What's New: General

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Sensory Tour Video Promotional Graphic

Presenting an exciting, sensory-friendly announcement!

We have published short Sensory Tour Videos for each Library location on our website. These videos offer a sensory-friendly way for children with autism and sensory processing needs and their families to preview each of our libraries and prepare for a successful visit. Each video makes our libraries more accessible and enjoyable for children with sensory needs.  

You will find these videos on each library’s location page on our website.

In each video, our friendly Family & Children’s Services staff discuss how to identify Library staff members, request sensory accommodation kits, return materials, and anything else you might expect when you visit that library. Children will enjoy visiting the children’s section through the comfort of their screen before visiting in person.  

Everyone is always welcome at the Library! 

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Photo of Teona Krebs Chief Librarian

After a unanimous vote during a special public board session on Tuesday afternoon, April 4, Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Board of Trustees appointed Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs as the permanent head of the Library District. Shainidze-Krebs officially assumes the role of chief librarian and CEO on Mon., April 24.

Since April 1, 2022, Shainidze-Krebs has operated as the chief librarian and chief executive officer for the Library District after the departure of John Spears, who held the title for six years. Prior to her appointment, Shainidze-Krebs was the deputy chief librarian and chief public services officer where she led library services before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. She started her career with PPLD in 2007 in the adult education department as a part-time ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor. Years later, she became the director of adult education where she expanded public services for those seeking education and job opportunities to improve their lives.  

“Teona Shainidze-Krebs has been a staunch leader over the past year while serving as the Chief Librarian,” said Aaron Salt, president of PPLD’s Board of Trustees. “She has upheld our core values and gone beyond previous administrations to promote neutrality, while ensuring all patrons are welcome. Mrs. Shainidze-Krebs has worked diligently to build community partnerships and engage our civic leaders. The PPLD Board of Trustees is excited to appoint Teona to lead our organization for years to come.”

“The Library gives me a profound sense of pride in this country. Not every community in the world has the same tools and resources to help people better their lives and adjust to the circumstances thrown their way,” said Shainidze-Krebs. “However, our local libraries are that space where people can choose resources and tools to connect them to opportunities that allow them to thrive. I am honored to lead the PPLD staff toward the betterment of our community.”  

Shainidze-Krebs is currently pursuing her master's degree in library science from Emporia State University and is expected to graduate later this year.  She already holds a B.A. in foreign language (English), along with two master’s degrees – one in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and another in communication. Shainidze-Krebs speaks Georgian, Russian, and English. 

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OverDrive is Transferring to Libby Graphic

Since the end of April 2023, the OverDrive company has discontinued their OverDrive app and has transitioned to the Libby app. Everyone who uses the OverDrive app on mobile devices will need to transition to Libby in order to continue accessing eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks. Don't worry, switching is easy (and you'll even be able to keep your book wish lists from OverDrive)! 

Click here to learn more about the transition to Libby


What will be the same:

  • The OverDrive website will still be available
  • Most of the content in Libby is the same as in OverDrive
  • Your loans and holds will transfer to Libby
  • Your wish list can be imported to Libby
  • Loan periods are the same in Libby as in OverDrive
  • You will still get hold notifications in Libby

What to be aware of:

  • Your reading history from the OverDrive app will not transfer to Libby
  • Reading progress for your current loans will not transfer to Libby
  • You can search for titles not yet in PPLD's collection and indicate your interest using the Notify Me feature.
  • At the end of April, OverDrive discontinued the "Recommend to Library" feature. This was the method that allowed users one purchase request to the library each month. 
    This feature has been replaced with Notify Me tags in Libby. Users may tag any items of interest, to be notified if the library purchases the title. When notified, users may place a hold on the item.

Libby for Kindle

Download Libby App