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 Mango Languages and CustomGuide.

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.

Mango Languages

If you plan to travel out of country, are studying a language on your own or as a class, or want stronger English language skills, give yourself a boost with lessons from Mango Languages. This handy tool offers a selection of 70 languages to choose from, including English as a Second Language options for speakers of 21 different languages.

Work your way through micro lessons where you can hear and practice new vocabulary and grammar patterns. Lessons also include notes on grammar and culture in between vocabulary exercises to help you learn your new language.

With daily reviews, lesson recaps, and reading and listening challenges, this platform is designed to help you retain more of what you learn.

CustomGuide

Choose from a wide selection of online courses to help you further develop your professional skills. CustomGuide (formerly Learn on Demand) takes a more active approach to your skills development through interactive lessons instead of training videos for stronger learning results. 

• If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account to get started. From there, you can complete short online courses related to:
• Business Skills (accounts and financing, communication, and professional development)
• Career Development (job hunting, personal branding, career coaching, and more)
• Compliance & Safety (drugs and alcohol, Human Resources compliance, cybersecurity, and more)
• Customer Service  
• Diversity & Inclusion (bias awareness, diversity basics, and diversity leadership)
• Google (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Meet, and more)
• Human Resources
• Leadership & Management  
• Microsoft (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and more)
• Sales & Marketing
• Technology (computer basics, Mac, and software)
• Training (authoring software, instructional design, and training trainers)
• Wellness (mental health, personal growth, work-life balance, and more)

Before you start a course, you can view how long it will take to complete. Do not be put off if it says it will take an hour or more to finish. Each course is broken down into a series of short lessons that you can start and stop at any time. Do a quick lesson while you wait for your toast to pop up in the morning or any time you find a few minutes of downtime.

When you click on a course, you will see a preview of what you will learn in each lesson. Each has a pre-assessment where you can test yourself on what you already know, an interactive lesson, and a post-assessment for you to test what you learned. With no time limits and the flexibility to start and stop whenever you want, you will learn at your own pace. 

Due to roof repairs initiated by the property manager at Ruth Holley Library, Pikes Peak Library District has decided to temporarily close that location starting Mon., Dec. 2. Roof repairs will take approximately one week depending on weather conditions, including snow and temperatures below 25 degrees. Please stay tuned to ppld.org for more information. 

Any holds still on the Ruth Holley Library hold shelf at closing on Sat., Nov 30 will be given extensions, allowing seven days for pickup once the Library reopens. 

The outside book drop will also be closed at 6 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 30 and library users will not be able to return materials during the closure. Ruth Holley Library checkouts that are due during the closure will have their due dates extended through the reopening of the Library.  

Library staff will contact meeting room and study room reservation holders to relocate or reschedule reservations. 

The Library apologizes for any inconveniences during this time and appreciates your cooperation and understanding while much-needed repairs to our roof are completed. 

Library users are encouraged to use this opportunity to visit and explore other Library locations while this project is completed. Sand Creek Library, located at 1821 South Academy Blvd, is only 10 minutes away. 

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 our Gale Legal Forms and Data Axle databases.

You will need a library card that starts with a 4 to access these resources outside of a Library location.

Gale Legal Forms 

If you need legal forms and information pertaining to Colorado, Gale Legal Forms is a good place to start.

Browse a wide selection of categories to find the documents you need. Find forms related to employment, landlord and tenant topics, powers of attorney, name changes, bankruptcy, and other topics. Each form is accompanied by a description to help you determine if it is the correct form for your needs. You can also find free tax forms to help you file your taxes. In addition to forms, this database includes sample letters as reference materials.

The Attorney Directory provides valuable information to help you learn more about attorneys around the U.S. Narrow your search to Colorado to find information about attorneys closer to home and browse based on area of expertise.

If you have legal questions, check out the Legal Q&A section. This section contains both general and specific questions answered by legal professionals. Search through the list of topics to find your area of interest and see if any of the questions answered relate to your own inquiry.

Under the Law Digest and Legal Definitions sections, you can get an overview of specific laws, find the definition and use of common law language, and read up on other current and historical topics. Find the definition of ‘null,’ learn about the Fair Labor Standards Act, find out how ‘affray’ is used in law, read up on historic Justices, and explore other topics from U.S. history.

Please note that PPLD and its employees cannot answer legal questions or give legal advice. For more law resources available at the Library, visit our Law & Legal Forms or Law & Legal Resources Subject Guides.

Data Axle 

Is that pet store you visited a local company or a national chain? How are your business competitors faring? Who is hiring in your industry? If you are looking for business and consumer information for personal or business inquiries, Data Axle (formerly ReferenceUSA) offers up-to-date information on millions of businesses in the U.S. and Canada. This comprehensive database also offers support for job seekers, who will find millions of job and internship postings.

Use this database to search for information about companies, including your own. Each listing includes basic information like contact details, address, hours of operation, company news, other nearby businesses, other locations (if the business has more than one), and who the owners and managers are. You will also find helpful information to support your marketing research, such as square footage, business expenditures, history of the business, and links to information about business competitors.

Other collections include healthcare, consumer and lifestyle information, new movers and homeowners data, and U.S. and Canada white pages. There is even a collection of historical business listings where you can find information on businesses dating back to 1997.

For job seekers, use this database to search for the perfect job or browse its career resources to improve your job search skills. Explore college and career options, take skills, interests, and self-assessments, explore job search and interview tips, find resume writing help, estimate your potential salary, and more. You can also register for webinars to learn job search skills from professionals.  

A trip to Old Colorado City is not complete without visiting the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery. Visitors find themselves transported back in time as they stroll through Magic Town, a 1/6th scale miniaturized urban neighborhood complete with dozens of handcrafted buildings, alleyways, and sidewalk scenes. The museum became a partner in Pikes Peak Library District’s Culture Pass program in 2023 to further PPLD’s mission of providing easier access to cultural attractions in the area. Since then, library cardholders have been able to enjoy visiting this one-of-a-kind experience. 

The museum showcases the work of Michael Charles Garman and his more than 60 years of sculpting. Many of these artfully crafted scenes incorporate what Michael referred to as “Magical Elements” which immerse visitors in the tiny stories revealed in each window and around every corner. Scene changing rooms, alleyways that change and appear to go on forever, holograms, and other visual and sound effects vividly bring each story to life. 

The Pikes Peak region has been home to the Michael Garman Gallery since 1973, with the Museum opening in 2009. Every holiday season the museum decorates its Magic Town exhibit with lights, Christmas trees, snowmen, and many other fun decorations sure to get visitors in the holiday spirit. With holiday-inspired characters and holograms, and even some new scenes, Magic Town becomes just a little bit more enchanted for the holiday season. Stop in from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 to catch Christmas Magic Town. 

Michael Garman Museum & Gallery is one of 12 Culture Pass partners in the Pikes Peak region and the Denver area that you can explore using your PPLD library card. Check out your no-cost Culture Pass today and enjoy this magical world throughout the year. 

Learn about heritage and culture this November with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).  Discover resources, web links, and booklists nationally recognized holidays and heritage months on this page. In November, Explore Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month and Veteran’s Day.

Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month

Native American & Alaska Native Heritage Month in November recognizes the vibrant and diverse tapestry of American Indian and Alaska Native heritage, history, and culture. Experience a world of traditions, stories, and knowledge through the array of resources on this page. 

Booklists

• Picture booklist
• Chapter booklist

Library Resources

Gale eBooks
Search this database using key words like “Native American” for further reading and information. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)

Hoopla
Find eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, videos, and more by searching “Native American” on the Hoopla app.

Kanopy
Discover videos and documentaries diving deeper into Native American culture and exploring the lives of individuals throughout history.

The Horace S. Poley Photographs Collection
Our Digital Collections contain historic photos by Horace S. Poley, many of which are photographs of American Indians in the southwestern United States. Included are images of the Fiesta of San Geronimo at Taos, the Snake Dance of the Hopi, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, and the Dedication of the Ute Pass Indian Trail in 1912.

PPLD Digital Collections
Search our Digital Collections for more photographs! We recommend using search terms like, “Native American,” “American Indian,” “Indian,” and “Ute.”

Reference and Special Collections Materials (Catalog)
Explore American Indian heritage in reference and historical texts found in our physical and digital collections.

Website Links

American Indians in Children's Literature
Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books.

Native American Heritage Month
Find information from The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum discussing Native American & Alaska Native Heritage.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day recognizes veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces and their families. Below are veteran resources, booklists, and websites you can explore. 

Booklists

• Resources for Veterans (Overdrive and Libby)

Library Resources

Freegal

• Veterans Day Collection: 50 Patriotic Songs
• Veterans Day (radio broadcast)

Gale Ebooks
Search this database using the keyword “Veterans” for further reading and information. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)

PPLD Digital Collections
Discover historic photos, postcards, news articles, and other Pikes Peak region history items. Use key search terms like ‘veteran,’ ‘military,’ ‘air force,’ and ‘war.’ Look up ‘Chappie’ to find information about the first African American to be promoted to four-star General rank in the U.S. military, or ‘Little Zeb’ to learn about a unique publicity stunt that happened right here in the Pikes Peak region.

Websites

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Learn more about VA resources, the PACT Act, healthcare for veterans, life insurance, memorials, and other crucial information for veterans.

Veterans Day 2024
Familiarize yourself with Veterans Day history, including why Veterans Day moved from October to November, what Armistice Day was, and why schools close in recognition of this federal holiday.

Veterans Day
Read about the history and traditions of Veterans Day.

Family websites for active military and veterans

Sesame Street for Military Families
Find bilingual (Spanish and English) information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.

Babies on the Homefront
Military and veteran parents will find ideas for enhancing everyday moments with their baby or toddler.

Parenting for Veterans
Discover parenting help when you need it, on any device that has access to the internet.

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (PPAM), standing over 14,000 feet tall, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Colorado and has played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the region. It famously inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" after her visit to the summit in 1893. For generations, Pikes Peak has been a destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike.

From October through April, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can experience the majesty of this iconic peak at no charge through PPLD’s Culture Pass program.

A beloved tourist destination, PPAM became a Culture Pass partner in 2023 to give patrons greater access to this iconic landmark. With a rich history and abundant outdoor recreation, and interpretive programs, Pikes Peak offers PPLD cardholders the chance to explore and enjoy the mountain like never before. By becoming a Culture Pass partner, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain makes it even easier for the community to experience all that this remarkable destination has to offer. 

Guests can make their way to the summit on the Pikes Peak Highway as they meander through three distinct ecosystems including the Montane, Subalpine, and Alpine Zones.  The Pikes Peak Highway offers three visitor centers along the ascent including the Crystal Gift Shop adjacent to Crystal Reservoir and Glenn Cove just under the tree line. 

As soon as guests reach the summit, they are surrounded by the natural beauty of Pikes Peak, with the building and outdoor walkways thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy the state-of-the-art Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, at 14,115 feet! The new visitor center, which opened in June 2021, provides people of all ages and abilities improved accessibility throughout the entire summit, engaging interpretive exhibits that share the history of the mountain, a revamped gift shop, and indoor and outdoor dining areas where guests can enjoy a world-famous Pikes Peak donut and other delicious treats while taking in the expansive views. 

Many people recognize Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain from events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, and the AdAmAn Club’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks display. PPAM also offers a range of exciting activities and events, including the annual Youth Fishing Derby, volunteer cleanup days, sunrise openings, interpretive programs, and festive holiday celebrations. These are fantastic opportunities to enhance your understanding of the mountain’s ecosystems and history, which holds a significant place in Indigenous and local communities.

A trip to Pikes Peak offers both an unforgettable outdoor experience and a chance to connect with the natural and cultural history of the region. Check out your no-cost Culture Pass today and discover why Pikes Peak continues to inspire awe and adventure! 

Learn about heritage and culture this October with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). On this page, discover resources, web links, and booklists for some of the nationally recognized holidays and heritage months. Explore National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) commemorates the contributions people with disabilities have made to workplaces and to the U.S. economy. Below, PPLD has compiled a list of books, resources, and websites with more information.

Booklist 

• The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better, by Tom D’Eri
• The Disability Experience: Working Toward Belonging, by Hannalora Leavitt and Belle Wuthrich

PPLD Resources

Disability Resources Guide
In this guide, find information about Assistive Technology at PPLD, along with books, websites, and local resources on disabilities.

Intelligent Lives, film on Kanopy
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.

Websites 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
From the Office of Disability Employment Policy, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, this website contains information on NDEAM, including resources for employers, key messages for the month, and 31 activities to commemorate NDEAM throughout October. 

The Campaign for Disability Employment
Learn ways that you and your organization can recognize National Disability Awareness Month, from the Campaign for Disability Employment.

The American Association of People with Disabilities 
The American Association of People with Disabilities works to increase the political and economic power of disabled people.

Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR provides services which can include vocational guidance and counseling, short- or long-term training, job seeking skills, job development and coaching, assistive technology, and accommodations.

The Independence Center
The Independence Center provides information, resources, and support for disabled people to live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life accessibly.

Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center – Accessibility to Services
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. They help residents of El Paso & Teller counties with career transition, whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or employed.

Rocky Mountain ADA Center
The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations in our region. 
 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Colorado Springs resides on land inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Tribes. Artifacts found at Garden of the Gods, one of Colorado Springs’ most beautiful natural attractions, date back an astonishing 3,500 years. The following resources can be used to learn more about the original inhabitants of Colorado and other lands.

Booklist 

• Overdrive/Libby: Indigenous Peoples
• Warrior Artists: Historic Cheyenne and Kiowa Indian Ledger Art, by Herman J. Viola, Zotum Making Medicine, George P. Horse Capture, and Joseph D. Horse Capture.
• Halfbreed: the Remarkable True Story of George Bent, by David Fridtjof and Andrew Edward Masich
• Red twilight : the last free days of the Ute Indians, by Val FitzPatrick
• God is Red, by Vine Deloria
• Playing Indian, by Philip J. Deloria

PPLD Resources

Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location.)
Provides detailed studies of tribes from all over the United States and Canada, including small tribes and some that no longer exist. Gives detailed yet accessible information on history, religion, art, government, economy, daily life, and current social and political issues. 

Explore the Digital Collections 
Discover a wealth of historic photos and news articles from around the Pikes Peak region. A few possible search terms include Ute, Chipeta, Native American, American Indian, Severo, Sioux, and Chief Ouray.

Films on Kanopy

Use your library card to log into Kanopy and watch these films, or search “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” for more content:

• Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic
• Koneline: Our Land Beautiful

Websites

History Colorado – Native American History & Heritage
History Colorado documents and shares the living history of Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited this state. 

United Nations - International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Explore information from the United Nations about the world’s Indigenous populations and the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. 

National Museum of the American Indian
Discover online resources, collections, and exhibits from the National Museum of the American Indian. 

Library of Congress - Living Nations, Living Words: A Guide for Educators
This guide from the Library of Congress offers teachers and other educators’ ideas for using U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's signature project, "Living Nations, Living Words," in the classroom. 

National Park Service – Mesa Verde
Learn about Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site in Colorado where the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Pueblo people still stand.

National Park Service – Alaska Native Cultures
Find out about Alaska Native culture through stories, photos, history, and information.

Museum of Indigenous People
Explore an online gallery of photos and videos showcasing the arts and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. 

Your Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) library card gives you access to a world of possibilities. 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 JobNow and our Author Alert services. 

JobNow

Get set up for success with the numerous resources available through JobNow. You will find live help from experts, resources to peruse, and even online courses to hone your skills. 

Polish your resume with live online help or submit it to their resume lab. They have a selection of winning resume templates and resume resources for you to explore as well, where you can find a good match for your career search. 

When you are ready to launch into the job search itself, visit their live online job coaching to support your search and application process. The job resources section offers helpful job search resources to support your efforts. 

Prepare for the interview with live online interview coaching and find key interview tips. For further interview preparation, explore the online interview resources, and live life skills support, and give yourself a competitive edge with skills preparation courses. 

If you are not sure what career is best for you, check out the expert job matching questionnaire and career assessment, or find out what college majors and careers match your skills and interests.  

For even more career search support, check out our Job Search & Career Tools guide. 

Author Alert Services

Reading is a personal experience, and when you find an author that resonates with you, you likely want to read more of their work. Follow authors with ease through our Author Alert services! Get text or email notifications when the Library orders new titles by your favorite authors. You can also set up alerts for performers and directors if there are music artists or film makers you want to hear about. 

Setting up an alert is a no-stress process. Go to our online catalog. Next, search our catalog for an author or performer you want to follow. Next to each result, look for the “Add Author Alert” button. You will then have the option to add your email address or phone number where you would like to receive alerts. Done!  

You can also modify what authors and performers you want to hear about. In our online catalog, you will find "Add Author Alert” on the left side of the page under Reading Resources. Next, you will be asked to provide the phone number or email address where you get author alerts. After that step, you can remove or add authors and performers in your alert list and browse lists of recent and popular alerts added by other users.  

From there, kick back and relax. You will receive an alert the next time the Library adds an item from the authors and performers you love! 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to partner with The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival to host two film screenings in their Festival in the Community program. Festival in the Community hosts free sneak-peak screenings of select films leading up to the film festival itself. These screenings provide a great opportunity to see the wonderful and thought-provoking films the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film brings to the Pikes Peak region. 

There is no cost to attend these film screenings, but registration is required.

Join us for the following film screenings: 

• Tue., Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
  Fountain Library
  230 S. Main St., Fountain, CO
  Register online here 
   
• Fri., Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.
  Library 21c
  1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO
  Register online here 

The following short films will be presented at Fountain Library on Tue., Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.: 

MOTORCYCLE MARY
Directed by Haley Watson

The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills, an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Mary’s remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. Mary pushes herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle. 

STRONG GRANDMA
Directed by Cecilia Brown & Winslow Crane-Murdoch

Catherine Kuehn is a 95-year old world record winning deadlifter. As she prepares for her last competition she reflects on the love and loss that brought her to this moment. 

FIRE TOWER
Directed by Tova Krentzman

High in the Rocky Mountains, nestled in the boreal forest, are solitary sentinels who survey the landscape as a critical first line of defense in wildfire detection. As North America grapples every year with the threat and devastation of such fires, which is increasing due to climate change, those who work the watchtowers with a bird’s-eye view sound the critical alarm that warns of impending danger. Like the occupations of lighthouse keeper or astronaut, the remote locations and voluntary isolation that are part of the job—along with the very real risk of being struck by lightning—attract a unique kind of individual to this vocation. 

View film trailers for the Fountain Library film showing.

The following short films will be presented at Library 21c on Fri., Oct. 11 at 3 p.m.:

ULTIMATE CITIZENS
Directed by Francine Strickwerda

Ultimate Citizens, Jamshid is an Iranian who came to study in 1970’s America, and due to the Revolution, never went “home.” As a guidance counselor in Seattle Public Schools, Jamshid’s best work takes place on the playing field with “his kids,” the children of refugees and immigrants. Their parents are in the grips of their own struggles to make a living and a home in a strange land. Mr. Jamshid is the charismatic, fiery, funny human with a Frisbee in hand, who shows that love wins on the field, off the field, at home with family, or boldly forging a new community, in a new country – one kid, chicken, ultra-endurance race, and friend at a time.

BEARING WITNESS: A NAME & A VOICE
Directed by Dina Rudick

Bearing Witness: A Name & A Voice delves into the backstories and convictions of four extraordinary newspaper reporters. Their distinct personal narratives explain the profound motivations that fuel their work, as well as the indelible stories that continue to resonate within them – revealing the who behind the who-what-when-where, and why. The film challenges audiences to transcend the monolithic term “The Media” and instead see clearly individuals who propel it forward. 

View film trailers for the Library 21c film showing. 

Visit the Festival in the Community webpage for Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival’s complete listing of films that will be hosted throughout the community from Oct. 1 - 13, 2024. 

Take a spooky stroll in Old Colorado City and read Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin by Rick Walten. Pick up a map at Old Colorado City Library, or print one here. Find a page at each location featured on the map, and head inside - there may be a special treat waiting for you! The story will be available Oct. 1 - 31. 

Old Colorado City October Strolls

Mrs. McMurphy’s Pumpkin by Rick Walten - Download the map!

1. Old Colorado City Library
2. Jives Coffee Lounge
3. Carnelian Coffee Co.
4. Jen’s Place Boutique
5. Stella & Beau
6. Eclectic OCC
7. Simple Body
8. The Holly Leaf
9. Squash Blossom
10. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
11. Dice Guys
12. Old Colorado City History Center