Announcing an upcoming gallery exhibit at the Library! The exhibit will be at Penrose Library for the month of May, starting on Fri., May 3. 

On the day that the gallery opens, join us for a workshop with Asay from 4 – 5 p.m. at Library 21c. During the workshop, Asay will explore his inspiration, his career as a cartoonist, and the pieces featured in the gallery. Asay, who worked at the Taos News, the Colorado Springs Sun, and briefly for The Denver Post, was the featured political cartoonist for The Gazette for more than 20 years, from 1986 to 2007. He retired from The Gazette in March of 2007.

After his retirement, Asay’s art and commentary lived on in syndication for six more years, reaching audiences worldwide through hundreds of newspapers. In 2013 Asay put aside his pens, pencil, and paper after drawing a final cartoon in his lauded style announcing his full retirement in June of that year. 

Colorado Springs entrepreneur Jon Medved and the Medved Family Charitable Fund approached the Library about bringing Asay’s art to the Pikes Peak region. The exhibit highlights his work, applauds his talent, and fosters discussion about the artist’s commentary as a retrospective on the time nearly 40 years ago.

The exhibit will feature more than 30 of Asay’s cartoons through the end of March in the galleries at both Library 21c and East Library. It will be on display at Penrose Library later in 2024.

Stop by to browse the exhibit, and view much of Asay’s work online in our Digital Collections. Over the last few years, Pikes Peak Library District has worked with The Gazette to digitize more than 10,000 cartoons that Asay drew for the paper, archiving them in our digital photo archive housed by our Regional History & Genealogy department. 

2025 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium - " Histories: Beyond the Written Word" 

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) invites scholars, historians, researchers, and history enthusiasts to submit proposals for the 2025 Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium in the theme of "Histories Beyond the Written Word." This year's symposium will explore the rich tapestry of history told through non-traditional sources, shedding light on the diverse and dynamic ways we can understand our past.

We seek proposals that explore history through oral histories, traditions, art, photographs, movies, architecture, geography, and other nontraditional materials. Our goal is to celebrate and highlight the invaluable contributions of these sources to preserving and interpreting history. 

As part of the 2025 symposium, PPLD Regional History & Genealogy staff are exploring the experiences of Jim Bates, a wartime photographer and Palmer High School graduate who worked for the Alexander Film Company. Through the lens of his camera, we will delve into Bates' unique perspective, focusing on his artistic choices and techniques. By critiquing his work, we will also gain insight into what his experiences must have been like as a filmmaker at war. This project is just one example of the many types of non-textual submissions we are seeking. 

Submissions could include a short film, a presentation with paper, or a PowerPoint presentation to be presented online (20 minutes, 10 minutes for students). 

Compensation payment will be $500 for selected participants, $150 for students.  Selected submissions will be included in PPLD’s first annual online journal entitled, “Online Journal of Pikes Peak Regional History.” 

Send proposals by Sat., Jan. 11, 2025. 

By email: jjarrell@ppld.org

By mail: Pikes Peak Library District 
P.O. Box 1579
Colorado Springs, CO 80901 

Proposal Guidelines

Please include all six of these requirements in your submission. 

Theme: Beyond the Written Word 

1. TITLE (5 – 15 words):
   A descriptive title for your proposed presentation/film.
2. SUMMARY (500 – 1,000 words)
   A brief summary of the topic covered in your proposed presentation/film.
3. ABSTRACT (1,000 – 1,500 words)
   A summary that includes your thesis and all of the supporting arguments and conclusions for your proposed presentation/film.
4. SOURCES (50 – 100 words)
   A general list of primary and secondary research sources supporting your proposed presentation/film.
5. SHORT BIOGRAPHY (75 – 100 words)
   A brief description of you.
6. RESUME (one page)
   A resume with relevant educational and research accomplishments, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. 

Throughout May, the Library is celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognizing the cultures, experiences, and contributions of the AAPI community. Join us in celebrating with the booklists and resources on this page. 

Booklists

• Asian Pacific chapter books
• Asian Pacific picture books

Resources

• Kanopy 
  Enjoy films and documentaries by or celebrating AAPI people.
• Hoopla 
  Explore Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with movies and TV shows on Hoopla.
• CultureGrams 
  Experience the world through cultural information on more than 200 countries with CultureGrams and other resources in our Countries & Cultures Guide. In CultureGrams, explore all the U.S. states in colorful, engaging reports.
• Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute 
  Learn about opportunities to connect with Chinese culture here in Colorado Springs with the Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute.
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources for Teachers 
  This collection of lessons and resources for grades K – 12 social studies, literature, and the arts will help educators explore AAPI heritage with their students.
• National Park Service 
  Planning a vacation? Take in some of these historical sites from the National Park Service.
• Asian Art Museum 
  Find activities for kids and families and explore AAPI heritage in creative ways.
• Hmong flute/qeej 
  Learn about Asian and Pacific Island Instruments in this video.
• Japanese taiko drumming 
  Watch professional Japanese taiko drummers perform.
• Traditional Korean music 
  Jump into the world of traditional Korean music with this video from the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels.  
   

Regional History & Genealogy Resources:

• Books from the Carnegie Library - Special Collections (Some titles are available for checkout from other library locations)
  • Voices from Colorado: perspectives of Asian Pacific Americans by Nestor J. Mercado
  • Asian American genealogical sourcebook by Paula K. Byers
  • Asians in Colorado: a history of persecution and perseverance in the Centennial State by William Wei
  • Chinaman's chance: the Chinese on the Rocky Mountain mining frontier by Liping Zhu
  • The road to Chinese exclusion: the Denver riot, 1880 election, and rise of the West by Liping Zhu
  • Chin Lin Sou: Chinese-American leader by Janet L. Taggart

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Pikes Peak Library District! Explore the resources on this page recognizing the culture, experiences, and contributions of the Jewish American community. 

Programs 

Getting Started with Jewish Genealogy

Get started on your Jewish genealogy! Attend this in-person class to learn how to work with the unique challenges and advantages associated with tracing Jewish ancestry. Complimentary coffee will be provided, and an optional guided tour of the Regional History & Genealogy department resources will follow the class. Register here.

• Penrose Library: Sat., May 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. 

Resources

• Hoopla
  Explore Jewish stories and experiences in eBooks, music, movies, and more.  
• American Jewish Desk Reference
  Learn more about Jewish heritage with this reference book from the American Jewish Historical Society.  
• Kanopy
  Discover films and documentaries celebrating Jewish Americans on Kanopy. 

Regional History and Genealogy Resources (18+) 

• Archival Collections:
  • Mohl Family Photographs (Digital Photograph Collection)
    Leo and Hertha Mohl were long-time residents of Colorado Springs, small business owners, dairy farmers, and world travelers. They were also some of the first European war refugees to live in Colorado Springs.  
    
    Hertha Mohl was born in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a dressmaker until, after almost getting caught passing out anti-Nazi literature, she smuggled herself into England. While living in London, Hertha served in the British Air Raid Precaution Service. Also born in Vienna, Leo Mohl served as secretary of the trade union movement. Leo was taken to concentration camps in Dachau and Buchenwald for his political activities. In 1939, he was released and immigrated to England, where he met Hertha.
    
    The Mohls immigrated to the United States in 1940, eventually making their way to Colorado Springs. They raised dairy cows on farmland that is now owned by the Air Force Academy, operated a bookstore called The Book Home, and owned a reweaving shop called Master Weavers of America.
     
• Various Photographs (from PPLD’s Digital Photograph Collection) Photographs of the Colorado Springs Jewish Community. 
   
• Books from Regional History and Genealogy (Books from Regional History and Genealogy)
  • Exploring Jewish Colorado by Phil Goodstein
  • A Colorado Jewish family album, 1859-1992 by Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society
  • A history of Jewish life in Colorado Springs (DVD – also available for checkout)
  • Getting started in Jewish genealogy by Gary Mokotoff
  • L'chaim: a guide to Jewish genealogical research by Zoe Henry
  • Dr. Charles David Spivak: a Jewish immigrant and the American tuberculosis movement by Jeanne E. Abrams
  • Jewish women pioneering the frontier trail: a history in the American West by Jeanne E. Abrams
  • A guide to the Jewish Rockies, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming by Amy Shapiro

Websites

• Jewish American Heritage Month – Library of Congress
• Jewish American Heritage Month – National Archives
• Jewish American Heritage Month – National Parks Service (National Register of Historic Places)
• Jewish Americans - PBS.  
  Watch clips and outtakes from the 3-part PBS documentary series The Jewish Americans. This collection includes resources for further investigation, lesson plans for high school educators, and opportunities to share your own story. Recommended for high school and older. 
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History  
  Go on a virtual tour of many of the fascinating exhibits now available online. 

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans participated in the first Earth Day to increase awareness about environmental issues around the world. That movement has grown into Earth Month throughout all of April to continue spreading awareness locally and internationally. Learn about Earth Month, environmental issues, and ways to make your life more environmentally friendly through upcycling and recycling with the resources on this page.

Booklists

Adult Books for Earth Month
Earth Month Books for Kids

Resources

• Earth Month Displays at the Library  
  Colorado Springs Utilities is sharing information about wise water usage and conservation with informative displays at several Library locations. You’ll find information about utilities, energy rebates, water-wise planting, water and energy usage tips, and more! Stop by East, Cheyenne, Monument, Old Colorado City, and Penrose as well as Library 21c to learn more.  
• Green Living 
  A curated guide of resources to help you adapt to living a greener lifestyle.
• Learn to Make Reusable Bags at PPLD 
  Struggling with Colorado’s new single-use bag fee? This video has instructions on how to upcycle a t-shirt into a reusable shopping bag. (All ages)
• Create: Bee Gardens
  Learn some techniques to start your very own bee-friendly garden, including planting native wildflowers that attract pollinators, and making a bee bath out of polymer clay. (All ages)
• Create: Visible Mending
  Ripped shirt... throw it away? No way! In this video, you'll learn about visible mending, a technique for fixing up damaged clothes with a little extra flair. (All ages)

Recommended Websites 

• Earth Day – National Archives (all ages)
  A collection of Earth Day resources from the National Archives
• Earth Day - Smithsonian (All ages)
  Learn about Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson and explore exhibitions, resources, and Podcasts that highlight Smithsonian efforts to advance sustainability. 

Explore diverse, varied experiences across the autism community with Pikes Peak Library District during Autism Acceptance Month this April. Below, you will find related booklists, resources, and websites.

Booklists

• Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Adult Nonfiction and Adult Fiction booklists
• Childrens booklist

Resources

• Library Sensory Tour videos
  Get a sensory-friendly preview of each of our Library locations, complete with information about sensory accommodations available at each.

Websites

• Autism Acceptance Month (Autism Society)
  Read about Autism Acceptance Month and learn more about the autistic community.
• Autism Society Colorado
  Discover a wide range of resources in Colorado and nationally, and learn about the autistic community.
• Autism Resources (Colorado Department of Education)
  Learn about resources and strategies for adapting and thriving on the autism spectrum.
• World Health Organization
  Find key facts about autism and find news and stories centering around the autistic community. 

Transition can be hard for our military families and their children. Moving multiple times for military service can be challenging for the children of military families, who often face the disruption of starting over at a new school and with new friends multiple times. This April, Pikes Peak Library District honors the Military Children in our community by celebrating their unique experiences.

Booklists: 

• Month of the Military Booklist

Resources

• Military & Veterans Resource Guide  
  PPLD provides military, veterans, and their families with access to free resources such as books, audiobooks, eBooks, and online databases, as well as events, workshops, and classes tailored to their unique needs and interests.

Website Links

• Sesame Street For Military Families 
  Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.
• Babies on the Homefront 
  Babies on the Homefront provides military and veteran parents ideas for enhancing everyday moments with their baby or toddler.
• Veteran Training – VA Resources 
  The VA's parenting program provides resources and support for military and veteran parents, including information on child development, parenting skills, and managing the challenges of military life.
• MCEC – Military Child Education Coalition 
  MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
• U.S. Department of Defense
  While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Each year, the Department of Defense (DoD) joins national, state, and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies, and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make.
• Military OneSource
  The Month of the Military Child recognizes the unique challenges children in military families face —such as long separations and frequent moves — and honors their service to the military community. Use these free resources to support your children, youth, and teens and power up your parenting. 

Do you know everything your Library has to offer? Visit one of our Library Open Houses during National Library Week from April 7 – 13 and discover everything you have access to with your library card!

We will have Open Houses at eight of our libraries where you can take a tour, enjoy local refreshments, participate in family fun activities, and win prizes. Enjoy a scavenger hunt and self-guided tour to help you explore what the Library has to offer. Each location will also offer unique prizes and activities for all ages, so feel free to join us for multiple Open Houses and get to know more libraries around the District.

After seeing all the great offerings of your Library District you’ll want to make sure to get a library card before you leave. The Friends of PPLD have cool swag for the first 25 people who sign up for a library card at each open house location. 

Open House Schedules

• East Library – Mon., April 8 from 10 a.m. - noon
• High Prairie Library – Mon., April 8 from 4 – 6 p.m. 
• Monument Library – Tue., April 9 from 6 – 8 p.m.
• Penrose Library – Wed., April 10 from 4 – 6 p.m. 
• Cheyenne Mountain Library – Thu., April 11 from 5 – 7 p.m.
• Sand Creek Library – Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. - noon
• Fountain Library – Sat., April 13 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• Library 21c – Sat., April 13 from noon – 2 p.m. 

Details about each open house are listed below!

East Library

Mon., April 8 from 10 a.m. - noon
Located at 5550 N. Union Blvd. (Colorado Springs, CO) 

East Library is notably one of the best locations for working, studying, and reading with a view. Grand floor-to-ceiling windows in the reading bay provide a stunning view of Pikes Peak. This location also offers access to a park right behind the building that you are welcome to enjoy during your visit. Among this library’s features are a makerspace, a teen center, the Education Resource Center (ERC), meeting rooms, two computer labs, and a large children’s area. Near the entrance, you will find the Donald Stratton exhibit honoring U.S. Army service members, and one of the Friends of PPLD’s Library bookstores.

As one of our Family Place Libraries, East Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performance by Mountain Harmony in the reading bay
• Eclipse Viewing Party (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Guided and self-guided tours
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD), scavenger hunt (win a prize!), bookmark craft
• Children’s Area: Children’s scavenger hunt, passive art activity, Family Place play area,
• Homeschool Art Show (on display)
• Teen Center: Video games - Mario Kart/Super Smash Brothers on projector, Blue Spruce Award voting
• Makerspace: Button-making activity, laser engraver, and 3D printer in action
• Reading Bay: Puzzles, board games, bookmobile coloring sheet, PPLD Foundation, and popcorn!

Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas or one of three $50 gift cards at Muse Comics + Games.

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High Prairie Library

Mon., April 8 from 4 – 6 p.m. 
Located at 7035 Old Meridian Rd. (Peyton, CO)

High Prairie Library is a cornerstone of its community that connects people to the resources they need for work, school, and fun. Thanks to an environmental grant, there are geothermal tubes in the ground behind the building that heat and cool the building efficiently. A convenient drive-through window located on the south side of the building makes curbside pickup and book drop-off a breeze. This location also offers ample outdoor space for patrons to enjoy. Stop by and discover the meeting rooms, seed library, computers, and other resources this location has to offer.  

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performance by Falcon High School Jazz Band
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Refreshments
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• Self-guided tour
• Community art activity
• Seed Library display
• Library of Things and Discovery Kit display
• Friends of PPLD book sale
• Bookmark craft
• Children’s area: Rainbow scratch art, children’s scavenger hunt

Drawing for a chance to win a $30 gift card to La Mission Restaurant.

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Monument Library

Tue., April 9 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr. (Monument, CO)

Monument Library, nestled on the north side of the Woodmoor Center shopping mall, offers literacy and resources where there used to be a hardware store. Inside, the library’s Madagascar Day Gecko named Ruby is ready to greet visitors alongside Library staff. Despite its smaller size, this location often lands third or fourth for overall checkouts among all Library locations. On good weather days, people enjoy stepping out behind the building to visit the geese and ducks in Serenity Pond. This location offers a meeting room, computers, art exhibits, and other resources. 

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performance by the Rose County Academy of Irish Dance
• Scavenger hunt (win prizes!)
  Button-making activity
• Board games for all ages
• Palmer Divide Quiltmakers Quilt tour
• Self-guided tour
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Paws to Read activity
• Bookmark craft
• Behind the Bookdrop: Processing holds
• Backdoor: Duck feeding station, sidewalk chalk
• Children’s area: Children's scavenger hunt, process art, bookmobile coloring sheet

Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a Dave & Busters Family Four-Pack of game cards totaling $100. 

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Penrose Library

Wed., April 10 from 4 – 6 p.m. 
Located at 20 N. Cascade Ave. (Colorado Springs, CO)(There is paid parking. Library cardholders can get two hours of free parking in the parking lot by scanning their library cards at the parking kiosk.)

Penrose Library was recently closed for two months while we shortened and reconfigured the bookshelves. The Open House will include remarks from Library leadership commemorating its reopening. This library, located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, features a computer lab, study rooms, a teen center, a large children’s area, and a Law Collection. The attached historic Carnegie Library houses our Regional History & Genealogy department, as well as the Herbert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center with resources for small businesses and nonprofits.

As one of our Family Place Libraries, Penrose Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performances by Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius and Colorado Springs Conservatory
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• Community art project
• Mini-golf course
• Green screen photo activity
• Bookmark craft
• Teen Area: Coloring activity, Blue Spruce Award voting, Mario Kart video game (teen only)
• Children’s Area: Family Place toys, face painting, Name the Dragon activity
• Upper Parking Lot: Mobile Library Services, bookmobile coloring sheet

Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas or a $50 gift card to spend at Downtown Colorado Springs businesses.

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Cheyenne Mountain Library

Thu., April 11 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1785 South 8th St., Suite 100 (Colorado Springs, CO) 

Cheyenne Mountain Library is one of our shopping complex libraries. It is beloved by its patrons, who know that what it lacks in size, it makes up for with cozy vibes and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Stop by to learn about the meeting room, computers, art exhibits, and other resources that this location has to offer.  

As one of our Family Place Libraries, Cheyenne Mountain Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.

Enjoy refreshments, visit our staff table where staff will tell you about our various programs and offerings, and the following activities:

• Performance by the Free Time Quartet
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Life-size Candy Land game
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• Self-guided tour
• Bookmark craft activity
• Nintendo Switch video games (all ages)
• Friends of PPLD mini book sale
• Children’s area: Family Place toys, bookmobile coloring sheet

Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Caffeinated Cow. 

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Sand Creek Library

Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. - noon
Located at 1821 South Academy Blvd. (Colorado Springs, CO)

We often hear people say that Sand Creek Library is much larger on the inside than it looks on the outside. This location is home to our state-of-the-art audio recording studio and one of PPLD’s three makerspaces. It also has a teen center, children’s area, meeting rooms, and a computer lab.

As one of our Family Place Libraries, Sand Creek Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library. 

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Raza at 10 a.m.
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• Self-guided tour
• Bookmark craft
• Art Aloud art display
• Community resources info and Friends of PPLD info table
• Makerspace: 3D printer and laser engraver observations, lasered watercolor pages
• Studio 916: Karaoke, playing with instruments, experimenting with various equipment, and listening to music samples from Studio916 patrons
• Teen Zone: Comic book crafts, superhero trivia, LEGO activity
• Children's Area: Harrison School District 2 student art show, bookmobile coloring sheet
• Meeting Room A: Giant Connect 4, coloring and craft,  giant Lincoln Logs

Complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $100 family four-pack movie pass complete with popcorn and arcade games at Roadhouse Cinemas.

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Fountain Library

Sat., April 13 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Located at 230 South Main St. (Fountain, CO)

Fountain Library’s building was designed by Elizabeth Wright Ingraham, a well-known Colorado Springs architect and granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright. The History Wall inside offers a panoramic look at Fountain’s history dating back to its founding. Fountain Library also offers the only Community Room in the entire Library District that patrons can reserve before and after library hours. This location offers a children’s area, a meeting room, a teen center, art exhibits, computers, and other resources. 

As one of our Family Place Libraries, Fountain Library has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library.

Enjoy refreshments and the following activities:

• Performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Raza at 2:15 p.m.
• Library card sign-ups (The first 25 will receive special prizes)
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• Self-guided tour
• Friends of PPLD
• Reading Area: Refreshments, puzzles, chess
• Teen Area: Mario Kart Game (all ages), button-making activity
• Children's Area: Toy Library test-drive, window activities, bookmobile coloring sheet
• Display: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 art display
• Patio: Birdwatching, Library backpacks display

Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes including a $50 Walmart gift card or a portable Bluetooth speaker from SCHEELS.

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Library 21c 

Sat., April 13 from noon – 2 p.m. 
Located at 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. (Colorado Springs, CO)

Library 21c offers plenty of space for patrons to work and relax with a beautiful view of the Front Range, including Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. This location is home to a large event venue and PPLD’s test kitchen classroom. Its gallery hosts different exhibits each month. Library 21c also has the Library’s audio-video studio, a makerspace, and an edit bay for video projects. Stop by to discover the large computer lab, teen center, large children’s area, meeting rooms, gaming room, and other resources. (Check out a virtual tour of Library 21c on our website!) Right now, Library 21c is undergoing a process to replace the turf grass in an effort to create a lawn with more sustainable, water-friendly native grasses.

As one of our Family Place Libraries, Library 21c has developmental toys in the children’s area, Family Place Play Group programs, materials and resources for parents, and family support services, as well as access to our Family Place Toy Library. 

Enjoy refreshments made by the students of the Food Industry Training program and the following activities:

• Performance by students from Victoria’s School of Harp
• Library card sign-ups (the first 25 will receive a special swag from the Friends of PPLD)
• Staff guided tours
• Scavenger hunt (win a prize!)
• PPLD Foundation info table
• Friends of PPLD
• Bookmark craft
• Family fun video games
• Cornhole lawn game
• Western Window Bay: Coloring and craft activities
• Teen Area: Board games
• Children’s Area: LEGO build, bookmobile coloring sheet
• Kitchen: Adult Education info
• Studio 21c: Green screen activity
• Make 1: Button-making activity
• Make 2: Watch the makerspace in action!

Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win a Dave & Busters Family Four-Pack of game cards totaling $100 or a board game.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

Deaf History Month in April recognizes the contributions of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the U.S. now and throughout history and recognizes the achievements of the Deaf community in a variety of fields. Originally, the American Library Association (ALA) and National Association of the Deaf (NAD) designated March 13 to April 15 of every year as Deaf history Month. In 2022, NAD changed Deaf History Month to the full month of April. Celebrate this history through the resources and websites on this page. 

Resources

• Kanopy: Search “deaf” to find a selection of documentaries exploring Deaf history
• Accessibility at PPLD

Biographies

Explore Deaf history through these biographies featuring several well-known deaf people in the Biographies in Context and U.S. History in Context databases. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access this resource outside of the Library.)

• U.S. History in Context — Gallaudet University: Explore journals, biographies, articles, recordings, news stories, and more about Gallaudet University, the only higher education institution in the world where all programs and services are designed with the needs of the Deaf community in mind.
• Biography in Context database — Marlee Matlin: Read about actor Marlee Matlin, who lost her hearing at age 18 and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1987.
• Biography in Context database — King Jordan: Learn about the history of the first deaf president of Gallaudet University.
• Biography in Context database — Nyle DiMarco: Discover biographies, magazine articles, and more exploring the life of Nyle DiMarco, an actor, model, and activist known for being the first deaf person to win America’s Next Top Model
• Biography in Context database — Lauren Ridloff: Delve into the life of deaf Black Latina actress Lauren Ridloft through an archive of magazine and newspaper articles.
• Biography in Context —  Thomas Edison: Explore the life of prolific inventor Thomas Edison, who lost much of his hearing at age 12.  

Websites

• National Association of the Deaf
• World Federation of the Deaf
• Deaf Historical Resources page from Gallaudet University’s National Deaf Life Museum website
• Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center from Gallaudet University
• Deaf Women in History
• The Daily Moth Deaf news briefs

Learn American Sign Language (ASL)

• Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind ASL signs of the month: Learn a few signs in American Sign Language with videos from the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. They also offer paid classes that you can register for.  
• American Sign Language University YouTube: Bill Vicars is a university ASL Instructor in California and has a robust YouTube playlist of his classes from beginner to advanced.
• Handspeak: An ASL Visual Dictionary run by Jolanta Lapiak. 

This April, celebrate National Poetry Month during the annual Pikes Peak Poetry Summit and open yourself to new ideas through powerful artistry. The summit got its start in 2022 and has proved to be a rousing success. Pikes Peak Library District is honored to host the summit for its third year in a row. This year’s theme is “Thriving Artists” and talents from across Colorado have been invited to share and celebrate this creative form. Join us for a day of exploring poetry and celebrating creativity with our community. 

This year’s Pikes Peak Poetry Summit is on Sat., April 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at The Hall at PPLD (20 W. Pikes Peak Ave.). 

The summit offers a unique opportunity to celebrate writing and self-expression whether you are a seasoned poet, embarking on your exploration of this diverse art form, or just a lover of poetry. You will be inspired, improve your craft, share your words, and learn more about poetry locally and across the state. Engage with our poetry workshops, learn how to slam, and experience amazing poetry and dance performances. 

We look forward to celebrating poetry with our community. Let poetry guide you across the bridge to new perspectives. All ages are welcome. Find all workshop descriptions and a schedule of the day in our program calendar. 

Workshops are provided at no cost and include: 

• How to Slam 101
• Stop Making Sense: The Exquisite Corpse and Other Surrealist Games
• Let's Make Poetry Zines!
• Shaping Your Story: Writing a Performance Art Piece 
• Poetic Resilience
• Spontaneous Overflow
• Self-Care through Poetry