What's New: General

We would like to recognize Peggy and Clarence Shivers for their work with Pikes Peak Library District and service to the community of Colorado Springs.

Clarence and Peggy Shivers created the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, in concert with PPLD, in 1993. They introduced the Shivers African American Historical and Cultural Collection at PPLD, which continues to expand annually thanks to the Shivers Fund and its many supporters. In addition to the collection, the Shivers Fund at PPLD also provides opportunities for our community to celebrate history, culture, and the arts. The Fund hosts concerts and other events, as well as helps expands educational and cultural opportunities for young people to encourage tolerance and diversity. Our Library District and Foundation applaud the Shivers Fund for its continued investment to create more tolerance, diversity, and community in the Pikes Peak region. Learn more about the history and work of the Shivers Fund.

Enter your creations in our PPLD Challenges! Randomly selected entries will be featured on PPLD’s websites and social media accounts and one randomly drawn entry will receive a gift certificate and prize pack of curated craft books from the Friends of the Library.

Love Letters to the Library

February is Library Lover's Month! Show us your love by writing us a love letter or note. Post a photo of your note on Facebook or Instagram any time from Mon., Feb. 15 - 28 and make sure to include the hashtag #ppldchallenge and tag @ppld to be eligible to win. Alternatively, you can send your photo to ppldchallenge@ppld.org and we will post it to social media for you! Want to post anonymously? Use the webform here.

1. Please participate in good faith.
2. Keep competitions civil and fun!
3. PPLD reserves the right to remove inappropriate content, including but not limited to obscene or offensive statements or personal attacks. Learn more about our policies here.

Talk builds babies' brains! 

Have you ever wondered how much you talk with your baby/toddler?

LENA Start is an 8-week program that helps parents with children 0 - 32 months increase back-and-forth talk. Weekly sessions combine videos and group discussion to build knowledge and skills that you can put into practice with your child.  
 

How does LENA Start work?

• Attend weekly, hour-long sessions (in-person or virtually on Zoom) * 
• Complete one LENA Day per week with the LENA device (Read more about the LENA device here: https://www.lena.org/technology/)  
• Upload LENA device using your home computer OR by exchanging at a library  
• Receive a detailed report of the amount you talk with your child and track your progress through the program 

At the end of the program, qualifying families ** receive: 

•    8 children’s books    
•    $20 gift card    
*Your child does not have to attend sessions with you to participate in the program.   
**Participants must attend 7 sessions, complete 6 recordings, and return their LENA device.

LENA Start is open to residents of El Paso and Teller counties only and registration is required.  
One child per family may participate. If you have previously completed the LENA Start program, you are not eligible to participate again.  
If you are registering for a virtual LENA Start series, it is mandatory to attend the in-person orientation to participate in the program. 

PPLD is offering TWO virtual sessions in Winter 2025! Registration is open Dec. 30, 2024 - Jan. 10, 2025.
 

Virtual Evenings

• Tuesdays, Jan. 21 -  March 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register for Tuesday evenings here.
• Wednesdays, Jan. 22 - March 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register for Wednesday evenings here.

The final class for both sessions is an in-person graduation on Wed., March 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Future Session Dates 

• Spring 2025: April 15/16 - June 4 (Registration opens March 24.)
• Summer 2025: July 1/2 - Aug. 19 (Registration opens June 9.)