Pikes Peak Library District

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) seeks to engage and transform people’s lives by providing equitable access to information, enrichment opportunities, and community connections via 15 facilities, online resources, and mobile library services. It is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 650,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colorado. Pikes Peak Library District has resources for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Library resources are available in multiple languages, large print, audio, video, and electronic formats.

Pikes Peak Library District
CountryUnited States
TypePublic Library
Established1975 
LocationEl Paso County, Colorado
Branches16
Collection
Size1.1 million items
Access and use
Circulation8.5 million
Population served669,874
Other information
Staff460
Websiteppld.org
Map

History

The first public library in the area was opened by the Colorado Springs Social Union in downtown Colorado Springs in October 1885.[1] The Colorado Springs Free Reading Room and Public Library began as a subscription library and housed about 8,000 volumes by 1903.[2] In 1903, the Free Public Library of Colorado Springs was established to hold its growing collection.[3] In 1905, the city of Colorado Springs opened a new free public library with the support of $60,000 in Carnegie funds and property donated by the city's founder, General William J. Palmer.[4]

In 1917, a new branch is opened in Colorado City. In 1954, the library begins providing its bookmobile service. In March 1955, the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District is formed to advocate for the library, operate bookstores in the libraries, and host events.[5] In 1962, a regional library district is approved, prompting the building of additional branch locations throughout the county in subsequent years.

In 1996, the historic 1905 Carnegie library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Carnegie library receives a grant for renovation and preservation purposes in 1997; renovations were completed in 2002. In 2004, District circulations exceeded six million items. In 2006, PPLD starts eBranch, enabling patrons to download eBooks and audio materials to their electronic devices. In June 2014, Library 21c opens, "the first of its kind in the country, with makerspaces, a video and recording studio, business and entrepreneurial center, cafe, and performance venue in addition to traditional library materials such as books and movies."[3]

Annual Programs
  • Adult Reading Program
  • All Pikes Peak Reads (APPR)
  • Mountain of Authors
  • Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium
  • Summer Adventure for kids and teens

PPLD also partners with the Colorado Springs Science Center to host the annual Colorado Springs Mini Maker Faire at Library 21c.

Locations

The Pikes Peak Library District provides services at 15 physical locations and through its mobile library.

Pikes Peak Library District
Locations Address
Calhan Library 600 Bank Street, Calhan, CO 80808
Cheyenne Mountain Library 1785 South 8th Street, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
East Library 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Fountain Library 230 South Main St., Fountain, CO 80817
High Prairie Library 7035 Old Meridian Rd., Peyton, CO 80831
Library 21c 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Manitou Springs Library 701 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Monument Library 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument, CO 80132
Old Colorado City Library 2418 West Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Palmer Lake Library 66 Lower Glenway, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
Penrose Library 20 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Rockrimmon Library 832 Village Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Ruth Holley Library 685 North Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Sand Creek Library 1821 South Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Ute Pass Library 8010 Severy Rd., Cascade, CO 80809

References
  1. "About PPLD | PPLD.org". ppld.org. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  2. Circular of Information of the Bureau of Education, for ... U.S. Government Printing Office. 1903.
  3. "History of PPLD | PPLD.org". ppld.org. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  4. Burek Pierce, Jennifer (April 2002). "Colorado Carnegie library undergoes massive facelift". American Libraries. 33: 76–78.
  5. "Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District - About Us | PPLD.org". ppld.org. Retrieved 2019-11-20.

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