Test results show minimal meth contamination affecting the Library

Colorado Springs (Feb. 28, 2023) -- This past weekend, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and its Board of Trustees received the results of the methamphetamine contamination testing that took place at Penrose Library the week of February 19. 

Samples taken from the walk-up pathways to the restrooms and in adjacent public spaces did not produce any actionable levels of contamination. The results were at or below the minimum level established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as acceptable. Simply put, the public areas of Penrose Library are not meth-affected.

During the initial testing two weeks ago, state certified consultant KEMWest identified several restrooms in Penrose Library that had been meth-affected. Additional tests in those rooms were conducted to determine exactly which surfaces are contaminated and at what levels the contamination exists.

The results from the restroom tests revealed that the only areas with actionable meth contamination above the acceptable limits are the exhaust system ductwork, fans, and vents in those spaces. Samples from all other surfaces in the restrooms did not result in any actionable contamination. 

Based on the results, KEMWest made the recommendation that Penrose Library and Mobile Library Services can reopen to staff and public. This decision was made in close coordination with El Paso County Public Health and PPLD, who support KEMWest's recommendation. As such, Penrose Library and PPLD's Mobile Library Services will resume operation on Wed., March 1 at their regularly scheduled times. 

“The safety of all Library patrons and staff is always a priority. I am grateful for Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze Krebs and her dedicated team that worked around the clock to ensure all the testing was completed and proper precautions were in place,” said Board of Trustees President Aaron Salt. “PPLD leadership worked closely with El Paso County Public Health and KEMWest to understand the impact of the results and create a safe, thoughtful reopening strategy for Penrose [Library]. We are pleased to learn that Penrose is safe. Library leadership is executing a plan that will ensure our libraries maintain safe conditions for all, so this will not be an issue in the future. The Board of Trustees thanks you for your understanding during this time and we look forward to seeing you at the Library soon.” 

Penrose Library will reopen its restrooms as well. “Since airflow is moving away from occupied areas of the Library, the potential for people in the building to be exposed to meth from this contamination is very low,” said KEMWest President James DeValois, CIH. 

In the coming weeks, PPLD will be contracting vendors to handle the cleaning or replacement of the contaminated equipment in the affected exhaust vents.

To mitigate future contamination, PPLD will install environmental sensors in all its public restrooms throughout the Library District. These sensors can detect changes in air quality and will alert PPLD’s Safety and Security team of a deviation. Trained team members will be dispatched to manage any issues as they occur. PPLD will begin the process of installing the sensors within the next several weeks.

For more information, please contact Denise M. Abbott at Dabbott@ppld.org or (719) 930-0225.

For more information, please refer to our FAQ page about meth contamination testing

Feb. 18, 2023

On Wed., Feb. 8, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) started working with state certified vendor KEMWest Inc. to conduct initial screenings for methamphetamine contamination of the restrooms in the three most highly trafficked libraries throughout the District – East Library, Library 21c, Penrose Library (including the Special Collections Carnegie Library). The results of those screenings were presented to PPLD on Friday evening, Feb. 17.
 
Samples taken from East Library and the Special Collections Carnegie Library showed that one restroom in each location contained contamination at levels measuring above the minimum limit that the state has set for residential buildings of 0.25 micrograms per 100 centimeters, but below the maximum threshold of 0.5 micrograms per 100 centimeters. Results at this level trigger the need to proceed to the next level of testing, the preliminary assessment level. This level of tests narrows the results to the specific locations within the restroom that have been affected and determines to what extent they are affected. To allow further examination to be conducted, only these specific restrooms will be closed for use starting Sat., Feb. 18. East Library will be open to the public.
 
Screening samples of several restrooms in Penrose Library showed that they had been contaminated at levels above 0.5 micrograms per 100 centimeters, prompting the need for extensive preliminary assessment level testing for those restrooms and a few of the immediately adjacent areas. KEMWest Inc. recommended that PPLD close Penrose Library and the Mobile Library Services, which is housed at this location, while these tests are taking place. El Paso County Public Health supports the consultant’s recommendation. Penrose Library is likely to remain closed through the coming week, beginning Sat., Feb. 18.
 
When the results of preliminary assessment level of tests become available, they will be shared.
 
All other PPLD locations remain open.
 
As always, the safety and well-being of our staff and patrons are PPLD’s top priority. The Library will continue to work closely with KEMWest Inc. and El Paso County Public Health on this matter as we navigate our next steps.

Feb. 8, 2023

Out of a commitment to the safety of our staff and patrons, Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) decided to proactively screen public restrooms for methamphetamine contamination after the recent reports from other affected libraries in Colorado.

Initially, we thought and reported that it would be necessary to conduct screening tests inside 53 public restrooms across the Library District. However, state authorities currently do not have standards or guidelines for assessing contamination levels in public restrooms. We also consulted with a state-certified vendor, El Paso County Public Health, and other Colorado libraries that recently conducted preliminary assessments.

With more information and guidance, Library leadership re-evaluated options and decided to screen public restrooms at PPLD locations with the highest number of patron visits, which are East Library, Library 21c, and Penrose Library. KEMWest Inc., a state-certified vendor, collected samples from those three Library facilities in early February, and results are expected by mid-February.

PPLD is working closely with El Paso County Public Health and KEMWest on this matter. All Library locations remain open and safe to visit at this time.

The safety and wellbeing of its patrons and staff remain a top priority for the Library District. PPLD will share more information and updates as they become available.

January 19, 2023

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is aware of the recent incidents at three other public libraries in Colorado involving methamphetamine contamination inside one of their public restrooms. Though there is no known exposure at any PPLD facility, Library leadership is taking proactive action to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and staff. All Library locations remain open to the public and are safe to visit.

As a precautionary measure, PPLD will contract a local vendor that’s certified by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to conduct screening tests inside all public restrooms at 15 locations across the Library District. This testing will determine if there are any hazardous levels that need to be addressed. It could take up to 3 - 4 weeks to collect the samples at Library locations across El Paso County, complete the testing, and receive results. 

PPLD will share information and updates as they become available.  

Reflecting on 2022 and looking ahead

As we welcome 2023 and what’s to come, I want to take a moment and reflect on the past year for Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).  

The Library has been a staple in our community for more than 130 years, evolving to become a public institution that offers physical and digital spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. Thanks to the investment from El Paso County taxpayers, we can provide residents like you with access to 16 facilities, three mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all.

Because of you, we were able to do so much for the community this past year. PPLD connected hundreds of thousands of people with services, resources, and spaces to help them achieve their goals. Many patrons visited one of our libraries, whether to browse our collection and check out an item, attend a program, use a meeting or study room, create something in a makerspace or recording studio, or use a computer, copier, scanner, or something else they needed. Library cardholders checked out more than 4 million physical items, and we surpassed more than 2 million digital checkouts via OverDrive and Libby by the end of September 2022.

We hosted another year of successful programs that strive to improve literacy like the Winter Adult Reading Program, Summer Adventure for kids and teens, and All Pikes Peak Reads this past fall. PPLD expanded the PowerPass partnership program to include Calhan School District and Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, providing more students with access to Library resources and services to help further their success in and out of the classroom. And we also added a few new museums and attractions to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass, meaning individuals and families can check out even more cultural experiences right here in our community and beyond.

In the spring of 2022, PPLD also announced its new vision, mission, and values. This became the starting point to develop a three-year strategic plan, which was publicly released in December and officially kicks off this month.

The plan for 2023 - 2025 was informed by staff and public input. Last summer, our team hosted multiple opportunities for Library patrons and other community members to engage with us as part of the planning process, and nearly 1,200 participated, whether online or in-person at one of our libraries. With rich qualitative data from the public and 400-plus staff, we uncovered several common themes – and those helped guide a strategic planning committee of staff, Board, and community representatives in identifying PPLD’s six areas of focus. If you want to find out more and see where, why, and how the Library District will reinvest taxpayer dollars back into the community through 2025, please visit ppld.org/strategicplan.  

It's because of the community’s continued support for PPLD that we have been able to do all of this in 2022 and what we’re planning for 2023. Your investment, trust, and patronage truly are an investment into improving the Pikes Peak region for everyone.  

We look forward to serving you throughout this new year – and using our new strategic plan to fulfill our mission, uphold our values, and aim to achieve our vision for this great community!

Teona Shainidze Krebs 
Chief Librarian & CEO 
Pikes Peak Library District 

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 16 facilities, three mobile library services, 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. Below are the six areas of focus the team identified that became the foundation of the plan.

Strategic Plan: Areas of Focus

PPLD publicly released this plan in detail on Dec. 6, 2022, so everyone could see where, why, and how PPLD will reinvest taxpayer dollars back into the community through 2025. We look forward to using our new strategic plan to fulfill our mission, uphold our values, and aim to achieve our vision for this great community.

View the complete plan here:

PPLD is co-sponsoring the 2022 Pathways to Progress Seminar: An Invitation to Inclusivity with speakers from Mariposa Professional Services, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Rework America Alliance, City of Colorado Springs, and The Independence Center.

When: Wed., Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Library 21c and Virtual
Registration required.

PPLD Programs

Calvin Can't Fly: An ASL Event
Join us for this story presented in ASL, voiceover, enhanced text, music, sound effects and animation followed by a fun, interactive ASL lesson!
When: Sat., Oct. 1 from 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Library 21c
Registration required.

Sensory Storytime
Join us for a fun and interactive Storytime that is specially created for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory integration challenges. For children ages 3 - 7
When: Fri., Oct. 7 from 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Where: Library 21c - Children’s Room
Registration required.

When: Sat., Oct. 8 from 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: East Library - Children's Story Room
Registration required.

ASL Storytime & Playgroup
Join Pikes Peak Library District and The Colorado School For The Deaf and The Blind (CSDB) for a bilingual Storytime and Playgroup! Books will be read in American Sign Language and English. An interpreter will be available for English and ASL translation.
When: Wed., Oct. 12 from 10:30 a.m. - noon
Where: East Library - Children's Activity/Story Rooms
Registration required.

Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation
Join a certified yoga therapist for a specific low-impact trauma-informed yoga class. This class will lead you through specific postures and practices that will help ease anxiety and tension and cultivate an environment for healing process to begin.
When: Mon., Oct. 17 from 10:15 – 11: 15 a.m.
Where: Rockrimmon Library - Meeting Room
Registration required.

When: Mon., Oct. 24 from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Where: Rockrimmon Library - Meeting Room
Registration required.

When: Sat., Oct. 29 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Cheyenne Mountain Library - Marlene Rook Memorial Community Room
Registration required.

When: Mon., Oct. 31 from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Where: Rockrimmon Library - Meeting Room
Registration required.

Once Upon a Sign: ASL Storytime
Come and join us for a fun Storytime featuring early literacy activities and stories signed in American Sign Language (ASL) by a Deaf role model, and spoken aloud in English!
When: Tue., Oct. 18 from 9:30 – 10 a.m.
Where: Library 21c - Children's Room

When: Tue., Oct. 18 from 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Where: Library 21c - Children's Room

Virtual Once Upon a Sign: ASL Storytime
Come and join us for a fun virtual Storytime featuring early literacy activities and stories signed in American Sign Language (ASL) by a Deaf role model and spoken aloud in English!
When: Tue., Oct. 25 from 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual
Registration required.

Resources

• OverDrive Booklist
• Disability Resources Subject Guide
  A compilation of national, state, and local resources for individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends. Topics include advocacy, assistive technology, caregiver resources, emergency preparedness, employment & housing, recreation, and more.
• 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 job coaching, assistive technology, and needed accommodations to participate with DVR and on the job.
• The Independence Center

The Independence Center provides information, resources, and support to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals.

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
  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. We 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.

• Special Kids Special Families
  SKSF was founded in 1998 to provide respite and care for children and adults with disabilities. Programs offer community support services to families that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout their life span.

by Jeanne Davant

Veronica Bélanger hosts meetings of the Mompreneur Network every second and fourth Monday morning at East Library. While the members of the business development group are hearing presentations, pitching their businesses, and referring client opportunities, their children romp and read in the Children’s area, attended to by a childcare provider. Bélanger also uses the MacLaren Hall adjacent to Penrose Library to introduce prospective members to the network.

The Mompreneur Network is just one of dozens of small businesses, nonprofits, garden clubs, theater groups, and other community organizations that utilize Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) facilities for meetings, classes, study groups, and events of all kinds. Nearly 70 spaces across the District are available for groups to reserve and use at no cost. Most libraries have at least one meeting or study space; Penrose Library, East Library, and Library 21c all have large and multiple spaces. Through a partnership between PPLD and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, some locations are also voter service and polling centers for upcoming primary and general elections.

Hosting groups like the Mompreneur Network, or discussion group Socrates Café, and tutoring services Love to Learn is one way PPLD fulfills its mission of cultivating spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. From young children to retirees, the Library District encourages people to gather and to learn. (Find out more and reserve a meeting space!)

On a recent Friday evening, Bélanger arrived early at The Hall at PPLD (formerly known as Knights of Columbus Hall) to prepare for an introductory meeting. There to help her were Dustin Booth and Nawal Shahril of the Library District’s Creative Services team, who set up an audio-visual system for the meeting.

“MacLaren Hall is used for a variety of events including club meetings, concerts, theater performances, and dances as well as business presentations and classes,” Booth says. “It can accommodate 195 people; tables and chairs, a PA system, stage, projector, laptop, and screen are available for groups to use. The hall’s mezzanine, which serves as a coworking and networking space, has a capacity of 17 people, and the lower-level classroom can host presentations or meetings for groups up to 21 people.”

Bélanger, a former salesperson and social media consultant, founded the Mompreneur Network after years of feeling like she was penalized for being a mom.

“Being a parent and an entrepreneur combine to form a lifestyle and shouldn’t be treated as separate,” she tells the women who have come to learn about Mompreneur. “What if having a family doesn’t have anything to do with how professional you are?”

She started out having meetings in her home but approached the Library District after the network’s growth required more space.

“Having this space has made a big difference for us,” says Nancy Moore, Mompreneur Network’s president. “Everyone has really grown, and some have started new businesses.”

Lively Debate

Most Tuesday afternoons, Joe and Elizabeth Davis travel from their Flying Horse home to Monument Library to take part in lively but respectful discussions of thought-provoking subjects that range from philosophy and religion to politics, morality, and other timely topics at the Socrates Café.

“We’ve been attending the Socrates Café for about 12 years,” Joe says.

The Davises retired to Colorado Springs after serving with the International Health Office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joe had been a member of the library board in their previous hometown in Tennessee. After they retired, they were looking for a place where they could continue to pursue their interest in international topics and where they would be welcomed.

“The Library was one of the things that led us to move here,” he says. “We were impressed with the services offered and the range of personnel. We found staff to be very helpful.”

Shortly after they arrived, they visited Monument Library — the closest facility to them — and discovered a welcoming environment and a particularly interesting group.

They met some of their best friends through the Socrates Café, which attracts about 20 participants each session. Moderated by Hans Post Uilerweer, the group recently discussed topics including border security, immigration, and emigration; Russia and Ukraine; post-modernism; and gender and identity.

The Library making space available for these conversations “is an extraordinary service,” Joe says. “It’s part of the openness of the community as a whole that is well exhibited by the Library, and I suspect most people go away from these discussions having profited from them, having learned something, and seeing something in a different light.”

Helping Kids Learn

Stroll through the second floor of Library 21c on Monday evenings, and you are likely to see students ranging from kindergartners to adults working one-on-one with tutors to reach their academic and personal goals. Love to Learn, a nonprofit network of tutoring professionals, families, and kids, moved to East Library in 2020 after outgrowing its previous facilities at a church, and a year later moved to Library 21c. The summer session runs until two weeks before school starts and picks up again after the semester begins.

“Probably 80 percent of our kids are in special education,” founder Linette Weise says. “It is a free community program; no one is turned away. It’s open to the whole community, and that is what PPLD is all about.”

“The Library’s facilities, including accommodations ranging from cubicles, desks, and tables to the large Ent conference room, are ideal for the program,” says Cathy Bessenbacher, who helps Weise run the program. The children and their tutors can work individually for the bulk of the hour-and-a-half sessions and then come together in the conference room at the end for group activities.

Being at the Library has several benefits for the kids, parents, and the program. Students can use their library cards to check out books they need. Parents often stay and use the Library’s facilities as well, and many return with their families for other Library events.

Bessenbacher says the Library supports the program in many ways, such as providing copy services for her sign-in lists and making Love to Learn’s brochures available to patrons.

“It’s bright and open, and the people are very friendly,” she says. “They really want to help us. So, it’s a win-win for both of us.”

This story was originally featured in the fall issue of District Discovery, PPLD’s quarterly magazine.

Need extra food for you and your family? We partner with Care & Share Food Bank to bring their “grocer on wheels” to Library patrons weathering life’s storms. Their Mobile Market ensures people have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as pantry staples, right in their neighborhoods. All food is free of charge and open to the public.

July

• Mon., July 18 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., July 28   from 3 - 4  p.m.  at Ruth Holley Library

 August

• Thu.,  Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Aug. 29 from 4 - 5 p.m. at Sand Creek Library

 September

• Thu., Sept. 1 from 11 - noon at Ruth Holley Library
• Mon., Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. - noon at Sand Creek Library
• Thu., Sept. 22 from 3 - 4 p.m. at Ruth Holley Library

See english version 
Tarjeta de Juego 

¡Aventúrate este verano con la Biblioteca del Distrito de Pikes Peak! La Aventura de verano 2023 presentada por Children's Hospital Colorado ayuda a los niños y adolescentes a mantenerse comprometidos y activos durante los meses de verano. Sabemos que estás buscando ideas atractivas para actividades ¡y estamos aquí para ayudarte!
Cualquier persona de 0 a 18 años puede participar y ganar premios a través de la lectura, el movimiento y la imaginación. ¡Participa en uno de nuestros programas o pon en práctica una de nuestras ideas de actividades!
 

Entérate: ¡regístrate!

Recibe un correo electrónico de recordatorio al comienzo de la Aventura de verano y durante junio y julio para programas de verano, actividades, y más, para niños de 0 a 18 años. Puedes cancelar la suscripción en cualquier momento. 

Calendarios de eventos

Calendario de programas para niños 
Calendario de programas para preadolescentes
Calendario de programas para adolescentes     

Tarjetas de juego

Puedes realizar un seguimiento de tu progreso en la aplicación Beanstack, recoger una tarjeta de juego en cualquier ubicación de la Biblioteca o hacer clic aquí para ¡descargar e imprimir una tarjeta de juego física desde tu casa!

Cómo jugar

1. Regístrate en Beanstack en ppld.beanstack.org, en la aplicación, o en persona en una biblioteca ¡y recibe un premio!
2. Culmina los 30 días de actividades (ya sea leer, mover o imaginar) a partir del 1.º de junio hasta el 31 de julio.
3. Realiza un seguimiento de tu progreso completando un espacio en la tarjeta del juego o registra un día en Beanstack por cada día de actividad. 
4. Recibe un segundo premio cuando hayas culminado los 30 días de actividades.

Si necesitas ayuda, llama al (719) 531-6333 o visita ppld.org/ask 

Anima tu Zoom u otras conversaciones virtuales con fondos digitales de Aventura de verano: ¡Descárgalos a continuación!

Premios

En el momento de la inscripción, los niños de 0 a 11 años pueden elegir un libro y los de 12 a 18 años pueden seleccionar un libro o una revista como premio de inscripción. Después de registrar 30 días de lectura o actividades, los niños de 0 a 3 años reciben un juguete para el baño, los de 4 a 11 años reciben una medalla de lectura y los de 12 a 18 años reciben un segundo libro o revista.

Encuesta

¿Terminaste con el programa? ¡Toma nuestra encuesta y responde algunas preguntas para mejorar aún más el programa del próximo año!

Encuesta de niños/adolescentes
Encuesta de cuidadores
 

In PPLD’s efforts to continually provide resources and opportunities that impact individual lives, we’re excited to announce two new additions to the Pikes Peak Culture Pass. The Pikes Peak Culture Pass is a museum pass program that lets patrons explore attractions at no cost by making an electronic reservation similar to checking out an eBook or other digital resource.

Pikes Peak Children’s Museum is a community-built, hands-on educational destination that engages ALL children and their grown-ups by sparking creativity and a passion for life-long learning through purposeful play. Patrons can explore exhibits like outer space, simple machines, and farm to fork. Pass allows for admission for one adult and one child, additional children under 2 years old are free.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science encourages exploration of world-class wildlife displays that take you to Earth’s wildest places, huge dinosaurs that transport you back in time, interactive space exhibits that make your mind wonder, and personalized health science fun that puts your body to the test. Pass allows for admission for up to 7 guests and additional children under 3 years old.

These organizations join existing Culture Pass partners: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Glen Eyrie, The Money Museum, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site, Space Foundation Discovery Center, and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.

The Junior Ranger Nature pack provides self-guided activities to encourages children and their families to get out, explore, observe, describe, and engage the senses any time during the year. Designed for ages 7-13, and align with Colorado Academic Standards for Science and Social Science. Provided and in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Parks, Trails & Open Spaces.

Click here for more information about the Junior Ranger Nature packs.

Bring your completed Junior Ranger Book to a swearing-in ceremony to take your Junior Ranger pledge and receive your Park Expert sticker/Junior Ranger badge! The ceremony will be followed by a Ranger-Guided hike.

2022 Schedule

• July 2: Red Rocks Canyon Open Space (picnic area) - 3550 W. High St.
• Aug. 6: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway parking Lot) - 1602 Ridgeway Ave.
• Sept. 3: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (picnic area) - 6254 Goldfield Dr.
• Nov. 5: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center - 1805 N. 30th St.

2023 Schedule

• Mar. 4: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center - 1805 N. 30th St.
• June 3: Ute Valley Open Space - Ute Valley Trail (HP lot)
• Jul. 1: Red Rocks Canyon Open Space (picnic area) - 3550 W. High St.
• Aug. 5: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway parking Lot) - 1602 Ridgeway Ave.
• Sept. 2: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (picnic area) - 6254 Goldfield Dr.

Pikes Peak Library District’s Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears announced his upcoming departure for a new opportunity after more than six years of service to El Paso County residents. He will become head of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library with 36 locations in western New York, beginning in mid-April.

Spears has directed Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) – a library system of 16 locations, three mobile library services and a large online hub of resources, all provided through more than 400 staff and 550 volunteers – since 2016. During his tenure, PPLD eliminated overdue fines for most Library materials, opened Calhan Library to expand access in rural parts of the service area, established a co-location partnership between Manitou Springs Library and the Manitou Art Center, and revived Knights of Columbus Hall as a community space in downtown Colorado Springs.

In addition to those notable successes for El Paso County, the Library District also launched a new food industry training program and student-access partnerships with local school districts. Two new public services were introduced to better serve the community as well. The Library added a social worker on staff to help patrons navigate community resources during difficult times, as well as a new service that broadly focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all feel welcome using the Library, including those with disabilities, older adults, people of color and different faiths, and military service members, families, and veterans.

“It’s been a great honor to lead PPLD and its dedicated staff through times of uncertainty, change, growth and opportunity,” said Spears. “With those serving on the Board of Trustees and PPLD’s leadership team, I’m confident there will be a smooth transition and staff will continue to connect people with what they need to improve their lives and the Pikes Peak region.”

Spears also led PPLD through the on-going pandemic, with District-wide efforts ranging from a full closure to reopening all services inside Library facilities, along with launching virtual programs and curbside services. His numerous accomplishments supported PPLD in receiving the prestigious four-star rating from the Library Journal for several years, in addition to being awarded “District of the Year” by the Special District Association of Colorado in 2019.

“The Board of Trustees is beyond grateful to John for his leadership, commitment and achievements during his tenure with our Library District,” shared Dr. Ned Stoll, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “John has positioned us for continued success in the future, where all residents of El Paso County can access information, resources, services and opportunities. We wish him all the best in his new state, city and role.”

Spears’ last day will be Fri., April 1. PPLD’s Board of Trustees will appoint Teona Shainidze-Krebs as interim Chief Librarian & CEO. She currently serves as the Library’s Chief Public Services Officer & Deputy Chief Librarian.