Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) hosts Virtual Author Visits with our partners, the Library Speakers Consortium.

Hear from best-selling authors and thought leaders on a wide range of topics, ranging from nonfiction topics covering both history and current events, to fiction works and how authors bring their imaginations to life on the page. These author talks are great for readers of all kinds and are both educational and engaging.  Attend these great virtual events from any computer at no cost.

Learn about the journeys of literary magic with Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Rose Code. Quinn’s latest book, The Astral Library poses the question, “Have you ever wanted to live inside a book?” In this novel, books are more than just words on a page; they are portals to other worlds. Her talk is at 5 p.m. on Thu., March 12. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Kate Quinn.

On Tue., March 24 at noon, author Soshana Walter and special guest host Barbara Kingsolver will discuss America’s failed response to the opioid crisis. Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal exposes the failed response to the opioid crisis and explores why access to treatment isn’t working to resolve addiction. A reporter for the Marshall Project, Walter’s work on drug treatment centers has been featured in The New York Times magazine, in newspapers and on NPR. Her guest host, Kingsolver, is a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist who explored the heartbreak of the opioid crisis in Appalachia in her novel, Demon Copperfield. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Shoshana Walter.

Rounding out the month at 5 p.m. on Thu., March 26, New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner will talk about exploring secret worlds on earth, sea, and sky. An award-winning children’s author, Messner’s Over and Under series explores precious ecosystems, landscapes, and the animals that call these places “home,” all over the world. Register for the Virtual Author Visit with Kate Messner.

April’s Virtual Author Visits:

• Tue., April 14 at 5 p.m.: On Writing Action-Packed and Suspenseful Spycraft with Brad Taylor
• Thu., April 30 at 5 p.m.: On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience with Jason Reynolds 

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

From a small reading room established 136 years ago, PPLD continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our sprawling community. Our service area covers 2,070 square miles of El Paso County with a population of nearly 700,000 – people of all ages and backgrounds with varying views and interests.

Thanks to taxpayer funding, we can continue to provide residents with access to 15 facilities, three mobile libraries, and a large online hub of resources and services, all of which are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The Library team strives to make its physical and digital spaces safe and respectful for diverse voices, perspectives, and pursuits; to foster community dialogue and connections; and to help people achieve their goals and dreams in life.

Overview and Process

In the winter and spring of 2022, our Board of Trustees and staff revisited PPLD’s mission statement and developed a vision statement and organizational values that best reflect our public library system and growing community in El Paso County.

This became our starting point to develop our new strategic plan for 2023 - 2025. After months of input from the public through surveys and in-person meetings, PPLD staff, Library patrons, and other community members and government officials, PPLD used the rich qualitative data it received from more than 1,600 responses to develop a new strategic plan for 2023 - 2025.

This plan was publicly released on Dec. 6, 2022. In December 2025, the Board of Trustees voted to extend the plan through 2026 with minor revisions.

Below are the plan's six areas of focus and related strategies.

Access 

PPLD is an access point for everyone to engage with resources, services, and spaces as they choose. 

• Protect the right of all Library patrons to exercise intellectual freedom.
• Protect the right of individuals to create and consume content without censorship.
• Offer services and resources that meet the needs and wants of the community.
• Provide spaces and hours of operation that meet the needs and wants of the community. 

Accountability

PPLD is accountable to all stakeholders through fiscal responsibility, continuous evaluation, and by sharing findings with the public.

• Evaluate and share the impact of Library resources, services, and spaces.
• Evaluate and share the internal and external impacts within each area of focus.
• Gather, evaluate, and share public input.
• Maintain, track, and share practices of fiscal responsibility.
• Conduct evaluations of what is offered in the community, where and when, to ensure the Library is not duplicating efforts. 

Communications

PPLD invests in and elevates community awareness of its resources, services, and spaces. 

• Improve the digital experience and interface for Library patrons, including functionality, usability, and accessibility.
• Enhance the in-person patron experience at Library locations and through community outreach.
• Support staff in serving as Library ambassadors.
• Develop and implement a public relations and marketing plan that demonstrates the Library’s value and showcases what is offered in its physical and digital spaces.  
• Enhance internal communications to ensure all staff are aware, knowledgeable, and using provided 
  tools about the Library’s value and what is offered to the community.
• Provide patrons with a consistent brand experience across all PPLD channels, including brand identity and messaging. 

Community Connections

PPLD builds community through relationships and partnerships to connect people to relevant resources, services, and spaces.

• Build, maintain, and strengthen community-based relationships that benefit local and regional communities. 
• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships to maximize areas of alignment that benefit local and regional communities.
• Expand existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for innovation.
• Maintain an ongoing presence in the community.
• Be responsive to current events and multi-cultural celebrations within our communities, serving as a hub and connector for residents and community groups.
• Participate and engage with local, regional, national, and international entities with staff serving as PPLD representatives.

Physical and Virtual Spaces

PPLD provides equal access to physical and virtual spaces in safe and inclusive environments. 

• Identify and address current and future facility, safety, and accessibility needs across the District.
• Update the technology and equipment master plan to identify and address current and future information technology needs across the Library District. 

Staff

PPLD values, trusts, and invests in staff.

• Support staff in their educational goals and growth.
• Build digital literacy skills among staff to best support the community’s needs.
• Train staff to provide awareness of Library and community resources.
• Provide excellence in internal and external customer service.
• Align individual staff talents to meet the community’s needs.
• Apply current Human Resources (HR) best practices in hiring and retention.
• Strengthen relationships within and among PPLD staff.
• Offer salary and benefits that are on par with local, state, and national standards and in compliance with legal requirements to recruit and retain an excellent workforce.
• Increase the skills, capabilities, and confidence of PPLD’s direct supervisors and managers. 

Pikes Peak Library District’s annual Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest engages 4th and 5th grade writers in El Paso County.  

Poetry creates opportunities for children to explore a variety of topics and emotions through writing. The 2026 contest theme is Remembering Our Past to Inform Our Future. Students in 4th and 5th grade can write a poem and submit it for a chance to win a prize.

This contest continues local educator Jean Ciavonne’s legacy of connecting children with poetry and writing.  

Submissions for the 2026 contest are currently closed. Please check back soon for our winner announcement! 

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.

Libraries are a vital lifeline for the whole community. The PPLD Foundation’s End of Year Giving Campaign is back to raise funds to support the essential resources Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) provides to people throughout the Pikes Peak region. 

Job seekers can find resume writing and interview preparation help, career search navigation, and educational opportunities for job skills. Parents and caregivers of young children can find early literacy and education opportunities, hands-on programs, a Toy Library with toys for motor skill development, homework help, learning programs for homeschoolers, and a wide range of other resources to support their children’s growth and development. Teenagers can enjoy resources and services like safe spaces to hang out with friends, gaming consoles, reliable research resources, test and college prep help, and tutoring. And anyone can enjoy our vast collection of books and other media, genealogy resources, no-cost passes to local attractions, classes and community activities, and other services and resources we provide.

What all of those amazing services and programs have in common are the need for physical spaces. In 2025, the Pikes Peak Library District Foundation stepped up in a huge way to ensure these programs will have a home. In August, the Foundation Board agreed to fulfill a request from the District to commit $1 million to help purchase Ruth Holley Library. The purchase helps ensure this location will be available for years to come.

Donations are a vital part of Library funding and help in sustainability and vitality. We invite you to make a difference in your community with a meaningful contribution through the PPLD Foundation during the Year-End-Giving Campaign. We thank you for your support and generosity!

Donate today

Published on Fri., Oct. 3, 2025

Penrose Library’s improvements continue as the Library begins Phase Three of a multi-phase project to enhance the Library’s security and improve patrons’ experiences.

The third phase starts Mon., Oct. 6 with preliminary work needed to install the perimeter fence – fashioned like the existing fence at the Carnegie Library Garden – at Penrose Library. Patrons will see the work underway on the upper east lot.

The Library will remain open during construction. Patrons may use the lower west lot to park. The front entrance to the Library remains open for patrons who walk to the Library.

This phase of the project follows other upgrades at Penrose Library, including renovations and updates to the Computer Lab and Children’s areas, lowering bookshelves, and installing lockers, security cameras, and service desks at each entrance.

The fence installation is scheduled to be completed by late fall, depending on the weather.
 

Penrose Library will complete improvements and reopen the Computer Lab and Children's area on Tue., April 1. 

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

Celebrate all of the reading, creating, exploring, and learning you did during Summer Adventure with three outdoor Summer Adventure Celebrations! Get outside with us and have a blast at these family fun events.

• Fri., July 11 from 10 a.m. - noon in Aga Park (Fountain) – Step into Wishing Star Farm’s petting zoo, see community helper vehicles like fire trucks, build with large foam blocks and magnetic tiles, enjoy a sweet treat from Culver's, discover vendor booths like Bricks & Minifigs, and more.
• Fri., July 18 from 10 a.m. - noon in George Fellows Park (behind East Library) – Discover activities and booths for kids of all ages, dive into a FOAM-TASTIC party, explore Wishing Star Farm’s petting zoo, see a real helicopter from Children’s Hospital Colorado, slip down a giant inflatable waterslide, meet Switchbacks mascot Ziggy, visit vendor booths like Raisin' Cain's Chicken Fingers, enjoy free frozen treats from Shake Shack, wind through a children’s obstacle course, and more.
• Thu., July 31 from 6 – 7 p.m. in Limbach Park (Monument) – Enjoy an interactive concert full of humor, dancing, and games with national family music performer Steve Weeks.

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

Colorado Springs School District 11 will bring their mobile unit to distribute lunches at East Library every weekday beginning Wed., May 28 through Fri., Aug. 1 (except for Fri., July 4). Meal service will be available 11 a.m. - noon, Monday - Friday, along with a basket of age-appropriate books from which kids and teens can take a book. Lunches are provided at no cost to kids and teens up to age 18. Adult lunches are available for $5. 

Outside of East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918   
May 28 - Aug. 1 (every weekday except Fri., July 4)   
11 a.m. - noon

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

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

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is getting ready to launch updated Personal Belongings and Food and Drink policies. Our Code of Conduct Policy is also being updated to help us continue to provide high quality, safe Library experiences for everyone who uses our Libraries. We strive to create a welcoming, clean, and comfortable environment that meets the needs of everyone in the Library by requiring users to respect other patrons and staff, respect library property, obey the law, and comply with requests from staff.

The updated policies will go into effect on Mon., May 12, 2025.

To keep walkways clear and free of trip hazards, we are updating our Personal Belongings Policy. Patrons of the Library will be expected to always keep their belongings with them and refrain from disrupting walkways, doorways, or restricting access to Library resources such as computers or seating. Belongings should not be larger than 22” L x 14” W x 10” H. (about the size of a carry-on bag at the airport).

Wheeled carts, strollers, or wagons being used for transporting children, meeting supplies, or Library materials, as well as mobility and medical devices, are exempt from these size requirements. 

Updates to our Food and Drink Policy will require all drinks to be covered while visiting the Library. Food will not be permitted, with the exception of prepackaged pouches and dry snacks allowed in the Children’s areas. Certain areas of the Library will be designated as, “No Drink Zones,” such as makerspaces, where drinks will be prohibited.

In areas such as computer labs, drinks with secured lids may be kept on the floor, not on the table or desk. These changes do not apply to PPLD’s event, meeting, and study rooms, which will follow the food and drink guidelines outlined in the Event, Meeting, and Study Room Policy.

Updates to our Code of Conduct Policy require patrons to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Library. Patrons must wear shirts, dresses/skirts/pants, and shoes while at the Library.

The updated policies are available on our website, and the updated Code of Conduct signs will be posted in Library locations.