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.  

Thanks to you, our amazing community, 2024 was another excellent year for Library use across the District. Libraries are a vital lifeline for the whole community. We offer resources for education at all ages, financial planning, regional history, homeschooling, genealogy, small business, hobbies, homework help, early literacy, and so much more. Thank you for being Library users!

Our community made outstanding use of our eLibrary resources across the board. For the second year in a row, we reached over 3 million checkouts in a single year on OverDrive and Libby. You also checked out 52,944 items on Hoopla. 

Registration increased for many of our annual programs this year as well. We had 5,070 people register for our Winter Adult Reading Program (a 25% increase from 2023). Our 2024 Summer Adventure, presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado, opened to adults for the first time and had 18,302 people register (a 27% increase from 2023). 

In July, we started reading Go As a River with our community and had the pleasure of hearing from its Colorado-local author, Shelley Read during our All Pikes Peak Reads author presentation. Due to the high interest, we had to add a second author presentation! 
We welcomed 28,308 new library cardholders in 2024, and every month nearly 60 thousand people in our community used their PPLD library card. We had 1,905,097 people visit PPLD locations to check out 2,175,331 physical materials, use our meeting and study rooms (32,630 reservations), and use computers (224,751 users). More than 132,912 people attended our 4,120 programs, and 3,588 people checked out Culture Passes to visit nearby museums and attractions. We also answered 98,861 of your burning questions. We look forward to seeing how our community continues to use the Library in 2025! 

Here are the top book checkouts of 2024: 

Top 10 Juvenile checkouts

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
2. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling 
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K. Rowling
5. City of Spies by James Ponti
6. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney
9. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
10. Time of the Turtle King by Mary Pope Osborne

Top 10 Young Adult checkouts

1. The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan 
2. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
3. Eragon by Christopher Paolini 
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
6. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
8. The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
10. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Top 10 Adult checkouts

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
2. Go As a River by Shelley Read (our 2024 All Pikes Peak Reads title)
3. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
4. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
5. Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett
6. The Secret by Lee Child
7. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
8. Think Twice by Harlan Coben
9. The Murder Inn by James Patterson
10. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Published on Mon., Jan. 13, 2025

The much-anticipated Grand Reopening for Manitou Springs Library will take place on Fri., Feb. 7 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) staff have been hard at work preparing to move back into the historic Carnegie Library building that had been their original PPLD home since January 2013. Thanks to a colocation agreement, for the past three years the Library resided in the Manitou Arts Center due to accessibility limitations at its original location. A recent renovation project made the building more accessible and ADA compliant so now everyone can visit and enjoy the Library.

Join us for opening remarks starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by an open house with live music, refreshments, and activities from 5 – 6:30 p.m. where you can come in and see the updates.  

Manitou Springs Library temporarily closing to prepare for move to newly renovated Carnegie Library building

Published on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024

In preparation for its early 2025 move back to its original location, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will close Manitou Springs Library on Fri., Nov. 1.

Manitou Springs Library moved to its current location in March 2021, after vacating the Carnegie Library building it inhabited due to ADA compliance issues with the historic building. Since then, the Library has been colocated with the Manitou Art Center (MAC).  

Over the last three years the City of Manitou Springs and a dedicated local task force have worked diligently to raise the money needed to update the Carnegie Library to comply with today’s accessibility requirements. Funding included support from the Library District and led to the city breaking ground on the renovation project in January 2024. The project is currently expected to be completed in November 2024. 

• Library users with items checked out at Manitou Springs Library can check for extended due dates through My Account or by calling (719) 531-6333 and selecting 0 for staff assistance.
• The book drop will be closed at 5 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 1 and Library users will not be able to return materials to Manitou Springs Library during the closure. 
• All holds designated for pickup at Manitou Springs Library will be suspended beginning Wed., Oct. 23 and will remain suspended until the Library reopens. Library users can select a different pick-up location and unsuspend holds through My Account or by calling (719) 531-6333 and selecting 0 for staff assistance. 
• Makerspace equipment will no longer be available at Manitou Springs Library after Thu., Oct. 31. Equipment is available for reservation at our three makerspace locations. 
• Library users will have access to the Manitou Art Center with their PPLD library card until Fri., Nov. 15.  

PPLD will vacate the shared space with the MAC in mid-November. While the Library District’s partnership with the MAC is ending, PPLD is grateful the partnership allowed us to continue to serve the community while the Carnegie building was being renovated to be accessible to all.  

The Library District and the City of Manitou Springs are working closely together to organize grand opening activities in early 2025 to celebrate its return to the Library’s historic home in the community. 

Library users are encouraged to use this opportunity to visit and explore other Library locations while this relocation is completed. 

Manitou Springs Library has Relocated

Published on Sun., Feb. 21, 2021

Uniting Manitou Springs’ library and art center to enrich community

The community of Manitou Springs now can find art, literature, creative studios, meeting spaces, and the vast resources and services of the public library all one place! Thanks to a new co-location partnership, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has relocated Manitou Springs Library to the Manitou Art Center (MAC). Building upon a decade of trust and cooperation, PPLD and the MAC transformed the historic building at 515 Manitou Avenue to become a shared space that extends more benefits to local artists, Library cardholders, and the greater community. PPLD can offer more than traditional library resources and services – and in a way that’s accessible – to all in Manitou Springs. The MAC will join us in welcoming more residents to learn, connect, create, and tinker with their already extensive offering of equipment and creative spaces. Manitou Springs Library officially opened inside of the MAC on Fri., March 5, 2021. Patrons can now safely browse the collection, speak with a librarian, book a computer session, or use the fax, scan, and copier machine. Curbside services are also available at the new co-location.

Get your limited-edition library card while supplies last!

Congratulations to artist Susan Odiam of Manitou Springs! Her original creation will be featured on our limited-edition card to celebrate the relocation of Manitou Springs Library to the MAC.

“We’re thrilled to pair our physical collection and other library services with an organization so focused on serving residents of Manitou Springs,” said PPLD Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears. “Their facilities will immeasurably enhance what we can provide to the local community.” 
As the shared spaces expand in the future, Manitou Springs Library and the MAC will offer broader access to on-site meeting rooms, computer labs, makerspaces, art studios, and workforce development opportunities. The new co-location partners look forward to a future with more synergy, right in the heart of Manitou Springs, to support people’s aspirations, foster creativity and innovation, and boost prosperity. 
“We’re excited to see what other long-term benefits arise from this venture, like increasing access to the MAC and expanding PPLD opportunities in Manitou Springs,” said MAC Executive Director Natalie Johnson. “We will leverage each other’s strengths of service.” 
PPLD’s departure from the historic Carnegie building provides the City of Manitou Springs with necessary time to plan for its future, while still allowing the Library to adequately serve the public right now. PPLD’s leadership welcomes the opportunity to work with the City and return to the historic Carnegie building – if an expansion or facility improvements allow the Library to serve residents of all abilities, and everyone also has the opportunity to take advantage of other common services across El Paso County like access to meeting and study rooms, makerspaces, and more. 
In the meantime, PPLD and the MAC looks forward to a strong co-location partnership so both can best serve the community now and into the foreseeable future. It’s beneficial for PPLD cardholders, MAC members, local artists, community partners, taxpayers, and the local economy. 
“This is what can happen when we unite to find ways to better serve our community regardless of the circumstances,” shared Andy Vick, Executive Director for the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. “I applaud Pikes Peak Library District and the Manitou Art Center for their collaboration, and I hope other organizations are inspired to move beyond traditional community partnerships and consider embracing the shared-space model that capitalizes on existing resources and plays to each other’s strengths.” 
“Such alliances can lead to more people and businesses flourishing, which is what we need to strengthen the fabric of our communities for years to come.”

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 CultureGrams and Peterson’s Test Prep.  

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.

CultureGrams Online

What holidays do people celebrate in Nigeria? What recipes are very Colorado? What famous person came from Saskatchewan? Satisfy your cultural curiosity or explore the world from home with CultureGrams Online. This colorful database includes in-depth information about states, provinces, and countries. The database is user-friendly and laid out in a way that makes it easy to enjoy on your own or with any curious young people in your life.

On the map, click the place you want to learn about, and off you go! Each entry includes basic information such as climate, wildlife, geography, and economics, or you can read up on famous people, significant history, and other interesting cultural notes.  

Country pages include infographics and audio clips of national anthems or other cultural sounds. You will also find helpful information on cultural gestures, basic greetings (which you can listen to), and other details. 

As a fun bonus, U.S. state and Canadian province entries include recipes! 

Did we mention that there is a kids’ section? Kids will enjoy additional information about schools, holidays, what games and sports people play, what life is like for children, and other details they can relate to. 

Peterson’s Test Prep

You might be aware that Peterson’s Test Prep supports students, but do you know about its uses outside of academics? This resource helps you achieve both your academic and career goals.

Learn key skills in bookkeeping and cosmetology, or find the study guides you need for vocational tests in postal work, teaching, real estate, the food industry, emergency services, law enforcement, and other careers. Additionally, there are courses where you can brush up on your foundational computer, science, math, reading, and writing skills for work. If your employer uses ACT Workkeys tests, you can also find study guides for those here.

English language learners and people preparing for the U.S. Citizenship test will also find helpful study guides.

If you are on a job hunt, check out the career advice, online resume, and job searching tools

For students, Peterson’s Test Prep offers study guides for a variety of school subjects (including Advanced Placement), college test prep guides, and graduate school test guides (GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and others). Other handy tools include school search, scholarship search, and financial aid information. 

With taxes due on Tue., April 15, 2025, tax time is right around the corner. Save yourself a headache – don't wait until the last minute! Your Library has everything you need to file on time, including live tax preparation help (by appointment only) provided through our partners.  

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 will be at the following Library locations from Jan. 29 through April 12 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

(open to people of all ages and income levels) 

• Library 21c – Feb. 4 - April 10
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Call (719) 235-6757 or visit cotaxaide.org/appt beginning Wed., Jan. 15 to make an appointment. 

• Fountain Library – Jan. 29 - April 12
  • Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
    • Feb. 1, 15, and 22
    • March 1, 15, 29
    • April 5 and 12

Call (719) 508-2629 or visit cotaxaide.org/appt beginning Sun., Jan. 12 to make an appointment. 

• Sand Creek Library – Feb. 6 - April 10
  • Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Call (719) 203-1205 or visit cotaxaide.org/appt starting Wed., Jan.15 to make an appointment. 

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

(for individuals who earned less than $67,000 in 2024) 

• High Prairie Library
  • Sat., Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sat., March 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sat., April 5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Call 2-1-1 on or after Wed., Jan. 22 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. 

Where can you see world-class athletes train for their sport? At the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center (CSOPTC), of course! The center, located right here in El Paso County, is the flagship training center for over 10,000 Team USA athletes each year. The center provides elite facilities for multiple sports, housing, dining, and cutting-edge sports medicine and sports science facilities.

Pikes Peak Library District offers library cardholders an inside look into this exceptional facility. Check out a Pikes Peak Culture Pass and get a first-hand look at where Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls in various sports train to be selected to represent the United States as a part of Team USA. Take a guided tour of the facility, where you will see the strength and conditioning gym, aquatics center, wrestling gym, multi-purpose sport centers, and more. You may even catch some resident athletes training during your visit! 

The center trains athletes in cycling, figure skating, swimming, shooting, track and field, boxing, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and other competitive sports. With so many Team USA athletes living, training, and working in Colorado Springs, the training center’s participation in the Culture Pass program offers a great opportunity to see elite-level training facilities filled with athletes preparing for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

It is exciting to know that some of the world’s greatest have trained at the CSOPTC. From Michael Phelps to one Team USA’s newest gold medalists, Freestyle Wrestler Amit Elor, the OPTC is your front row seat to the Olympic & Paralympic Movement.

Visit ppld.org/culturepass to get your no-cost pass to witness our nation’s best athletes aspire to take the world stage. For more information about visiting the CSOPTC visit teamusa.com.

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. 

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.