Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and democracy works best when everyone participates. 

Visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov to register to vote and for more information.  

How to register to vote:  

• In Person: The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office has four locations with Election clerks available at all locations. Eligible voters who provide proof of citizenship will be automatically registered to vote any time they apply for or renew their driver’s license. In person registration can also be done at authorized voter registration drives. 
  Here is a list of the Ballot Box and Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) locations for the 2026 Primary Election.
   

• By Mail: Voters in Colorado can mail, fax or scan and email completed registration applications to their county clerk's office. (Formulario de Registración de Votante de Colorado) 

  Mail: Elections Department
  PO Box 2007
  Colorado Springs, CO 80901
  Fax: (719) 520-7327 

• Online: Voters in Colorado may complete their registration application online if they have a Colorado State driver's license or ID card issued by the Department of Revenue. 

PPLD voting information:

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.  

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

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.  
• No person serving a sentence for a felony conviction is eligible to register to vote or to vote in any election. Learn more about voting and convictions.

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, hosts Virtual Author Visits presented by Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District.

Each month, viewers can hear from best-selling authors and national thought leaders as they discuss their writing processes. Authors will explain how they use current events, how imagination lands in their writing, and how they research nonfiction works.

These author talks are great for readers of all ages and are both educational and engaging. Attend these virtual events from any internet connected computer at no cost. 

June’s Virtual Author Visits include cookbook authors, the folk art of state fairs, the joys of being weird, and the author of a best-selling science-fiction series.

First, meet Smithsonian curator Mary Savig, who will be discussing the power and creativity of state fairs – from quilts to cooking, pet rocks to fine art. Join Savig to learn more about the folk art featured at state fairs at noon on Wed., June 3. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Mary Savig.

Then we will delve into the comedic horror that is the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, now on its eighth book. Scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thu., June 11, author Matt Dinniman will talk about the inspiration behind Carl, who is forced to take on lava-spitting llamas and a host of other alien lifeforms in a fight to survive, gain points, and make it to the next level in the dungeon. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Matt Dinniman.

June also has something for the kids, with a short author talk with best-selling author and Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde. She’ll give an uplifting talk about her new picture book, Weird and Wonderful You, where she encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different. She will have a 30-minute talk at 5 p.m. on Tue., June 16. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Zaila Avant-garde

The final author talk in June is with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy, the authors of The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which provides beautiful, simple, and seasonal recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s top family spice farms. That talk is at noon on Tue., June 23. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy

Upcoming author visits in July:

• Tue., July 14 at 5 p.m. – Small Towns and Big Secrets: In Conversation with Best-Selling Author Karin Slaughter
• Thu., July 16 at noon – Migrant Heart: The Hidden Cost of the American Dream and Healing Through Storytelling with Reyna Grande
• Thu., July 30 at noon – Dragons, Castles, and an Irresistible Princess Bent on Revenge with Katerine Rundell

Kids and teens can enjoy lunch (and books) at no cost this summer! 

Colorado Springs School District 11 will bring their mobile unit to East Library every weekday in June and July! 

Anyone up to 18 years old can stop by for a free lunch. In addition to meal service, they'll also have a basket of age-appropriate books that kids and teens can take with them. 

Outside of East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Wed., May 27 – Fri., July 31, 2026 (weekdays, except for Fri., July 3)
11 a.m. - noon

The Summer Food Service Program, funded by USDA, provides nutritious meals to children and teenagers 0-18. There are no income or registration requirements for participation.  

To find other nearby summer meal sites, visit KidsFoodFinder.org.  

PPLD is teaming up with Muse Comics + Games to offer Free Comic Book Day and Comics Giveaway Day™ comic issues on Sat., May 2. This annual nationwide initiative strives to put comics into the hands of both long-time and new comic fans alike. Comics are available at all PPLD locations during this one-day event while supplies last.  

Free Comic Book Day and Comic Giveaway Day™ are an excellent way for patrons of all ages to discover new comic series to fall in love with. Comic stores across the U.S. celebrate by giving out special Free Comic Book Day and Comic Giveaway Day™ issues of comics, which can range from being the first issue of a comic series or short one-off stories of larger series. As a public library, we know that not everyone has a nearby comic store that they can visit for free comics. We are happy to connect our community with free comic issues to add to their personal libraries. Free Comic Book Day started in 2002 and has been an annual event ever since. Comic Giveaway Day™ is new this year and PPLD is pleased to be able to offer comics from both events.

Park, Text, and Pick Up Your Holds

Starting Wed., April 22, patrons at East Library can pick up holds without leaving their cars. The new drive-up window is open, and patrons can get the materials they need easily and quickly. It’s way more fun than a fast-food drive-through! 

Here’s how it works:

1. PARK: Pull into one of the designated spots in the north parking lot.
2. TEXT: Let us know you arrive by texting “here” to (719) 662-5129. Then when prompted, provide last name(s) and library card number(s).
3. PICK UP: When notified, pull up to Window 1 to receive your holds.

Holds Pickup Window Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 

Volunteer experience looks good on college applications and can make job applications stand out to potential employers. Pikes Peak region teens looking for volunteer hours won’t want to miss out on one of the most fun volunteer experiences of the year: Summer Adventure!

Our 2026 Summer Adventure Program, presented by Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District, is our annual summer reading program where participants complete reading and activities to earn prizes. The program is packed with a wide variety of special summer events and programs for participants to enjoy as well. 

Teen volunteers are an essential part of our summer program. They help people register for the program, pass out prizes, support programs, and complete other volunteer duties as needed. And yes, volunteers can register for the program as well!

Volunteer applications are open now through Fri., May 1, or until all positions are filled. Learn about our teen volunteer requirements and submit your application on our teen volunteer page. 

Are you a homeschool family or interested in getting started in homeschooling?

Our annual Homeschool Resource Fair features a wide variety of local exhibitors offering educational and extracurricular opportunities for homeschooling families. Stop by and chat with representatives from organizations and businesses that offer homeschooling services and support, including arts and science activities, sports groups, enrichment programs, tutoring, support groups, and more. There will be fun hands-on activities for kids throughout the building!

• Library 21c: Fri., April 10 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Download the 2026 Homeschool Resource Fair vendor information.

On Wed., April 1, patrons have the opportunity to come together to help bring Libraries to neighborhoods, increase literacy offerings, and help create a sustainable Library system. 

It’s the eighth annual Library Giving Day!

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD)’s library card is your ticket to unlimited classes, programs, books, magazines, information, and resources. Through PPLD, patrons can receive job assistance, find opportunities to improve literacy, give their children the gift of learning and reading, and so much more! You can enjoy Storytime with your child, receive tutoring for students, and find entertainment through books, music, and movies.  

Support PPLD today with a donation — and help us expand services to more people. 

Donate Today! 

Support your Local library by making a donation

It is that time of year again. Taxes are due on Wed., April 15, 2026. Fortunately, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has the information you need to file on time. Although Library staff cannot give tax advice, visit our Tax Information guide for tax forms, information about tax assistance, FAQs for accessing your IRS account information, and other useful information.  

Tax Assistance at PPLD

Get help preparing and filing your tax returns! AARP Foundation Tax-Aide & VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) (geared towards low- to moderate-income taxpayers) offer free tax preparation services on-site at four Library locations, thanks to a team of IRS-certified volunteers.

Free tax preparation services are available Feb. 3 through April 15 at four Library locations BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

(open to people of all ages and income levels) 

Library 21c

• Feb. 3 – April 14
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Call (719) 257-3805 beginning Thu., Jan. 15 to make an appointment. 

Fountain Library

• Feb. 4 – April 8
  • Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
     
• Sat., Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
• Sat., Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Sat., March 14 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Sat., March 28 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Sat., April 11 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Wed., April 15 from 9 a.m. – noon

Call (719) 357-5450 or email  61051102@aarpfoundation.org beginning Mon., Jan. 5 to make an appointment.  

Sand Creek Library

• Feb. 5 - April 9,
  • Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Call (719) 203-1205 beginning Thu., Jan. 15 to make an appointment.

VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – Pikes Peak United Way

(individuals who earned less than $69,000 in 2025) 

High Prairie Library

• Sat., Feb. 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sat., March 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sat., March 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sat., April 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Call 2-1-1 after Mon., Jan. 19 to make an appointment. 

Tax Documents and Resources

Although Library staff cannot give tax advice, our Tax Resources Subject Guide is here to help you file on time. Find federal, Colorado, and other state tax forms, tax assistance, FAQs for accessing your IRS account information, and other useful information. Please note that our libraries do not stock federal or state tax forms or booklets, but you can print your forms using Library computers. 

Our theme for this year’s Teen Art Contest is “Wild Colorado.”

Colorado turns 150 this year! Help celebrate by creating a piece of art inspired by your interpretation of “Wild Colorado.” Does your inspiration come from the majestic mountains and picturesque streams? The wildlife that enters your backyard? Extreme sports? Eccentric figures from the past or present? Gold rush towns that turned into ghost towns? Enter your piece to win a prize!

Entries are judged by fellow teens, along with one award that is judged by Library staff.

Important Dates

• Sign up online between Mon., Dec. 1, 2025 – Tue., Feb. 10, 2026
• Drop off your artwork from Fri., Feb. 6 – Tue., Feb. 10
• Awards Ceremony will be on Tue., March 17 at 6 p.m. at East Library  
• Art will be on display throughout April
• Pick up your art the first week of May

How to enter: 

Make sure you qualify: 

• Must be ages 13 - 19 at time of submission
• Must be an El Paso County resident 

Create your art following these guidelines:

• Create something that is a 2D form of art
  • Artwork can be any type of two-dimensional art form, as long as it can safely hang on the wall.
    • Including but not limited to: photography, digital art, painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, prints, crochet, etc.
  • There are no formal size requirements, but it needs to be something we can hang on the wall and transport in a regular passenger vehicle. 

Prepare your art:

• We highly recommend paper artwork be mounted on mattes or foamboard. This helps protect it during transportation and helps with hanging.
  • An exception is for art intended to be displayed at Library 21c, which is only able to accommodate a limited number of unframed art on paper.
  • For display at East and Penrose libraries, submitting art with or without a frame is fine, but not preferred.
  • Pieces on canvas don’t need additional protection.
• Your submission should be able to support being hung using our galley hanging wire system.
  • Ideally, this means there is a hanging wire on your piece or a spot we can attach a hanging wire to.
  • There are several free or low-cost ways to attach a hook or D-Ring.  
  • PPLD will supply hanging wire and attach hooks upon receiving submissions if needed.
  • PPLD may mount plain paper artwork on black posterboard or foam core to accommodate hanging if needed (for display at East and Penrose libraries). 

Complete the entry forms:

• Sign up online between Mon., Dec. 1, 2025 – Tue., Feb. 10, 2026

Drop off your submission: 

• Bring in your art between Fri., Feb. 6 - Tue., Feb. 10 to a drop-off location. A completed Art Agreement Form is required and will be provided for you to sign at the time of submission.
• Drop-off locations:
  • East Library
  • Library 21c
  • Penrose Library
  • Calhan Library
  • Cheyenne Mountain Library
  • Fountain Library
  • High Prairie Library
  • Manitou Springs Library
  • Ruth Holley Library
  • Sand Creek Library
  • Ute Pass Library

Other Entry Guidelines:

• Only one entry per person
• Library Staff reserve the right to decline inappropriate entries 

Award Categories

• Best in Show
• 7th - 9th Grade Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice  
• 10th - 12th Grade Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice

Winning participants will be notified via letter in mid-March, with specific awards announced at the awards ceremony on Tue., March 17 at 6 p.m. at East Library. All entries accepted into the show will be on display in April at East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c.

FAQs

Can I submit a photograph/digital art/other type of 2D art?
Any type of 2D art piece is accepted as long as we can hang it on the wall and it can be transported between Libraries. We have had digital pieces, photography, crochet, paintings, drawings, photographs of sculptures, collage, charcoal, and more! 

Do you have size requirements for pieces?
We have to be able to transport pieces between Libraries, so submissions should be small enough to fit in a regular passenger vehicle and be hung on a wall. 

When will I know if I have won?
We will notify award winners by mid-March. All participants and their friends and family are invited to the Awards Ceremony on Tue., March 17 at 6 p.m. at East Library regardless of winning an award. 

Will my artwork be displayed?
Yes! You can choose from one of three locations to have your artwork displayed during the month of April. Locations include East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c.

When and where can I pick up my artwork?
You can pick up your artwork the first week of May at the Library where you selected to have it displayed. An email will be sent in April with specific details. 

What are the prizes?
In the past, winners received a drawing mannequin and gift card to Meininger’s Art Supply store. 

What can I do to improve my chances of winning?
Work with the theme—It doesn’t have to be a literal interpretation, but we do look for pieces that have been inspired by the theme in some way. Your paragraph describing your piece can have a big impact on this.

Stand out! Whether through subject matter or having an unusual take on the theme, we notice unique entries more. For example, we tend to get a lot of close-ups of eyes, so they tend to not stand out as much. 

Have fun! Don’t view it as an assignment or chore. We can tell when someone submits a piece that they are passionate about—so do something that you love! 

Do I have to have a matte?
No, but we highly encourage it. Pieces are not judged on having a matte or not, but mattes help protect your artwork during storage and transportation and make it easier to hang your piece. Frames are also accepted, but mattes are preferred. 

I'm a teacher with an amazing class, can I enter them?
Yes! If you are a teacher that would like to enter a class of students who want to participate, you can fill out the 2026 Teen Art Contest Submission Form – Teachers form linked above to complete one entry form for all of your students. You will be responsible for communicating with participants about the award ceremony and art pick-up.

My question wasn’t answered here.
Email Jordan Romero at jromero@ppld.org