Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is a nationally recognized system of
public libraries
A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and is usually funded from public sources, such as taxes. It is operated by librarians and library paraprofessionals, who are also civil servants.
There are five fundamen ...
serving a population of more than 650,000 across 2,070 square miles in
El Paso County, Colorado
El Paso County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The 2020 Census recorded its population as 730,395. The Census Bureau's 2020 result indicates it is the most populous county in Colorado, surpassing the City and County of D ...
.
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.
History
The first public library in the area was opened by the Colorado Springs Social Union in downtown
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a home rule municipality in, and the county seat of, El Paso County, Colorado, United States. It is the largest city in El Paso County, with a population of 478,961 at the 2020 United States Census, a 15.02% increase since ...
in October 1885. The Colorado Springs Free Reading Room and Public Library began as a subscription library and housed about 8,000 volumes by 1903. In 1903, the Free Public Library of Colorado Springs was established to hold its growing collection.
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.
In 1917, a new branch is opened in
Colorado City. In 1954, the library begins providing its
bookmobile
A bookmobile or mobile library is a vehicle designed for use as a library. They have been known by many names throughout history, including traveling library, library wagon, book wagon, book truck, library-on-wheels, and book auto service. Bookm ...
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.
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
An ebook (short for electronic book), also known as an e-book or eBook, is a book publication made available in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on the flat-panel display of computers or other electronic devices. Alt ...
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."
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 annua
Colorado Springs Mini Maker Faireat Library 21c.
Locations
The Pikes Peak Library District provides services at 15 physical locations and through its mobile library.
References
External links
Official site
{{Authority control
Education in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Public libraries in Colorado
Library districts
Education in El Paso County, Colorado
1975 establishments in Colorado