Local Libraries in My Area: The Pikes Peak Library District

Colorado has a claim to many impressive sights, from the beautiful aspen trees that shine with rich colors in the fall to the awe-inspiring summit of Pikes Peak. Colorado also has one of the top ranked libraries in the country, the Pikes Peak Library District. Hennen's American Public Library Ratings which ranks libraries in the United States based, in part, on population, circulation of materials and visits, ranked Pikes Peak Library District number nine in the nation among libraries of it size.

Currently the Pikes Peak Library District is made up of twelve branch locations that serve areas in Colorado from Monument and Palmer Lake, to Cascade, with plans in the works for a new branch that will serve parts of eastern El Paso county, as well as a mobile library service, which provides access to library materials to those who can't get to a traditional library branch location. The Pikes Peak Library District also has a virtual library called the eBranch. All branch locations of the Pikes Peak Library District offer wireless access, among other services. Let's take a look at a few of the Pikes Peak Library District's branches.

The Sand Creek Branch library is located in south Colorado Springs, at 1821 South Academy Blvd. This branch was recently remodeled and celebrated it's grand reopening on March 21, 2009. The updated branch features open spaces, special rooms for children and teens, a drive up book return and window for picking up reserved books and other materials, computers for public use, a cafe area, self-checkout machines and meeting and study rooms. The Sand Creek branch also offers free computer classes on subjects like Computer Basics and learning word processing with Microsoft Word. As was mentioned earlier there is wireless access and special programs for toddlers and children. Members of the community who wish to visit the branch but lack transportation will find the branch can be reached by using our local bus routes. The Sand Creek branch is open, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Penrose Library located at 20 North Cascade Ave. in downtown Colorado Springs, is one of the Pikes Peak Library District's two main branches. The Penrose Library has a large selection of materials including, books on CD and movies on dvd. Penrose Library also offers unique services to our local community, like the Community Breast Cancer Resource Center, funded in part, by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Colorado Springs Affiliate. This center provides books, pamphlets and videos with current information on breast cancer, as well as a directory of local resources and referral services, workshops and other support services. Another unique feature of Penrose Library is the Carnegie Library which is adjacent to the main branch. This historic building, built in 1905, is not only beautiful to look at but houses the El Pomar Nonprofit Resource Center, which provides information on foundation grants, but it also houses the Pikes Peak Library District's Special Collection which contains regional history about Colorado and genealogical documents. The Penrose branch balances the past and the future by offering wireless access as well as giving patrons the ability to checkout laptops for use. The Penrose branch also offers many services to the community including classes like "Digital Camera Basics", Microsoft Word and Excel classes, music concerts and art exhibits. Penrose Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

East Library located at 5550 North Academy Blvd. in northern Colorado Springs is the second of the main branches in the Pikes Peak Library District. East Library has an extensive collection of materials and a large reference area. East Library offers numerous and varied programs and services to the local community including, free computer classes for seniors, language groups for people who wish to improve their skills in speaking English, Spanish and German, art exhibits and musical programs. East Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Pikes Peak Library District also offers annual reading programs for children, teens and adults with opportunities to win prizes from our local area. During the year there are also book sales coordinated by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District, which is a great opportunity for people in the community to get a wonderful deal on used books while supporting their local library.

The Pikes Peak Library District also has an adult literacy program called LitSource, which provides tutoring on an individual or group basis for people who want to improve their skills in the basic reading, writing and speaking of English. This service is free an can be arranged by contacting Penrose Library.

There are many services and opportunities to explore within the Pikes Peak Library District and with branch locations spread throughout El Paso County, many people in Colorado Springs and it's surrounding areas can benefit from our local library and it's programs for people of all ages.

Sources: Pikes Peak Library District Official Website : www.ppld.org
Hennen's American Public Library Ratings: http://www.haplr-index.com/HAPLR100.htm