Pikes Peak Library District: A Colorado Springs Gem

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I love Colorado Springs, and one of the things I adore most in our city is the gem that is the Pikes Peak Library District. I tell anyone who will listen to me about the incredible offerings of our library.

With our library district, patrons can check out books (hard copy, digital, and audio) AND board games. My family and I have had some entertaining Game Nights, all thanks to the PPLD. In addition to books and games, PPLD offers crafts, classes, and a variety of events in which patrons can participate. And with a few new additions to their offerings, even more doors have been opened!

For those unaware of the amazing and unique offerings of the PPLD, check out a few of my favorites below. You will not be disappointed.

Pikes Peak Culture Pass

Quite possibly one of the only things that kept 2020 from being a complete dumpster fire was the creation of the Pikes Peak Culture Pass. The Culture Pass allows library patrons to use their library cards to “check out” a ticket to Colorado Springs attractions. Some places include the Fine Arts Center, Glen Eyrie, the Money Museum, and the Discovery Center Space Foundation! By reserving a pass, you get free admittance. Just print out your “Culture Pass” for that day/location, show up, and enjoy!

Reading Programs for All Ages

It’s typical for libraries to offer summer reading programs for children, and our PPLD is no exception. In addition to summer reading programs for children, did you know the library also offers reading programs for adults? In fact, this year’s Adult Reading Program begins on February 1, 2022 and runs through the end of March. You can sign up by clicking here or by visiting a branch close to you. As if the gift of reading wasn’t enough, the library offers incentives and prizes for all participating patrons. (Yes, even adults earn prizes!)

Educational Opportunities

Did you know that the Pikes Peak Library District offers free classes on a plethora of interests and topics? They offer typical library classes geared towards toddlers and young children. But as children grow, so do the library’s programs! Children and parents can find academic support and programs at the library, while teens and tweens have programs geared more towards their interests and age groups.

Not only does the library care about educating and providing programs for children, but they create classes and programs for adult education, too! Over the last couple of months, I had the privilege of attending two nonprofit workshops that were conducted by the library. One walked me through the process of writing a grant, something that has interested me for a while now. The other provided tips on searching for grants using PPLD’s resources (both online and in person at the Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center located at the Penrose Branch).

In addition to nonprofit grant workshops, there are also classes on topics related to Business, Computers, ESL, Citizenship, GED, etc. Classes typically vary per branch, but you can click here to see a full calendar of events and classes across the Pikes Peak Library District!

Give yourself the gift of exploring any (or all!) of the branches associated with the Pikes Peak Library District. While the Culture Pass, reading programs, and educational opportunities are some of my favorites, I’d love to hear yours! Comment below with something you enjoy about our Pikes Peak Library District!

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Megan
Although her Kansas roots and upbringing are strong, Megan has proudly called Colorado Springs home since the winter of 2008 when she and her husband returned after serving for two years as Peace Corps volunteers in Eastern Europe. Her roles in life include wife, mother, friend, and teacher, and she feels honored by each of these hats she gets to wear. With a background in Secondary English Education, Megan spends her days working with junior high students, an age group she absolutely adores. After work, she returns home to her husband and two sons who enjoy playing board games, building with Legos, or simply snuggling on the couch and watching Jeopardy. When she isn't wearing her teaching or mom hats, Megan looks forward to spending time with friends, working in her garden, or indulging her introverted side by relaxing with a good book on her porch with a hot (often re-heated multiple times) cup of coffee. She does her best to find balance in life and live every moment to the fullest, enjoying them each as they come and reminding herself that every day of life is truly a gift, one that isn't ever guaranteed.