Dark Sky by C.J. Box
6. Daylight by David Baldacci
7. A Gambling Man by David Baldacci
8. The Last Thing He Told Me : a novel by Laura Dave
9. Anxious People : a novel by Fredrik Backman
10. Ocean Prey by John Sandford

Top 10 Young Adult Titles

1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
2. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
5. All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey
6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
7. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
8. The Giver by Lois Lowry
9. The Hate u Give by Angie Thomas
10. Shadow and Bone Leigh Bardugo

Top 10 Children's Titles

1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Deep End by Jeff Kinney
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
4. Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney
5. A Long Walk to Water: a Novel Linda Sue Park
6. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
7. Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osborne
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney
9. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
10. Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis

Top 10 Movies

1. Wonder Woman 1984
2. News of the World
3. Soul
4. Tenet
5. The Courier
6. Minari
7. Mulan
8. Black Widow
9. F9, the Fast Saga
10. Godzilla Vs. Kong

For almost two years we have endured an ongoing pandemic, in addition to other upheaval in our lives and communities. Yet, during such trying times, I’m reminded again and again how much community matters – and how public libraries play such an important role in connecting people with what they need, when they need it.

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has been a staple in our community for many years, and we welcome everyone to visit and use our 16 physical locations, three mobile libraries, and ever-expanding online hub (with many resources accessible anywhere and anytime). Whether it’s to succeed at school or work, explore new ideas, connect with others, enjoy some entertainment, or do something else not mentioned here, you can most likely find it through your Library.

But PPLD wouldn’t be able to offer all of these spaces, resources, services, and opportunities without your continued support. It is because of taxpayers like you that we’re able to reinvest your dollars back into the community. Your investment in the Library District bolsters innovation and progress, improves academic success and childhood development, strengthens our workforce and local economy, and reinforces a healthy, thriving community.

With your help, we have been able to do so much for the community this past year. The Library District added equity, diversity, and inclusion as a new public service area to ensure every resident in El Paso County feels that the Library has something for them. The Manitou Springs Library and Manitou Art Center joined forces with a new co-location partnership, giving Library cardholders access to tools and resources unlike anything that we have been able to offer before. We also expanded our offerings in Adult Education, which now include a career navigator on staff as well as use of a new Library kitchen that hosts our food industry training program. Plus, the Library’s annual summer reading program for kids and teens was immensely popular, and we continued to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones to better serve the many residents in our growing community.

In looking ahead, our Library team is ready to do even more for our community this year. For example, we plan to continue expanding our PowerPass partnership to more school districts across El Paso County, so even more students can access Library resources and services that further their success in and out of the classroom. The Pikes Peak Culture Pass will add more museums and attractions, meaning more passes will be available for checkout for individuals and families. And the Palmer Lake Library will soon reopen to the public.

All of this would not be possible without the community’s continued support for PPLD and investment in improving the Pikes Peak region for everyone. We are grateful for your trust and help in fulfilling our mission of “providing resources and opportunities that impact individual lives and build community.” The Library team looks forward to serving you throughout this new year!

A newly-forged partnership with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will enhance Calhan School District (Calhan) students’ access to needed digital resources.

Starting Wed, Jan. 12, every student in the Calhan School District will have a PowerPass, a digital PPLD card just for students. Calhan is the fourth school district in El Paso County to provide this access to each of their students, joining Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, and Academy School District 20.

PowerPass grants access to PPLD’s digital resources, like databases, eBooks, and song and movie downloads, all available at ppld.org. Each PowerPass holder can also check out five physical items at a time from any of the 15 PPLD locations or mobile library services.

“PowerPass will provide Calhan students with unprecedented access to information, literature, art, and educational support, as well as an enhanced ability to explore and prepare for the future they envision for themselves,” said David Slothower, Calhan School District Superintendent.

Students can also use PowerPass for online access to live tutors and foreign language courses, to get help with homework and projects, and to access audiobooks and digital education resources. High school and middle school students can also prepare for their future with practice driving and SAT tests.

“Pikes Peak Library District is excited to add Calhan School District to PowerPass,” said Joanna Nelson Rendon, PPLD’s Director of Young Adult Services. “This is the first partnership with one of the more rural school districts beyond the city of Colorado Springs and is giving us [PPLD] the opportunity to expand PowerPass and serve even more students throughout El Paso County.”

Learn more about PowerPass here.

Shirley Martinez’s Road to Becoming PPLD’s First Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

When I was a kid, I used to be a "library girl." I used to sit in the library for days during the summer. I would pick out 10 books to read there and then 10 more to take home! Today, my job is making sure PPLD is a welcoming place for everyone.

I was born in my father’s hometown of Waycross, Georgia. My dad joined the Air Force after I was born and through my father’s service, we were afforded the opportunity to see the world. We were stationed in Japan, Hawaii, Delaware, and upstate New York.

My family returned to Georgia in 1967 and this is where I was first made aware of the civil rights movement and racial inequality. I remember there were still restrooms that read “colored” and “white,” and people were marching. Through these experiences, I really got an eye-opening, front-seat lesson in the different racial disparities and the civil rights.

Eventually, my family settled in rural Washington. My dad spent a lot of time overseas as a B-52 mechanic. In high school I had worked to become the head cheerleader and captain of the track team. I had dreams of becoming a nurse. However, I quickly made up my mind that particular career wasn’t for me after a harrowing experience at a military hospital. Instead, I enlisted into the armed forces myself by joining the Navy.

The Navy afforded me the opportunity to see the world, try my hand at several different jobs, and is where I met my husband, Paul. After Paul left the Marines, I decided to join the Army and was a journeyman welder for five years, including two summers spent at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. I did maintenance, I could change your transmission for you. I could cut off the top of your vehicle and replace it. I did body repair and supervised a platoon at the age of 24 and was the only female out of 300 people in my Combat Support Group.

Eventually, the Army brought us back to Washington where we were stationed at Fort Lewis. Here, while pregnant with my fourth child, I joined Judge Advocate General (JAG), the legal branch of the military. I loved working with the JAG department, but once my kid was born, I had to report back to my unit.

Later, my unit was ready to deploy for Desert Storm. I'd gotten all my shots, I was packed up, and then I was pulled out of ranks two days before we were supposed to leave. I had orders to go to court-reporting school. They needed top secret court reporters. So, I had to go tell my husband, “I'm not going to Afghanistan. I’m now going to Newport, Rhode Island!” Just a slight difference…

My work as a court reporter, and also as chief legal noncommissioned officer, took me to Germany, then Fort Irwin, California, and finally to Fort Carson and the Colorado Springs area. Upon leaving the military, I went to work with Colorado Springs Utilities and got involved with the Colorado Springs Diversity Council.

My diverse set of life experiences and time serving our country in the military made me uniquely qualified to become Pikes Peak Library District’s first-ever Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). In a lot of ways, I feel like serving in this role at PPLD has brought my life full circle beginning with those former days of reading at the library!

Click here for more People of the Pikes Peak Region stories!

All you need is your library. But your library needs you, too! Support Pikes Peak Library District by making a charitable gift to the PPLD Foundation. Click here to make your donation today. Thank you!

CDC: What to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine

Learn more about COVID-19 and the Library's response.

Additional Resources

• COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions 
  • From the CDC
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Vaccine Fact Sheets 
    • Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet
    • Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet
    • Janssen Vaccine Fact Sheet
• English
• Spanish
• COVID-19 Emergency Aid and Resources
• COVID-19 Nonprofit Resources

Congratulations to our last year's winners.

Check out the anthology of last year's winners of Pikes Peak Writes.

Pikes Peak Library District is excited to announce the call for submissions for All Pikes Peak Writes! All Pikes Peak Writes is PPLD’s annual fiction writing contest for ages 12+, and seeks to highlight writers in our community through one contest. This year’s contest will have three categories: Middle School and High School (ages 12 - 18), Young Adult (ages 19 - 24), and Adult (ages 25+). Please see the guidelines, rules for entry, and submission form for each category below.

Submissions will be accepted Mon., June 12, through 9 p.m. on Sun., July 23.

Middle School and High School Entry (ages 12 - 18)  
Young Adults Entry (ages 19 - 24)  
Adults Entry (ages 25+)

Eligibility:

All Pikes Peak Writes is open to El Paso County residents ages 12+.

Judging: 

Entries will be judged on quality of writing, use of language, plot development and resolution, believable characters, and correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

Awards: 

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place entries in each category. Winners will be announced in late August.  

Please contact hbuljung@ppld.org or lpowers@ppld.org for questions or more information.
 

Middle School and High School (ages 12 - 18)

The Challenge:

Write a story, up to 2,500 words, starting with the opening line: “The train screeched to a halt.” 

Submit your story

Guidelines:

• Must be ages 12 to 18.
• Must be an El Paso County resident.
• Word count must not exceed 2,500 words. Word count will be established by using Microsoft Word. Points will be automatically deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 2,500 words. 
• Pieces must include a title page with the title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document. 
• Pieces must be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner.
• Only one entry per person. 
• Participants must fill out the form and submit your story below by Sun., July 23 at 9 p.m. The file format should be PDF, .doc, or.docx. If you need to convert a file, please visit a library location. 
• Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.

FAQs

When will I know if I have won?

• We will notify participants in late August if they have won an award. 

Are you publishing the anthology again?

• Yes! We will be publishing the top three stories in all categories (Middle School/High School, 19 - 24, and 25+).

Will I get feedback for my work?

• Yes! You will receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the contest concludes.

Do I have to turn in my story online?

• Yes. To better facilitate the process, we are requiring all stories be turned in digitally. You can stop by any PPLD location to use one of our computers for this purpose. 

Young Adult (ages 19 - 24)

The Challenge:

Write a story, up to 3,500 words, starting with the opening line: “The train screeched to a halt.”

Submit your story

Guidelines:

• Must be ages 19 - 24.
• Must be an El Paso County resident.
• Word count must not exceed 3,500 words. Word count will be established by using Microsoft Word 2016. Points will be automatically deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 3,500 words. 
• Pieces must include a title page with title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document. 
• Pieces must be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner.
• Only one entry per person. 
• Participants must fill out the form and submit your story below by Sun., July 23 at 9 p.m. The file format should be PDF, .doc, or.docx. If you need to convert a file, please visit a library location. 
• Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.

FAQs

When will I know if I have won?

• We will notify participants in late August if they have won an award. 

Are you publishing the anthology again?

• Yes! We will be publishing the top three stories in all categories (Middle School/High School, 19 - 24, and 25+).

Will I get feedback for my work?

• Yes! You will receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the contest concludes.

Do I have to turn in my story online?

• Yes. To better facilitate the process, we are requiring all stories be turned in digitally. You can stop by any PPLD location to use one of our computers for this purpose. 

Adults (ages 25+)

The Challenge:

Write an original fiction story of up to 3,500 words. 

Submit your story

Guidelines for entry:

• Must be ages 25+.
• Must be an El Paso County resident.
• One story may be submitted per entrant.
• Qualifying stories are: original, previously unpublished, and no longer than 3,500 words.
• Word count will be established by using Microsoft Word 2016. 
• Stories must be double-spaced and typed in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font.
• Submission must include title page with title and author’s name. The author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the document. 
• The title of the story should appear on the upper right-hand corner of each page followed by the page number.
• Entries must be received by Sun., July 23 at 9 p.m. 
• The file format should be PDF, .doc, or.docx. If you need to convert a file, please visit a library location. 
• Failure to follow the guidelines will result in disqualification.

FAQs

When will I know if I have won?

• We will notify participants in August if they have won an award.

Are you publishing the anthology again?

• Yes! We will be publishing the top three stories in all categories (Middle School/High School, 19 - 24, and 25+).

Will I get feedback for my work?

• Yes! You will receive a copy of the judges’ comments after the awards ceremony.

Do I have to turn in my story online?

• Yes. To better facilitate the process, we are requiring all stories be turned in digitally. You can stop by any PPLD location to use one of our computers for this purpose.   
   

Celebrate the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 with a special booklist. Books penned by Olympians, Paralympians, and about the journey to success!

Young Adult

• A Chance for Rain: A Novel  by Tricia Downing
• Cycle of Hope: A Journey from Paralysis to Possibility by Tricia Downing
• Beneath the Surface  by  Michael Phelps  (Author), Brian Cazeneuve,  Bob Costas 
• No Limits: The Will to Succeed  by Michael Phelps 
• Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles
• Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh

Adult

• Wheels of Courage  by David Davis 
• Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstances  by Mallory Weggemann 
• Gold Medal Strategies: Business Lessons From America's Miracle Team by  Jim Craig
• Greater Than Gold: From Olympic Heartbreak to Ultimate Redemption by David Boudia
• Catch a Star: Shining through Adversity to Become a Champion by Tamika Catchings
• Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith and Raising the Bar by Gabby Douglas and Michelle Burford
• Modern Eventing With Phillip Dutton: The Complete Resource — Training, Conditioning, and Competing in All Three Phases by Phillip Dutton
• Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian by Anthony Ervin
• Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes; a cookbook by Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky
• Relentless Spirit: The Unconventional Raising of a Champion by Missy Franklin
• In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court by Brittney Griner
• I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez
• Meb For Mortals: How to Run, Think, and Eat like a Champion Marathoner by Meb Keflezighi
• When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World by Carli Lloyd
• Family Power: The True Story of How ‘The First Family of Taekwondo’ Made Olympic History by Steven Lopez
• Ya Sama! Moments from My Life by Tatyana McFadden
• Fire in My Eyes: An American Warrior’s Journey from Being Blinded on the Battlefield to Gold Medal Victory by Brad Snyder
• Solo: A Memoir of Hope by Hope Solo
• My Life: Queen of the Court by Serena Williams
• On the Line by Serena Williams with Daniel Paisner
• Come to Win: Business Leaders, Artists, Doctors, and Other Visionaries on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession by Venus Williams
• Off Balance: A Memoir by Dominique Moceanu with Paul and Teri Williams
• In the Water They Can’t See You Cry: A Memoir by Amanda Beard with Rebecca Paley
• Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith by Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford
• Forward: A Memoir by Abby Wambach

Children

• How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals  by  Michael Phelps  (For ages 4 - 8)
• She’s Got This!  by Laurie Hernandez  (For ages 4 - 8)
• Carmelo Anthony: It’s Just the Beginning by Carmela Anthony (For ages 9+)
• Sue Bird: Be Yourself by Sue Bird (For ages 4+)
• All Heart: My Dedication and Determination to Become One of Soccer’s Best by Carli Lloyd (For ages 10+)
• Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan (For ages 7+)
• Hope Solo: My Story by Hope Solo (For ages 8+)

About the Olympics/Paralympics/Athletes

• After the Race  by Alec Sokolow and Arthur Lubow (children)
• Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends (Kid Legends)  by David Stabler (children)
• Olympig!  by  Victoria Jamieson (youth)
•  The Golden Girls of Rio by Nikkolas Smith (children)
• Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion  by Heather Lang (children)
• The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Olympic Athlete  by Tim Collins (children)
• What Are the Paralympic Games?  by Gail Herman & Who HQ (children)
• Paralympic Power  by Paul Mason (children)
• Lucas at the Paralympics  by Igor Plohl (children)
• Lucas Makes a Comeback  by Igor Plohl (children)
• Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To living Your Best Life  by Vernon Brundage Jr.  (young adult/adult)
• Carry On: A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family Kindle Edition  by Lisa Fern (young adult/adult)
• A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team  by Arshay Cooper (adult)

Welcome the Pikes Peak Region's new Poet Laureate!

Please join us in welcoming the Pikes Peak Region's new Poet Laureate! This hour long event will feature poetry readings from a variety of local poets, including past Pikes Peak Poet Laureates.

• When:Sat., Oct. 23 from 6 - 7 p.m.
• Where: The Hall at PPLD (formerly known as Knights of Columbus Hall): MacLaren Hall
• Click here for more.

The evenings activities will be emceed by former Pikes Peak Poet Laureate, Susan Peiffer.

The program will feature:

• Opening remarks by Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) Chief Librarian & CEO, John Spears
• Performances by local poets (TBD)
• Past Poet Laureate Performances by Price Strobridge, Aaron Anstett (invited), and Susan Peiffer
• Installation Ceremony, and performance by Poet Laureate, Ashley Cornelius