Pikes Peak Library District

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 650,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colorado. Pikes Peak Library District has resources for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Library resources are available in multiple languages, large print, audio, video, and electronic formats.

The first public library in the area was opened by the Colorado Springs Social Union in downtown Colorado Springs in October 1885. The Colorado Springs Free Reading Room and Public Library began as a subscription library and housed about 8,000 volumes by 1903. In 1903, the Free Public Library of Colorado Springs was established to hold its growing collection. In 1905, the city of Colorado Springs opened a new free public library with the support of $60,000 in Carnegie funds and property donated by the city's founder, General William J. Palmer. In 1917, a new branch is opened in Colorado City. In 1954, the library begins providing its bookmobile service. In March 1955, the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District is formed to advocate for the library, operate bookstores in the libraries, and host events. In 1962, a regional library district is approved, prompting the building of additional branch locations throughout the county in subsequent years. In 1996, the historic 1905 Carnegie library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Carnegie library receives a grant for renovation and preservation purposes in 1997; renovations were completed in 2002. In 2004, District circulations exceeded six million items. In 2006, PPLD starts eBranch, enabling patrons to download eBooks and audio materials to their electronic devices. In June 2014, Library 21c opens, "the first of its kind in the country, with makerspaces, a video and recording studio, business and entrepreneurial center, cafe, and performance venue in addition to traditional library materials such as books and movies."

The Pikes Peak Library District provides services at 15 physical locations and through its mobile library. +Pikes Peak Library DistrictLocationsAddressCalhan Library600 Bank Street, Calhan, CO 80808Cheyenne Mountain Library1785 South 8th Street, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80905East Library5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918Fountain Library230 South Main St., Fountain, CO 80817High Prairie Library7035 Old Meridian Rd., Peyton, CO 80831Library 21c1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920Manitou Springs Library701 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829Monument Library1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument, CO 80132Old Colorado City Library2418 West Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904Palmer Lake Library66 Lower Glenway, Palmer Lake, CO 80133Penrose Library20 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903Rockrimmon Library832 Village Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919Ruth Holley Library685 North Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915Sand Creek Library1821 South Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916Ute Pass Library8010 Severy Rd., Cascade, CO 80809