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The PPLD Foundation recently helped fund the purchase of Ruth Holley Library. You can help the PPLD Foundation continue to support the Library District by making a donation today during its End-of-Year Giving campaign. Thank you for your generosity!

Closed Wed., Dec. 10 and Thu., Dec. 11 to complete system upgrades
Closed Wed., Dec. 24 and Thu., Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Closing at 4 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 31 in observance of New Year’s Eve
Closed Thu., Jan. 1, 2026 in observance of New Year’s Day

You’re invited! In celebration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and the 250th anniversary of the U.S., we are hosting open houses at all 14 Library locations in 2026 as well as the Regional History & Genealogy Department and our bookmobiles. Find details about these and our CO150-USA250 Passport on our website!

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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The 2026 Winter Adult Reading Program is coming to you one month earlier in 2026, starting on Thu., Jan. 1, 2026 and running through the end of February! Register between Jan. 1 – 15, 2026 to be entered into a drawing to win a four-pack of Crumbl cookies every week for a year. More information coming soon!

People are shown playing a board game, cooking together, recording piano music in a recording studio, and using a computer together. Text reads, “All you need is your Library... and now your Library needs you! Give to the Pikes Peak Library District Foundation today!”

Help the PPLD Foundation Support the Library this Year

Libraries are a vital lifeline for the whole community, and donations are a vital part of stable Library funding. The PPLD Foundation’s End-of-Year Giving Campaign is back to raise funds to support the essential resources PPLD provides to people throughout the Pikes Peak region. We invite you to make a difference in your community with a generous contribution through the PPLD Foundation this month. Any amount is welcome and supports Library services throughout our region. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Astronauts holding books stand near a spaceship blasting out of an open book. Text reads, Homeschool Book Blast.

The Homeschool Book Blast Helps Students Build Vital Skills

On Fri., Dec. 19 PPLD will host its annual Homeschool Book Blast at East Library from 1 – 2 p.m. at East Library. This event helps homeschool students build literacy skills as they present a book report at this science fair-like event. Students can still register to participate until Wed., Dec. 17. Everyone is invited to attend and support the students' work!

Two illustrations side-by-side. One features a wooden sign with text that reads, 18th Annual Teen Art Contest: Wild Colorado. The other features three buildings done in an 1800s style to resemble local mining history, with text that reads, Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest.

Contests Open for Kids and Teens

Submissions are open now for two annual contests to engage local youth in art and writing.

The Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest is open to 4th and 5th grade students living in El Paso County. Students should submit a poem exploring the theme “Remembering Our Past to Inform Our Future” for a chance to win a book and $50.

The 18th Annual Teen Art Contest is open to El Paso County teens ages 13 – 19 and encourages them to explore this year’s theme, “Wild Colorado,” through visual media. Winners will receive a prize.

An illustration of a race car stopping for its pit crew to do work on the vehicle between laps. Text reads, Get Set. The upgrade is almost here... live on Fri., Dec. 12.

The System Upgrade Has Begun!

Until Thu., Dec. 11, PPLD will be migrating to a new digital system that manages many elements of your Library experience such as checking out books, placing holds, and searching for books in our online catalog. The upgrade brings many new features. Services such as the online catalog, the PPLD app, placing holds on physical items, and renewing or creating library cards will be disrupted until Thu., Dec. 11.

All PPLD locations will be closed on Wed., Dec. 10 and Thu., Dec. 11 to allow for testing the new system. PPLD will reopen its doors on Fri., Dec. 12. Information about how to use the new system will be available on our website starting Wed., Dec. 10.

Three adults are shown holding babies and toddlers. Text reads, LENA Start.

LENA Start Helps

Your Baby Learn

Talk builds babies' brains! Parents and caregivers with children ages 0 – 32 months can register for the next 8-week session of LENA Start and learn vital communication strategies to help build their vocabulary and communication skill. Registration is open now through Mon., Jan. 12, 2026 for the next virtual series that begins on Tue., Jan 20, 2026.

A teenager sits in a classroom holding a tablet to do homework on.

James Irwin Charter High School Students to Get Library Cards

Thanks to a new partnership between PPLD and James Irwin Charter High School, nearly 400 high school students will soon receive their very own library cards—opening the door to a mountain of resources for schoolwork, curiosity, and everyday life. By collaborating with local schools, we are making it easier for students to get connected and discover all the ways the Library can support their success.

A link to our Regional History & Genealogy page

An illustration showing canned foods. Text reads, PPLD Cares ends Mon., Dec. 15. Learn more at ppld.org/ppld-cares

ppld.org | (719) 531-6333 | Contact Us

El Paso County, CO

Pikes Peak Library District

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December 2025 newsletter