Monument Library (MO)

In collaboration with Who Gives a SCRAP Creative Reuse Center, we are hosting an arts, crafts, and hobby material exchange! Bring in your new, clean/gently used, and unwanted craft materials and exchange them for "tickets" to exchange for new-to-you craft supplies!

Please refrain from bringing items that can be recycled (plastic food containers), bedding, and building waste. Check the Who Gives a Scrap Donation Guidelines for a full list of items that can and cannot be donated.

We will also have a fun up-cycling craft going on, so you can take your time and check for new inventory! No registration required. 

For more information about each event, check our events calendar

• Sat., March 16 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Sand Creek Library – Calendar
• Sat., April. 27 from 1 - 4 p.m. at High Prairie Library – Calendar
• Sat., May 11 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Manitou Springs Library – Calendar
• Sat., June 15 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Library 21c – Calendar
• Sat., July 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. at East Library – Calendar
• Sat., Aug. 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Rockrimmon Library – Calendar
• Sat., Sep. 14 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Penrose Library – Calendar
• Sat., Oct. 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Monument Library – Calendar
• Sat., Nov. 2 from 1 - 4 p.m. at Banning Lewis Ranch – Calendar

Adventure Begins at your Library with the 2024 Winter Adult Reading Program!

Log 30 days of activities from Thu., Feb. 1 - Sun., March 31 to earn prizes! Activities such as attending Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) activities listed below and reading for 30 minutes or more a day. 

To register, sign up for Beanstack or stop by the Library to register in-person (curbside services available). When you register in-person or at curbside, you will receive a Winter Adult Reading Program tote bag (while supplies last). 
 

Click here to sign up for Beanstack.

Winter Adult Reading Program Game Card

You can also use the Beanstack app, available for Android and Iphone.

Winter Adult Reading Program Registration Kick-Off!

Join us as we kick off the 2024 Winter Adult Reading Program on Thu., Feb. 1. Register beginning on Feb. 1 and pick up a limited-edition registration tote bag while supplies last. Bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.  

Prizes

Log 30 days of activities from Feb. 1 – March 31 to earn the annual limited edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug, a certificate for a free piece of chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Activities include reading for 30 minutes or more a day, attending a PPLD program, or any of the activities listed below. You can complete the program through a combination of activities and reading.  

Handwashing is recommended for the mug to preserve the logo.  

Grand Prize Drawing.

Complete your challenge for an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing to receive one of five Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership Gift Cards! Take an adventure in Colorado Springs and explore over 170 Downtown shops, restaurants, salons, and venues where the Downtown Partnership Gift Card is accepted. Click here to see a list of participating locations.  

For every additional five days of reading or activities you log, you will receive one additional entry into the Grand Prize Drawing for a total of up to six additional entries. 

PPLD employees are not eligible for the grand prize.  

Programs

Adventure Begins at Your Library with one of the following fun and informational programs. Each program is being offered as a part of the Winter Adult Reading Program.

Birds of the Pikes Peak Region 

Join wildlife biologist and author Joe LaFleur for an audio-visual presentation about how to identify local raptors, hawks, and owls by sight and sound. After the presentation, Joe will have his books and DVDs available for purchase.  

• Monument Library: Sat., March 16 at 11 a.m.
• Ute Pass Library: Sat., March 23 at 2:30 p.m.

The Great American Solar Eclipse in 2024 

This talk will discuss the historical and modern cultural context of the solar eclipse in society, what solar eclipses are, the basic science of why eclipses occur, and where to see one of these exciting celestial events. We will also demonstrate safe observing practices using common household objects. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society  will have 100 solar eclipse viewers to hand out at the conclusion of this presentation. Weather permitting, we will also have solar telescopes set up to provide safe, amazing views of the Sun.  

• Rockrimmon Library: Wed., Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
• East Library: Mon., March 4 at 6 p.m.
• Black Forest Community Church on Sat., March 9, 1:30 p.m.

The Astronomer's Guide to the Universe 

Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society for an introduction to astronomy and what we can see in the night sky.    

• Fountain Library: Fri., Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.
• Cheyenne Mountain Library: Tue., Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m.
• Library 21c: Wed., Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. 

Preserving the Night Sky 

Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to learn more about why the stars in the night sky seem to be disappearing. The cause of this phenomenon is also affecting both wildlife and human behavior. This talk presents the challenges of light pollution, what they're doing about it, and how the community can help.

• Manitou Springs Library: Sat., Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.
• Ruth Holley Library: Tue., Mar. 12 at 2 p.m. 

The Search for Extraterrestrials: The Real-Life Search for Life Elsewhere in our Solar System 

Everywhere on Earth that we look, even in the most extreme environments, we find life. Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society for a talk that explores how we’re using our understanding of life on Earth to help us in our search for life on other worlds. We’ll also discuss the Drake Equation and Fermi’s Paradox and how they factor into the possibility of life out there.  

• Old Colorado City Library, Wed., Feb. 7 at 3 p.m.
• East Library: Sat., Feb 17 at 2 p.m. 

How Telescopes Changed our Understanding of the Universe 

Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to learn how telescopes have helped us understand more about the mysteries of the universe.

• Old Colorado City Library: Mon., Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

DIY Book Nook

Every book is an adventure; make your bookshelf an invitation to adventure with this DIY Book Nook! Use materials and LED string lights to create a work of art to add to your personal bookshelves.

• Old Colorado City Library, Sat., Mar. 9 at 2:30 p.m.
• Ruth Holley Library: Tue., March 26 at 2 p.m. 

Handmade Adventure Journals

Make a fabric-covered journal to take on your next adventure. You will learn some basic sewing ideas too!

• Monument Library: Fri., March 8 at 12:30 p.m.
• Library 21c: Thu., March 14 at 2 p.m.
• Manitou Springs Library: Sat., March 16 at 1 p.m.
• Cheyenne Mountain Library: Mon., March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
• Calhan Library: Wed., March 27 at 3:30 p.m.
• Sand Creek Library: Wed., March 27 at 5 p.m.
• Fountain Library: Sat., March 30 at 10 a.m. 

Activities

Need some suggestions for activities? We’re here to help! 

• Join a PPLD Book Club  
• Explore a new genre or author
• Adventure into a new skill or hobby
• Write a book review for our website at ppld.org  
• Read a book set in winter or a book filled with adventure
• Check out these recommended adventure reads on OverDrive
• Watch the movie version of a book you read using Hoopla or Kanopy
• Visit a Little Free Library in your neighborhood  
• Join the Peak Readers Club  
• Checkout Colorado State Park Passes from PPLD  
• Explore museums and other attractions in the Pikes Peak region with a Pikes Peak Culture Pass

Reading Resources 

• Browse our online Catalog
• Get eBooks on OverDrive
• Listen to eAudiobooks on Audio Book Cloud

Pick up your copy of the winter 2024 issue of the Library’s District Discovery magazine to track your progress, read stories, and more!  

Have Questions? 

Check out our FAQ for more information on our Adult Winter Reading Program

• View our Winter Adult Reading Program FAQ (Online Version)
• View our Winter Adult Reading Program FAQ (Better for Print)

December is packed with festive celebrations, including Hannukah, winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and others. It’s a busy time when you may find yourself decorating, planning or prepping meals and treats, making or shopping for gifts, visiting friends and family, and attending community celebrations. Pikes Peak Library District has all the programs, tools, and resources you need to make the best of the holiday season, including cookbooks and classes, DIY gifts, holiday book lists, and more!

Resources

• New recipes from a vast array of new-to-you cookbooks for all occasions 
• Movies, music, books, and even a collection of Hallmark movies on Hoopla
• Audio and video studio equipment for DIY memories 
• CultureGrams to learn about holiday celebrations from around the world (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library) 
• Reviews, shopping guides, and more for your holiday shopping experience with Consumer Reports (must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library)
• A wide assortment of holiday films and documentaries on Kanopy
• Christmas music on Freegal

DIY Gifts

• Don’t miss our Makerspace Holiday Open Houses at East Library, Sand Creek Library, and Library 21c this month to learn how you can use makerspace equipment to create DIY gifts and decorations.
• Find craft inspiration or delve into new hobbies with the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside the Library)
• Join us for makerspace classes and use your new knowledge to make custom gifts for your loved ones.
• Discover DIY gift ideas with our array of creative books.

Websites

• December 2022 Holidays
  Explore national, religious, and just for fun holidays that take place in December. 
• National Geographic: Winter Celebrations
  Fill your December with festive fun facts, folklore, and holiday information. 
   

Friends of PPLD Bookstore

Get gifts for your family while supporting your Library! The Friends of PPLD sponsors and supports numerous programs and events to further the enjoyment of reading and love for books by all individuals. They are best known for their volunteerism, their bookstores in each library (you never know what you will find in the ever-changing inventory of previously-read books and magazines) and, of course, the two Big Book Sales each year. 

Stop by the Friends store at the Library and find books, CDs, movies, magazines, and more from $0.25 to $3. Or shop for specialty items online! Purchases made through the Friends of PPLD support library programming and materials. 

Do you love books, reading, and libraries? Have you considered becoming involved in your community? One easy step covers it all! Get involved with the Friends and support your community, one book at a time. 

2024 Programs

• Forté Handbell Quartet

  Ring in the season with Forté Handbell Quartet! This talented group will perform familiar holiday classics and more. Registration is not required. Seating is available for the first 175 guests. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 2 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. 

• Wrap & Yap Party

  Get a head start on your gift wrapping at the Wrap & Yap Party! Get gift wrapping tips from the Library and fellow participants. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider while you work. 

  • Fountain Library: Fri., Dec. 1 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. 
  • Sand Creek Library: Tue., Dec. 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. 
  • Palmer Lake Library: Wed., Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

• Peppermint Mocha-Scented Candle Mugs 

  Need an affordable gift or want to treat yourself? Make a peppermint mocha-scented candle in your own mug or one provided by the Library. Registration required.  

  • Ute Pass Library: Sat., Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
  • Ruth Holley Library: Tue., Dec. 5 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. 
  • Monument Library: Fri., Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Fountain Library: Fri., Dec. 15 from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
  • Cheyenne Mountain Library: Mon., Dec. 18 from 10:30 a.m. - noon 

• Sock Gnomes 

  Do you have socks that lack their mate? Bring them to this program to upcycle them into a cute, decorative Sock Gnome! Registration required. 

  • Rockrimmon Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • High Prairie Library: Mon., Dec. 11 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.
  • East Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. 

• Winter Wonderland Crafts 

  Join us for an afternoon of winter holiday fun!  Make a peppermint mocha-scented candle mug or a sock gnome for yourself or as a gift. Or get a head start on your gift wrapping at the Wrap & Yap Party! Get gift wrapping tips from the library and fellow participants. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider while you work. Registration required.

  • Penrose Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

• Pop-up Gift Making (Tweens and teens ages 12 - 18) 

  Come make some fun little gifts for friends and family this holiday season! We will have supplies to make: Perler bead ornaments and keychains.   

  • Manitou Springs Library: Wed., Dec. 6 from 4 - 5 p.m.

• Meet a Master Maker: Festive Wall Hanging (open to ages 9 and up)

  Join us at the Sand Creek makerspace to meet Master Maker, Debbie Urquijo! In this hands-on demonstration, Debbie will show you how to use the laser to create a festive wall hanging. Registration required. This program is for ages 9 and up.  

  • Sand Creek Library: Tue., Dec. 5 from 3 - 6 p.m.

• Makerspace Holiday Open House 

  Bring yourself or the whole family to the makerspace to make some fun holiday crafts perfect for gifting. You will also get to learn more about the resources and equipment available year-round in the makerspace. All ages are welcome. All materials provided. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Sand Creek Library: Sat., Dec. 9 from 1 - 4 p.m.
  • East Library: Tue., Dec. 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. 

• Seasonal Baking: Fig Newtons (Ages 9 and up) 

  Chilly weather got you down? Warm up in the kitchen and join us to make a delicious and comforting fig newton recipe. In this class, you will learn about seasonal baking and proper cooking techniques while you cook and enjoy a sweet culinary treat. This program is for ages 9 and up.

  All attendees will be required to sign a waiver for working in the kitchen. 

  • Library 21c: Sat., Dec. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m.
  • Library 21c: Mon., Dec. 18 from 5 - 7 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Jan. 6 from 1 - 3 p.m.

• Holiday Card Making 

  Make your own holiday cards, under the tutelage of local crafts guru Theresa Pingel, to send to your friends and family. All materials will be provided. Beginner/Intermediate skill level. Registration required.

  • Old Colorado City Library: Thu., Dec. 7 from 2 - 3 p.m.
  • High Prairie Library: Fri., Dec. 15 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Manitou Springs Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 1 - 2 p.m.

• Seasonal Baking: Scones (Ages 9 and up) 

  Chilly weather got you down? Warm up in the kitchen and join us to make a delicious and comforting scone recipe. In this class, you will learn about the history of scones and proper cooking techniques while you cook and enjoy a sweet culinary treat. For ages 9 and up.  

  All attendees will be required to sign a waiver for working in the kitchen. 

  • Library 21c: Fri., Dec. 8 from 4 - 6 p.m. 
  • Library 21c: Sat., Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. - noon

• Ugly Sweater Party (Kids and tweens) 

  Join us at Ute Pass Library for an Ugly Sweater Party! We will be decorating festive cookies and upcycling clothing into ugly sweater creations. The library will provide all decorating supplies and cookies. Please bring your own clothing to decorate, such as T-shirts, hats, sweaters, etc. For kids, tweens, and families. Registration required.  

  • Ute Pass Library: Sat., Dec. 16 from 2 - 4 p.m.