Pikes Peak Library District’s annual Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest engages 4th and 5th grade writers. Join us for the Awards Ceremony celebrating this year’s winners on Sat., April 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Penrose Library.

Poetry creates opportunities for children to explore a variety of topics and emotions through writing. The 2025 contest theme is Poems of Belonging: Home, Community, and Origins. This contest continues Jean Ciavonne’s legacy of connecting children with poetry and writing.

From Dec. 2, 2024 through March 1, 2025, local 4th and 5th grade students submitted their poems exploring the many elements of what home is to them. Each winner will receive a book and a $50 cash prize.  

Congratulations to our 2025 winners!

• Violet Avenarius, 4th Grade, School in the Woods - “Neighborhood Friends"
• Eliana Bellairs, 5th Grade, Ranch Creek Elementary School - “My Beachside Place”
• Dabi Chang, 4th Grade, Woodmen Roberts Elementary School - “These Places, These People”
• Danika Harms, 4th Grade, Howbert Elementary School - “Where I'm From”
• Keri Wouden, 5th Grade, Ranch Creek Elementary School - “Me"
• Aspen Yager, 5th Grade, Homeschool - “Where do I come from?”

Jean Ciavonne Remembered from PPLD TV on Vimeo.

Did you use a Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) resource, service and/or space today?

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Library Experience Survey is also available in Spanish

¡Habla sobre tu experiencia personal en la biblioteca!

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Published on Mon., March 31, 2025

Until the Computer Lab and Children's area reopen:

• Laptops and Chromebooks are available to checkout for in-library use at the Service desk.
• All Children's programming will continue as scheduled. To participate, please enter through the Aspen Meeting Room.

Join us outside the Children's area for a reopening ceremony and celebration on Tue., April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Learn about how Updates at Penrose Library Enhance Library Users’ Experiences.
 

Penrose Library will undergo the next stages of its improvement project starting on Mon., Jan. 6.

Published on Jan. 3, 2025 | Updated on Thu., Jan. 30, 2025

Building on efforts started in February 2024 to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Penrose Library is gearing up for another round of updates starting in January 2025. Plans have been made to update the Computer Lab, Children’s area, both the east and west entrances, and the security monitoring and alarm systems. 

Penrose Library will remain open for the duration of this project. The Computer Lab and Children's area will be closed during construction. Library users can check out laptops or Chromebooks for use inside the Library by visiting the service desk. All Children's programming will continue as scheduled. Participants can join the programs by entering through the Aspen Meeting Room.

The user experience in the Computer Lab will be enhanced with a more open floor plan allowing for smaller collaborative spaces and increased availability of computers. New desks will be installed that will increase user privacy and create a more user-friendly environment. The service desk will be updated to provide for safer and comprehensive management of the computer lab. A Chromebook charging kiosk will also be installed. 

The shelving in the Children’s area will be lowered to improve sightlines and lighting. To increase child safety and provide noise reduction, a glass storefront will be installed to enclose the area. Also, the Library’s youngest patrons will be welcomed into their renovated space with a new hand-painted mural by a Colorado artist. 

Both the east and west entrances will receive updated exterior doors. New service desks will be installed at both entrances with an ADA approach height so that all patrons and staff can enjoy interactions at a desk suited to their needs. The east entrance (off Cascade Ave.) will have an energy-saving air curtain installed and be designed for better incoming and outgoing traffic flow. The Friends of PPLD will also be expanding their bookstore.  

To increase security throughout the building, an updated security monitoring and alarm system will be installed. 

PPLD is looking forward to completing these updates and continuing to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all users of Penrose Library. This Library is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area and is proud to continue to be a contributing part of the thriving Downtown community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Updates are expected to be completed in March 2025.  

Penrose Library reopens with Open House!

Published on Mon., April 1, 2024

Penrose Library will be completing the first stage of updates planned for 2024 and reopening to the public on Wed., April 10 at 4 p.m. This is the only stage that requires closing the building to complete, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the Library is open.

During National Library Week, April 7 – 13, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be hosting open houses throughout the Library District to celebrate libraries and what they bring to our communities. When Penrose Library reopens at 4 p.m. on April 10, this will serve as that location’s Open House and everyone is invited.

Penrose closing for security updates starting February 2024

Published on Mon., Jan. 8, 2024

Updates are coming to Penrose Library in early 2024. In a concerted effort to increase the safety and security of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) patrons and staff, Library leadership has determined that a significant investment in the systems, structures/facilities, and resources in use at Penrose Library is paramount. Staff and community members have asked that the Library District address this location specifically, and leadership has listened to that feedback. After careful evaluation, the Library District determined the most efficient updates that are financially feasible for PPLD and that provide the biggest return on time and funds invested. 

Although Penrose Library will not need to be closed for the majority of the plan implementation (predicted to take most of 2024 to complete), the beginning stages of the plan do require closing the facility. Penrose Library will be closed for approximately two months starting Thu., Feb. 1 in order to complete this stage of updates. During the closure, bookshelves will be shortened and reconfigured to increase shelf space, brighten the area, and increase visibility and accessibility. This process requires removing all of the books, disassembling the shelving units, sending them out for modification, and then reassembling them in their new configuration before reshelving the books. Only this stage will require closing the building, as all other updates are expected to proceed while the building is open. Other elements of this project will require the closure of smaller sections of Penrose Library for shorter periods of time in the coming months. Here are the planned changes that will not require a building closure to complete:

• Moving the lockers currently located along the wall near our Regional History & Genealogy department to the west entrance and installing another set of lockers at the east entrance for patrons to store belongings during their visit.
• Installation of boulders in the outdoor areas around the windows of the Children’s section.
• Interior stairwell fencing installed below the main and west stairwells.
• A visually appealing steel fence (resembling the one around the Carnegie Garden next to Penrose Library) installed around the premises.
• Creation of a permanent structure in the back parking lot in which people with large belongings may store their items short-term during their visit.
• Remodel of the computer lab.
• Replacing existing tables and chairs with more functional furniture.
• Removal of outlets and installation of a charging station near the front entrance.
• Repositioning staff desks to strategic locations throughout the building.
• Sectioning off the Children’s area to make it its own distinct room.
• Updating all security hardware throughout the building, including the installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant speakers.

PPLD is excited to update Penrose Library to improve safety and security for all patrons and staff. Penrose is a strong part of the downtown Colorado Springs area, and the Library is proud to continue to be a contributing part of this thriving community. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to access the Library’s resources and spaces has been and will continue to be at the foundation of Pikes Peak Library District. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Accessing Regional History & Genealogy

While Penrose Library is closed, limited Regional History & Genealogy resources will be available.

Virtual assistance

When needed, patrons can schedule a virtual meeting with Regional History & Genealogy staff for one-on-one help to address specific research needs.

Microfilm

While Penrose Library is closed, Microfilm may be requested from Regional History & Genealogy, in advance, to be sent and viewed at East Library. Patrons will need to give four-days’ notice before the film will be available to them. East Library staff will contact patrons when their film is ready to view. Patrons must view the film at East Library (items do not circulate outside of the library). Microfilm requests from Interlibrary Loan during this time will also be available from East Library.

Database Access

Certain PPLD databases that are only available at Penrose Library are currently available at other locations while Penrose Library is closed.

• Westlaw: Available at East Library
• Foundation Directory Professional: Available at Library 21c

Stay busy and engaged over spring break with children's programs from Pikes Peak Library District! Be sure to check out our eLibrary for eBooks, movies,TV shows, and more over the break, and get ahead with eLearning resources too! 

Children's Programs

Creatures of the Night

Join Nature’s Educators and learn about creatures that are active at twilight and night. Find out what features and behaviors help nocturnal and crepuscular animals be active in the dark hours. Meet live animal ambassadors and have the chance to ask questions and take pictures!

• Calhan Library: Mon., March 24 at 10:30 a.m.
• Fountain Library: Tue., March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
• East Library: Wed., March 26 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Penrose Library: Fri., March 28 at 10:30 a.m. 

Raptor Protection Program

Learn about raptors’ unique adaptations and senses with the assistance of taxidermy birds of prey specimens. Discover how Colorado Springs Utilities prevents birds from getting injured on power lines. This engaging presentation offers children the unique opportunity to touch a raptor's talons and wings. 

• Old Colorado City Library: Mon., March 24 at 2 p.m.
• Ute Pass Library: Thu., March 27 at 10:30 a.m.
• Sand Creek Library: Sat., March 29 at 2 p.m. 

Cool Science

Join Cool Science as they run simple but cool science experiments, tricks, and demonstrations that you can do at home with everyday materials. Watch them super-size it for super-sized excitement!

• Cheyenne Mountain Library: Mon., March 24 at 1 p.m.
• Monument Library: Tue., March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
• Library 21c: Thu., March 27 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Mobile Library Services (at Bonforte Park): Sat., March 29 at 10 a.m. 

Taste of Imagination

If you are looking for fun, the Library is the place to be! Join Beth Epley for action, adventure, and amazing tales. Plan on having a blast as we laugh, play, and enjoy silly songs!

• Manitou Springs Library: Wed., March 26 at 10:30 a.m.
• High Prairie Library: Thu., March 27 at 3 p.m.
• Ruth Holley Library: Fri., March 28 at 10:30 a.m. 

Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and democracy works best when everyone participates. Learn more about making your voice heard with the Library’s nonpartisan Voting & Elections Guide for information about:  

• How to register to vote or update your voter registration, as well as useful information for first-time voters   
• How you can vote, including when to expect to receive your ballot via mail, when and how to return your completed ballot, and where you can return your mail-in ballot on or before Election Day     
• What will be on the ballot, including candidates running for elected office as well as local ballot measures   

This nonpartisan resource guide, compiled and maintained by PPLD librarians, also includes other useful information like finding news sources, fact checking, and identifying fake news. You can also find information on your current legislators and see how political campaigns are financed.  

Here are other ways that PPLD can help you prepare and participate in upcoming elections:   

• There are secure, 24-hour ballot drop boxes outside of East Library and Library 21c. They are accessible by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. (Fun facts: These are two of 39 total ballot drop boxes across El Paso County. Plus, East Library has the LARGEST ballot box in the state! It had to be specially built and installed due to high use by local voters.)
• Political literature may be available inside your local library as the general election date gets closer. If space allows, at Library locations, there’s usually a table dedicated to this purpose with clearly marked signage, and anyone can display political information in this spot only. (PPLD does not endorse any political campaigns.) 

For anyone interested in petitioning, hosting a voter registration drive, or conducting other civic engagement activities on any PPLD property, please review our Solicitation Policy.  

Who can vote in Colorado?

• U.S. Citizens.
• Individuals who are 17 years old if they will be 18 years old by election day (but 15 to 17-year-olds can preregister!). 
• People who have lived in Colorado for 22 days or more before election day. 
• People who are not in detention in a correctional facility, jail, or other facility for a felony conviction. 
• People who have finished their sentence for a felony conviction are eligible to vote. 
• People who are currently on parole, on probation, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor, are eligible to vote.

Your library card gives you access to a world of possibilities at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). In addition to a wide selection of physical and digital items you can check out, you also have access to a variety of online resources and databases. This month, take a closer look at eMagazines on Libby/OverDrive and Book Club Kits.

eMagazines on Libby

Imagine how much you would need to adjust your budget to have a subscription to a dozen monthly magazines about your interests. Now imagine what it would be like to have those at no cost.

With a library card, you don’t have to imagine it! Libby and OverDrive provide access to thousands of eMagazines covering a wide variety of subjects, from cooking tips, life hacks, celebrity news, outdoor recreation information, innovative science, gaming guides, and beyond. Choose from popular titles like Cooks Illustrated, Good Housekeeping, Time Magazine, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, and more.

You can also hit Subscribe to receive alerts when new issues of your favorite magazines come out. Find the Magazine Rack on your Shelf in the Libby app or on the home page if you use Libby on your computer. If you use the OverDrive website, find magazines under Collections.

Book Club Kits

In an age of increasing social isolation, finding ways to socialize with others is an essential part of taking care of yourself. Book clubs make it easy for your friends and family to have meaningful conversations about books you love (or hate).

Your Library makes organizing a book club easier than ever with our Book Club Kits, available for checkout. Each kit includes multiple copies of the selected book so that everyone can read the book at the same time. With over two hundred popular titles to choose from, you will find books that suit everyone’s tastes. Visit our online catalog to browse our collection.

This option is also a good way to save your book club money.

If you want to chat about books without starting your own club, check out our monthly Book Groups which are open to everyone (and you don’t have to read the book first)! 

On Wed., March 12, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will begin an elevator modernization project at East Library. The project includes upgrading mechanical systems, controls, and safety features.  

East Library will remain open during construction, however patrons will only be able to access the services on the 2nd floor by stairs while the elevator is closed.

Computers and study rooms will be available on the 2nd floor but additional access to computers and study rooms will also be available on the 1st floor.  

• To move a study room reservation, contact East Library Service Desk at (719)531-6333, x1372. 

The Educational Resource Center (ERC), Makerspace, and Microfilm services will remain available on the 2nd floor. For assistance accessing these services, please contact: 

• For assistance accessing items in the ERC contact the East Library Children’s Desk at (719)531-6333, x1416.
• For makerspace assistance, to reschedule, or make an equipment reservation at either Library 21c or Sand Creek Library, contact the East Library Service Desk at (719)531-6333, x1372.
• Microfilm is also available at Regional History & Genealogy (RH&G) located at Penrose Library. Contact RH&G at (719)531-6333, x7252 for more information. 

Library users are an essential part of any library. Help your Library make a video that features you!

Grab your phone and shoot a quick (15 seconds or less!) selfie video telling us why you love Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), what the Library does for you, or what your library card gets you. Is it the huge selection of physical, audio, and digital books? The engaging programs? The cozy vibes? Whatever it is, share your story and help us spread the library love! 

Your video may be featured on PPLD social media or in promotional videos showing what our Library users love about PPLD. If your video includes anyone under age 18, please include a signed parent/guardian consent form found below. 

Please review the following statements regarding your video and check the boxes. Once the boxes are checked, you will be able to access the submission form. 

By checking this box and submitting a selfie video, I hereby assign Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) all rights in and to any videos submitted for the promotional purpose of the Library at any time. I hereby authorize PPLD to reproduce, exhibit, publish, or distribute submitted videos, in part or in whole, at any time. I understand that PPLD will be held free and clear of any responsibility or claim for personal liability during the aforementioned use. I confirm that I have the necessary rights to submit the video and that all individuals featured have given their consent.

If any participant in the video is under the age of 18, signed parent/guardian consent forms have been included with the video submission. If the video contains persons under the age of 18 and no parent/guardian consent form is submitted, I understand that the video will not be considered for promotional purposes. 

Your library card gives you access to a world of possibilities at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). In addition to a wide selection of physical and digital items you can check out, you also have access to a variety of online resources and databases. This month, take a closer look at PPLD’s new Digital Collections platform and NoveList Plus.  

You will need a library card that starts with a 4 to access some of the resources on this page outside of a Library location. 

PPLD Digital Collections 

We are excited to announce that we recently changed over to a new platform to host our digital history materials. Step into the past. Our Digital Collections makes it easier than ever to explore the history of the Pikes Peak region, whether you are looking to satisfy your casual curiosity or delving deeper into a project.  

The collection highlights our region’s rich history with thousands of materials, including historic photos, pamphlets, manuscripts, maps, oral history interviews, films, and more. Easily search by key word and material type, or peruse the collections and topics featured on the Digital Collections home page to discover something new!

See what you discover with this historic photographs scavenger hunt (hit the search button in Digital Collections and type your key word. On the left side of the screen, set the Item Type to “Photograph.”):

1. An aerial photo showing development along I-25
2. Utes spending time in The Garden of the Gods
3. A winter scene
4. A person for whom a local landmark or street is named
5. Someone riding a horse
6. A public library
7. Tuberculosis huts
8. La Fiesta Bonita
9. A holiday
10. School children in a group photo

Explore PPLD's Digital Collection

NoveList Plus

Whether you are an avid or casual reader, it’s good to know where you can find quality book recommendations that suit your tastes. NoveList Plus offers exactly that.

Start by choosing what age range you want books for. After that, let your book mood lead the way.

Browse interesting book lists to find books that are “cinematic and world-building" or “seasonal reads.” You can also explore books by genre such as fantasy or historical fiction, or look at lists based on theme, mood, awards won, and more.

Click on any book to read reviews, information about the book, and lists and articles to enhance your reading experience. You will also see helpful details about the book’s themes, mood, style, and author. For added convenience, NoveList Plus tells you whether PPLD has a copy of the book for you to read and if we do, it will take you right to our online catalog where you can check if the item is available, where it is located, and place a hold.

If you have books that you absolutely love, search for them and look at the Read-alikes column on the right side of the page. You might find your next favorite among these books that have something in common with the one you already love.

Explore NoveList Plus

Applications are closed and a keynote speaker has been chosen, more information can be found here

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to open author applications for the 2025 Mountain of Authors Local Author Showcase! Local authors can apply to be part of this year’s in-person or virtual author showcase. The event will be held on Sat., May 17 at Library 21c. This is an exciting afternoon of networking and connecting with other authors and the public. 

Applications will be open from Feb. 10 – March 3. (applications are now closed)

A limited number of applicants will be invited to be part of the in-person author showcase. In-person authors will have a table at the event for networking opportunities and book sales. Authors will be responsible for their own book sales and transactions. Authors not selected for the in-person showcase can be part of our Virtual Author Showcase, where authors will create videos promoting their books to be part of the virtual event.

Learn more about this annual celebration of writing and local literature on our Mountain of Authors page.