Monument Library (MO)

What does our city look like through the lens of someone experiencing homelessness? Come find out at the "We Have a Story" exhibit.

We Have a Story

“We Have a Story: Homeless in Colorado Springs” is a documentary project completed in 2022 by people experiencing homelessness. This project captures the unique experiences of these individuals through photos and stories. The four individuals who participated in the project present their distinctive perspectives of this complex and diverse community, which is not easy to define.

Participants took pictures over the course of a month in the spring of 2022. They met as a group with a professional photographer to discuss and critique their photographs. Participants also sat with a historian to conduct an oral history interview. At the end of the project, they each selected three images and wrote an accompanying artist story. The photos and narratives will be displayed throughout Pikes Peak Library District.

The photos, narratives, and oral histories will also be accessible online through Special Collections at Penrose Library, which preserves the stories and records of the Pikes Peak region. “We Have a Story: Homeless in Colorado Springs” contributes to the region’s history by documenting the stories of contemporary residents who are typically overlooked in a community’s historical record.

Exhibit Schedule:

• 2022
• November - Penrose Library
• December - Manitou Springs Library/Manitou Arts Center
• 2023
• January - Cheyenne Mountain Library and Rockrimmon Library
• February - Library 21c
• March - East Library

Join Pikes Peak Library District’s Regional History and Genealogy (RH&G) department as they release the latest book in their Regional History Series: Military Matters: Defense, Development, & Dissent in the Pikes Peak Region.
There will be a presentation by the RH&G staff members about the multitude of ways the military has shaped, contributed to, and transformed the Pikes Peak region.

This will be followed by a panel discussion with three retired veterans living in the region:

William Thomas, Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer
Terrance D. McWilliams, Retired 7th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Command Sergeant Major
Christine Martinez, Retired U.S. Army Flight Medical Aidman and Air Force Reserves

When and Where

The book release and panel discussion will be on Thu., Nov. 17 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at Penrose Library. Military Matters: Defense, Development & Dissent in the Pikes Peak Region will be for sale to all attendees at a discount.

This October, arts and culture takes center stage across the Pikes Peak region as our community celebrates Arts Month! And you’re encouraged to have one new cultural experience with family or friends sometime this month.

Art is for everyone, and we’re offering opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels! To kick off the month, we will be offering Take and Make kits at participating Library locations that you can pick up and enjoy doing at home (while supplies last).

There are also several Library programs happening throughout October like workshops and open paint nights. Come celebrate Arts Month with us this October.

Here are a few options:

Bad Art Night – For Adults 
Multiple dates starting Wed., Oct. 5

All of the fun of making art with none of the pressure! Join us to create the most ridiculous pieces of art you can think of - from painting to collage to sculpture - while enjoying snacks and refreshments. At the end of the night, there will be awards for the most over-the-top bad artwork! All supplies will be provided. Come celebrate Arts Month with us in a judgment-free and glitter-heavy zone!

Mini Pumpkin Decorating – For Tweens 
Multiple dates starting Thu., Oct. 6

Transform a mini pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! We will have everything you need to decorate a pumpkin for fall. For ages 9 - 12. Registration required.

Pikes Peak Live! – For Teens and Adults 
Sat., Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m

Pikes Peak Live! is an all-day event that consists of performing art workshops that will conclude with a talent show by the participants for the public. The day will start with a series of workshops where participants can choose to attend either poetry, music, or comedy workshops. Participants then will come together to present their works (panel style) where they’ll learn some tips and tricks on performing on stage. The day will conclude with a talent showcase where participants can take part and test the water by performing in front of an audience. The showcase is open to public viewing.

View all Library programs and activities during Arts Month.

To find out what else is happening around the region, check out the calendar of events at ArtsOctober.com.

We partner with the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region throughout the year to encourage residents of El Paso County to engage with their community through arts, culture, and other programs and experiences. PPLD is a proud partner of #ArtsOctober and PeakRadar.com.