District Discovery: Winter 2021 Edition

SELF-CARE WITH THE LIBRARY FIND RESOURCES FOR SELF-GUIDED SELF-CARE [PG 3]

LEARN ABOUT SOCIAL WORK SERVICES AT THE LIBRARY [PG 8]

FIND YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! [PG 4]

BUILDING A MORE EQUITABLE COMMUNITY LEARN ABOUT THE LIBRARY’S WORK AROUND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION [PG 10]

Winter 2021 Volume 3, Issue 1 (719) 531-6333 ppld.org

USING THE LIBRARY TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR GOT HIS START USING PPLD RESOURCES [PG 12]

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Table of Contents

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SELF-CARE WITH LIBRARY RESOURCES Find rest, respite, and recovery in our collection

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BUILDING A COMMUNITY FREE OF RACISM, HATRED, AND INTOLERANCE Library looks inward, works externally to move toward equality

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HIGH-TECH BOOK SORTER A SIGHT TO BEHOLD Past technology upgrades still benefit Library patrons and staff today

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FROM BOOKS TO NEW BEGINNINGS Using the Library as a resource to build a better life

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A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY Longtime Colorado Springs couple includes PPLD in bequest

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THEN TO NOW: MANITOU SPRINGS LIBRARY From opening a library to co-locating with art center

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CARE AND COMPASSION AMONG THE STACKS Social work program meets Library patrons where they are

PPLD Challenge: Try a New Hobby or Craft Virtually Fri., Jan. 15 - Sun., Jan. 31, 2021 Start 2021 by trying a new craft or hobby! Perhaps you have always

Need inspiration or an idea for something new

wanted to learn a skill like 3D design or knitting. Or, maybe you have a

to try? Try one of these projects that are easy to

project in mind that you would like to complete. Either way, use the New

complete at home: research.ppld.org/CreateAtHome.

Year as inspiration to innovate and try a craft or hobby that is new to you and share the results with us!

Check out these video craft and project

Post a photo of your project on Facebook or Instagram any time from

tutorials from PPLD staff here:

January 15 - 31 and make sure to include the hashtag #ppldchallenge and

tinyurl.com/PPLDAdultPrograms

tag @ppld to be eligible to win. Alternatively, you can send your photo

tinyurl.com/PPLDTeenPrograms

to ppldchallenge@ppld.org and we will post it to social media for you!

tinyurl.com/PPLDVirtualFamilyPrograms

Randomly selected entries will be featured on PPLD’s websites and social media accounts and one randomly drawn entry will receive a gift certificate

Or, research your genealogy using resources here:

and prize pack of curated craft books from the Friends of the Library.

ppld.org/regional-history-and-genealogy

Self-Care with Library Resources Find rest, respite, and recovery in our collection Looking for some self-care inspo? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to treating yourself, finding rest and relaxation, and attaining peace. We have some ideas to help you get started:

Lynda.com Tutorials

Virtual Library Programs

eBooks

Learn from experts what self-

Take a virtual yoga class three times a

Maybe you want to do a bit more

care really means, how it can be

week, join a mindful meditation and

research before you engage in any

applied in professional and personal

movement class once a week, or even

of these new-fangled self-care

environments, and even tactics for DIY

try your hand at chair yoga! Our free

practices. We understand, and can

desk massage so you can find moments

virtual library programs are an easy

help with that too. Visit tinyurl.com/

of peace during the workday! Just visit

way to find your inner peace from the

PPLDSelfCareBooks to find our

ppld.org/databases, click on Lynda.

comfort of home. Visit

full collection on self-care, covering

com, and login with your Library card

ppld.org/virtual to see a full list of

everything from defining the concept

number and pin. Type “self-care” into

available classes, and click on specific

to how you can get started. There are

the search bar and learn more about

programs to see upcoming dates and

hundreds of books, though, so if you’d

taking care of yourself!

times. Keep checking back – we’re

like a personalized recommendation, all

always adding more to the lineup!

you have to do is ask! Visit ppld.org/ask to connect with a librarian by phone, online chat, or email, or to set up a Zoom call to get personalized assistance.

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COLORADO SPRINGS

Children’s Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. • ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-720-777-1234. • CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-720-777-1234.

Find Your Next Read

The Library can provide recommendations or even read a story to you

Looking for a good story? Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) can help with that! We’ve got several options for you to peruse to find

DIAL-A-STORY Listen to a story over the phone! Pick from different options for

your next great read:

a fun and exciting tale, poem, or even a joke. Call (719) 531-6333,

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

x7150, and select the option you want to hear.

Sometimes it’s hard to decide which book to pick up next. If you’d like to peruse book recommendations online, simply visit

STROLL-A-STORY Get bundled up, grab a mug of cocoa, and experience a story live

ppld.org/find-good-book to see staff reviews and recommendations,

and in-person! Walk together to read a story page-by-page on large

book lists, ‘read-alike’ lists where you can find recommendations

signs you can all enjoy together. You’ll experience the benefits of a

based on the last book you loved, and more. If you want to talk to

wonderful children’s book and some physical activity all at once! We

someone instead, we get it – simply ask one of our librarians for a

have stories up at 10 locations throughout El Paso County, either

recommendation! You can connect with them by phone, online chat,

outdoors or in the windows of our libraries for you to read.

email, or even a Zoom call. Visit ppld.org/ask

Learn more at ppld.org/stroll-a-story.

to get started.

High-Tech Book Sorter a Sight to Behold

Past technology upgrades still benefit Library patrons and staff today

The library may be an age-old, storied institution, but the technology that makes Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) run

magnet to turn on (or off) a security strip. Staff also had to open

smoothly is anything but dated.

every DVD, CD, and video game case. This process made Library

The Library District’s use of radio-frequency identification

staff susceptible to repetitive strain injury, and it was time consuming.

(RFID) technology makes checking out and returning Library

When you consider that PPLD circulates several million items per

materials easier for both patrons and staff. It’s been in use at PPLD

year, that time really added up.

for a decade.

Prior to RFID implementation, a hand-held wand was used to scan

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a barcode on each item, which was then dragged across a powerful

In 2010, the price of RFID tags and equipment became low enough that the District was able to transfer its entire collection over

to this new technology. Over the course of three months, PPLD underwent a rolling closure. Each location closed for a week or two so that staff and volunteers could manually adhere a RFID tag to each of the million-plus items in the Library’s catalog.

Now, when an item is placed in close proximity to a scanning pad, the item ID is transmitted from the RFID tag to the scanner and the material is checked in or out. Also, multiple items can be placed on a scanning pad at one time, further speeding up the process.

East Library and Library 21c use RFID technology in their

“There is no way that I or any of my fellow staff members would be able to beat the machine.”

automated materials handling (AMH) systems. Items placed in a return slot land on a conveyor belt made of rolling balls. While passing through a section nicknamed “the waterfall” by staff because of its undulating shape, materials are separated so they can be individually scanned. Sensors then scan the items, causing those items to show as returned.

They are then sorted into bins based on item

type. This automated sorting makes the reshelving process much more efficient.

“AMH is a huge help to the staff,” says Library Assistant Sherri Hendrich. “It is extremely efficient in discharging materials off patrons’ accounts, and it is extremely accurate in sorting materials into the correct bins. There is no way that I or any of my fellow staff members would be able to beat the machine on these two metrics!”

Since Library 21c opened in June 2014, its AMH system has processed over 4.2 million items. It can return over 300 items per hour.

“We’ve done some fun things with the AMH stats,” says Hendrich. “As we approached the 3 million mark (at Library 21c), I gave out a chocolate prize to the staff member who guessed the day that we turned over 3 million returns.”

PPLD patrons also get enjoyment out of AMH, which is visible through a window just inside the south entrance of Library 21c.

“Kids and adults enjoy looking through the window,” explains Hendrich. “People are particularly impressed with the conveyer belt and how the rollers on the belt so easily move items into the individual bins. It is a marvel!”

Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at the machine and how it works? Watch our short video and see the AMH in action!

On the right: AMH system processing returns.

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A Legacy of Community

Longtime Colorado Springs couple includes PPLD in bequest

Darlene and Milton Johnson’s story is one of commitment

and love, from beginning to end. Darlene, an elementary school

Improvement District, of the 10, two were particularly close to the

teacher, and Milt, a pharmacist, met in 1952 in Nebraska. They

couple’s hearts and were given specifically in each of their names.

married nine years later in Shove Chapel at Colorado College, where

The first, $330,000 to D11, in Darlene’s honor, recognizing

Darlene’s brother-in-law, Ray Werner, was in his second decade of a

her almost-two decades of teaching in the school district. The

distinguished four-decade career as a CC professor of economics.

second, $150,000 to the Pikes Peak Library District Foundation, in

The couple would go on

Milt’s name, for which Lance James, Chief Development Officer

to make a permanent home in

and Foundation Executive Director, says the connection was “not

Colorado Springs: she, teaching in

immediately obvious” to him, but ultimately “extraordinary.” Milt,

Colorado Springs School District

according to Werner, was a “power user” of PPLD.

11 for 19 years; he, working

While serving as the pharmacist at Broadmoor Drug, Milt often

at Broadmoor Drug at The

worked the 4-11 p.m. shift. With Darlene teaching during the day,

Broadmoor Hotel for 25 years

Milt became a mainstay at Penrose Library. He spent countless

— and the two supporting one

hours educating himself on investments and investment strategies,

another until, after 45 years of

pouring over the Library’s free resources, including copies of The

marriage, Milt died in 2006.

Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Barron’s.

But their story of commitment would continue on after Darlene’s

After he retired, Milt continued to visit the library almost daily and used what he learned to build and grow his and Darlene’s

death in 2019, when, in August 2020, their nephew Brian Werner

investment portfolio on a pharmacist and school teacher’s salaries.

and the City of Colorado Springs announced the couple’s bequest

“He lived what he loved to do,” Werner says. “There was a

of nearly $2 million.

While the total donation from their estate is to be divided among 10 local organizations ranging from the U.S. Olympic

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and Paralympic Museum to the Southwest Downtown Business

gentleman that he used to invest with that told me straight out one day, ‘Hey, I looked to your uncle for advice,’ and this guy was a financial adviser.”

John Suthers, Mayor of Colorado Springs Photo Credit: Joe Hollmann, City of Colorado Springs

About the PPLD Foundation The PPLD Foundation was created in 2003 to raise philanthropic funds and build an endowment to support our 15 libraries and library programs for the more than 670,000 people we serve. PPLD ranks 10th out of Colorado’s 13 largest library systems in funding per person, and the PPLD Foundation was designed to accept meaningful, generous gifts like the Johnsons’. Donations, large and small, help close the Library District’s funding gap and continue providing resources and opportunities that impact individual lives and build community.

If you have been inspired to make a charitable gift to support PPLD, or for more information on how you can include PPLD in your estate planning and create your own lasting legacy, please feel free to contact Lance James at (719) 531-6333, x6890, or foundation@ppld.org.

“We are truly saddened to have lost Darlene and Milt, but their generous gifts demonstrate the power of philanthropy and will ensure their legacy is forever remembered.”

Turns out, that person was

things together,” like driving up to Silverthorne and spending a

wise to do so. Milt became so

weekend in the mountains. “They didn’t live lavishly. That wasn’t

astute at investing, Werner says,

their lifestyle.”

that $2 million will now benefit

“We are truly saddened to have lost Darlene and Milt, but their

organizations across Colorado

generous gifts demonstrate the power of philanthropy and will

Springs.

ensure their legacy is forever remembered,” James says, adding that

James wasn’t the only one

since PPLD’s mission is to provide resources and opportunities that

surprised by the donation,

impact individual lives and build community, “I cannot think of a

though. Werner says even the

more compelling story that demonstrates the impact of a patron

couple’s neighbors had no idea

connecting with library resources to ‘build community.’”

about the amassed wealth until

the City’s public announcement about the bequest.

Werner has a simpler take on it.

“They were just good people.”

“They loved each other,” Werner says, “and they loved doing

Penrose Library

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Care and Compassion Among the Stacks

Social work program meets Library patrons where they are

traditional social work services, such as one-on-ones, support groups

They can walk into mandates that you have to have.

You can come here looking for a library, sit with such information, just as you can a social worker for a half hour, any of our other information, and and walk out with you can find it.” resources, referrals, Perhaps just as important is and those first having a specific staff member to challenging steps help patrons “delve through all toward assistance the red tape,” when it comes to behind them. the difficult situations they might

and referrals to other community organizations - all at no cost to the

be dealing with, says Brantner. Whether the issue at hand is a need to

Library’s patrons.

find affordable housing, a job, or substance abuse treatment (or all

While Google, Siri, and other technological advances have become easy places to quickly acquire information, there’s still nothing like a library as a resource for the more complicated questions in life.

It’s in this vein that over the past decade more and more public libraries across the country have started sending social workers into the stacks.

Currently Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) employs one fulltime social worker who oversees two graduate school interns. While these individuals don’t conduct case management, they do offer many

Chief Safety, Social Services, and Security Officer Michael

Whether the issue at hand is a need to find affordable housing, a job, or substance abuse treatment, the Library’s social worker knows not only what resources are already available locally for a patron’s particular situation, but where they are and how to access them.

three at the same time), the Library’s social worker knows not only

Brantner says, “Thanks

what resources are already available locally for a patron’s particular

to taxpayer support, the

situation, but where they are and how to access them.

Library District is one of

It has also added a level of anonymity and barrier removal for

the only places that you can

people. A patron may feel uncomfortable with or not ready to walk

access a service like this

into a local organization that specifically offers mental health services,

currently when you don’t

substance abuse treatment, or advocacy for domestic violence

have an insurance plan or a

victims, but they can walk into a library, sit with a social worker for

membership in something.

a half hour, and walk out with resources, referrals, and those first

You can go to a library,

challenging steps toward assistance behind them.

and just as any of the other

Of course, the services right now don’t look exactly as they did

resources that we offer, it is

when the program began in 2018. COVID-19 has slowed down

free and open to the public.

the number of in-person meetings at the program’s home base

There’s no pre-qualifying

of Penrose Library, but it’s increased the number of phone calls

Tips from PPLD’s social work program for coping with the

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1. Acknowledge what’s going on.

2. Find the resources for whatever it is

We all have a tendency to downplay

that you’re going through.

what’s happening around us or think

You might be feeling heavy emotions, from anxiety and

we should be able to handle it better.

depression to fear or grief. Look for a resource outside

Acknowledge that this is a difficult

yourself that might help you cope or heal—whether

time and allow it to be impacting you

it’s reading books or watching videos, participating in

in whatever way that it’s impacting you.

virtual therapy, or calling or texting a helpline.

answered. It’s also increased the number of trainings for staff on

“Just navigating that path with [patrons] has been huge,” Brantner

mental health and wellness — beneficial for those in the trainings as

says, “and will be even more important as more of these resources

well as for the patrons they’ll assist. Brantner says PPLD has always

are needed due to layoffs, evictions, budget cuts, furloughs,

planned to expand the program in 2021 with additional support

increased issues with mental health … whatever that is going to look

groups, meet-and-greet sessions, and the like, but he says now that

like as we start to navigate what the new reality is going to be after

growth will be even more crucial.

[the pandemic].”

How to contact PPLD’s social worker Phone: (719) 531-6333, x2506

Email: socialworkerintern@ppld.org

Webform: ppld.org/contact-us

particular anxieties of this year (and life more generally)

3. Take the steps neccessary to

4. When you slide back into a difficult

make something different.

place, return to No. 1 and move

Read the book, place the call, talk

through the cycle again.

with someone. It’s OK to take

You’re perhaps testing out new coping

the time and effort necessary to

mechanisms. Give yourself grace and, as

focus on your mental wellbeing.

needed, begin again.

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Building a Community Free of Racism, Hatred, and Intolerance Library looks inward, works externally to move toward equality

The Library District commits itself to join the efforts of all who

actions we’ve taken to work towards a more equitable and inclusive

share its mission of building a community free of racism, hatred,

community for all El Paso County residents.

and intolerance. Below, learn more about some of the recent

Our Statement on Racism and Inequity Providing resources and opportunities that impact individual

our country who are exercising their Constitutional rights to protest against systemic racism, inequity, and violence against

lives and build community – that is the mission of Pikes Peak

the Black community. As a public library, we stand for the

Library District (PPLD). Our community, like others across the

innate equality of all we serve. We pledge to do our part to help

nation, is hurting. Just as it is our mission to build community, it is

our community realize that diversity, inclusivity, and equity are

our duty to speak against the forces that would tear us apart.

pillars of a strong and thriving community and that if even

The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud

one individual is harmed through injustice or racism, our entire

Arbery have reminded all of us once again that the battle against

community suffers. This is not the time to simply move on until

racism and intolerance is not over. For many individuals, those

the next act of violence jars us from our complacency. PPLD

forces are a constant in their lives, and that battle is waged on a

commits itself to join the efforts of all who share its mission of

daily basis. For those of us who do not experience the burden of

building a community free of racism, hatred, and intolerance.

systemic racism, events such as these may briefly ignite an urgent

- John Spears, Chief Librarian & CEO, and Debbie

desire to seek justice and true equality for Black members of our

English, President of PPLD’s Board of Trustees

community. All too often, though, we allow that sense of urgency to gradually disappear until the next horrific act of violence

This was originally released on June 5, 2020. PPLD has curated a

occurs. This cycle must stop.

list of resources for our community, which can be found at

PPLD stands with those in El Paso County and throughout

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ppld.org/standagainstracism.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training with Dr. Mosby Tyler As Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) works to support diversity,

multi-faceted, complicated world of diversity, equity, and inclusion

equity, and inclusion in the community we serve, we are also working

while equipping staff with tools to challenge and manage their

internally on these important issues. To help train our staff, the

own biases. PPLD’s managers were given additional training for

Library enlisted the assistance of Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler, Chief

supporting their staff around such matters.

Catalyst and Founder of The Equity Project. She is a nationally

At PPLDCon, the Library’s annual staff development event, Dr.

recognized and award-winning leader, speaker, author, and university

Mosby Tyler gave the presentation “Who Me? Tackling Bias in All

guest lecturer.

that We Do,” which looked at the relationship between bias and

The entire staff went through required training with Dr. Mosby

microaggressions, and how they show up in our everyday lives.

Tyler entitled “Deconstructing Equity.” This training explored the

Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler

Putting a Focus on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) recently engaged in an organization-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion audit process. The goal is to identify how we can better respect and celebrate diversity,

bias; and strengthening and demonstrating a true commitment to organizational equity and inclusion.

The process includes workgroups and consultation support,

foster inclusion, and continuously seek equity for both staff and

initial assessments, internal surveys and interviews, data analysis

patrons.

and reporting, professional development opportunities, and

We aim to achieve District-wide equity in our communication,

recommendations for future action.

resources, and services to the public; hiring, promotion, development, and retention of staff; internal awareness of implicit and explicit

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From Books to New Beginnings:

Using the Library as a resource to build a better life

As one of the founders of Grey Wolf Resort, a health and wellness agritourism business in Victor, Colorado, award-winning

whiteboards. “I pretty much started all my businesses there.”

“Tony Robbins talks about how there’s never a lack of resources.

chef and entrepreneur Nathan Dirnberger is just as likely to be found

There’s a lack of resourcefulness,” Dirnberger says. The Library

planning menus for gourmet picnics as chasing down a loose rooster.

District is “a resource box,” he adds, “full of tools for people to

But among these tasks, and the many others he tackles on a regular basis, there’s one more the Colorado native wraps into his days as well: reading.

“My mom’s a librarian, so she always read to me as a kid, and I grew up reading,” says Dirnberger.

As he got older, he says, he went to school to become a chef.

change their lives … if they apply themselves.”

Currently billed as a “boutique, private, high-altitude health and wellness center” situated on a family farm and ranch, Dirnberger’s two-year-old Grey Wolf Resort offers guests everything from massages and guided mountain hikes to farm-to-table gourmet picnics. And Dirnberger still has lots of big dreams when it comes

Years after graduating, Dirnberger wrote an article for the American

to the resort, ranging from building a commercial kitchen and a little

Culinary Federation (ACF) on quantum physics and how it connects

restaurant on the property to setting an example for those interested

to a chef ’s thoughts becoming a tangible experience. “If you give us

in emulating the concept and creating more agritourism across the

a pile of ingredients,” he says, “we think about what we’re going to

country.

create, and then we apply ourselves—that’s the key right there—to turn it into a dish.”

In the ACF story, he says, he made the broader analogy of

With his passion for books, one might wonder if Dirnberger has another dream up his sleeve.

“Well, yeah,” he says, “actually, I’ve been writing one for a few

“encouraging people that they can make changes in their lives” if they

years now, but as I started writing, I knew the story still had to be

apply that same theory.

finished. … I needed to be able to do something that was actually

About six years ago, Dirnberger started applying the theory to his

worth telling. … I wanted a family. I wanted to be able to spend

own life outside of the kitchen, and “a big part of that,” he says, “was

time with my family, that’s why I wanted to become a farmer, to

books.”

spend time outside and be with nature, and help out with food and

Dirnberger began to take advantage of all of the free resources his Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) card could offer, from checking out print copies of books to downloading audio reads through OverDrive, which mom Cynthia Roberts, who has been a

clean water and air, and all the things that people and animals both deserve.”

“Now that I’ve got all of that,” he says, “it’s a matter of starting to tell the story.”

PPLD librarian now for almost three decades, introduced to him.

Dirnberger was able to dig into and study popular titles by authors like Tim Ferriss, alongside other books about entrepreneurship, marketing, and business.

One in particular, stands out for him, though: David Schwartz’ classic The Magic of Thinking Big, first published in 1959, which Dirnberger listened to during a cross-country trip after finishing an internship on a farm. The book’s push to get people to dare to dream (and put concrete habits behind those dreams) spawned his concept for an agritourism-focused farm and ranch—what would become Grey Wolf Resort.

But books aren’t the only PPLD resources Dirnberger used.

“When I actually started creating my businesses, I would use the library too,” he says, reserving classrooms at Library 21c so he and his business partners could set up projectors and map out plans on

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Nathan Dirnberger

Want to pursue a business idea but not sure where to start?

Business Resources Collection (research.ppld.org/business) In this vast collection, you’ll find:

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has tons of free online resources that can help you from idea to implementation, or to help you brush up your resume and business chops.

•

Information on choosing a legal structure

•

COVID-19 emergency aid and resources

•

Industry information and financials

•

Investments information

•

Methods for conducting market research

•

Online business tutorials and classes

•

Personal finance assistance

This online learning experience can prepare you to enter

•

Prototyping and manufacturing resources

the workforce for the first time, or help you brush up on

•

Resources for entrepreneurs

your career skills. This training is self-paced and completely

•

Information on starting a business in El Paso County

online. When you finish, you’ll earn a certificate and receive

•

Help writing a business plan

Workforce Readiness Training (research.ppld.org/workforcereadiness-training)

10 volunteer hours!

Adult Education Opportunities (ppld.org/adult-education) If there are some personal goals you want to achieve before pursuing your next business venture, we can help with that too! Our Adult Education team provides free classes, including the following: •

Career Online High School (COHS): Participate in an online high school diploma program, an alternative to the GED. There is a cost associated, but scholarships are awarded to eligible individuals.

•

English as a Second Language classes: Helps students improve English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

•

Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes: Obtain basic skills and self-confidence to pass the GED/TASC/HiSET exams, obtain or improve employment, and begin college.

•

Tutoring: Provides a friendly, helpful environment for those learning English, or those who want to improve their reading, writing, and comprehension skills.

•

Path to Citizenship classes: Helps people study to pass the U.S. Citizenship Exam.

•

Food Industry Training: A four-week training program to help develop needed skills for entering or advancing in employment as a prep or line cook. You’ll also prepare a resume, practice interview skills, and earn your ServSafe Food Handler certification.

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Then to Now: Manitou Springs Library From opening a library to co-locating with art center

In 1903, Dr. George O. Ferguson was excited to receive an audience with Andrew Carnegie. He asked the steel magnate to provide funds to build a library in Manitou Springs.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, “the proposition was

a worthy cause.”

Manitou Springs Public Library opened

received favorably by Mr. Carnegie,” and Dr. Ferguson telegraphed

to the public on

that he received “the impression that he would be successful in

February 22, 1911, and

securing the object of his visit.”

has been providing

However, it wasn’t until several years later that a letter from Dr. H.M. Ogilbee finally secured that object: a $6,000 grant from Carnegie, who helped fund the building of over 2,500 libraries around the world.

In 1910, a one-acre lot was chosen at the corner of Pawnee and

service to the town ever since.

“It is extremely important to the residents and

Manitou Avenues after much debate. Six structures were removed

community there,” said

from the land, and construction began on a building designed by

Margaret Morris, who

prominent architect Thomas MacLaren in the Italian Renaissance

was Manitou Springs

style. MacLaren also designed Colorado Springs City Hall, City

Public Library Director

Auditorium, Grace Episcopal Church, Ivywild School, Pauline

from 2006 until becoming manager when the library joined PPLD in

Chapel, and Colorado Springs Fire Station No. 1.

2013 after a vote by the citizens of Manitou Springs. “Many who use

About 2,000 books were provided by the Reading Room, the first library in Manitou Springs established in 1900 in the Parish House of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Furniture was purchased by the P.E.O. (Phone Each Other) organization with money collected on “Tag Day.” On Aug. 9, 1910, the fundraiser was described in the

the library still remember it from the days they used it as children, so consider it a part of their personal history.”

That’s not to say the Manitou Springs Library hasn’t changed over the years.

The basement was originally meant to be living quarters for the

Gazette: “Twelve young women and matrons engaged in the task of

librarian but has served many purposes over the years, including

tagging everyone in sight yesterday, with the result that the tidy sum

City Clerk and Police offices, a Town Board meeting space, and a

date unknown

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of $150 was raised for

ca. 1911

undated postcard

“Patrons come in for free computer access and database use as much as they do for checking out books.”

classroom, before finally becoming a library children’s area.

“It has most certainly grown in terms

“We’re thrilled to pair our physical collection and other library services with an organization so focused on helping users create, learn, exhibit, perform, and connect with others in Manitou Springs,”

of its collection and daily visits since

said PPLD Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears. “MAC’s facility

1911,” said Morris. “As the library has

will immeasurably enhance what we can provide in the

moved into the 21st century, patrons come

local community.”

in for free computer access and database

Once the library holds its grand opening in March of 2021,

use as much as they do for checking out

patrons will be able to browse PPLD’s physical collection, connect

books. The library is a place of knowledge,

with a librarian, visit the seed library, and utilize other Library

and community members know and respect the value it adds to their

resources all inside of the MAC. As the partnership evolves in

hometown and personal lives.”

2021, local residents will gain access to more shared spaces for art,

The library also introduced the popular Lawn Concert Series,

creativity, and community connection like meeting rooms, creative

which provided entertainment after Morris turned a one-off concert

studios, and makerspaces, pending the status of the ongoing

into a weekly summer event with crowds exceeding 400 people.

pandemic.

“Attendees were encouraged to bring a picnic supper. By the time

“We have already experienced great success partnering with PPLD

I retired (in 2019), some of those simple picnic suppers had turned

in the past on a number of initiatives,” said MAC Executive Director

into buffets,” explained Morris. “One musician called our venue the

Natalie Johnson. “This co-location partnership is truly a win-win for

‘Red Rocks of Manitou Springs’ because of the great acoustics. The

MAC supporters and members, PPLD cardholders, and residents of

sound bounced off the library building and then floated back across

Manitou Springs.”

the canyon to the other side of Manitou Springs.”

Now Manitou Springs Library begins a new era in its history by co-locating with the Manitou Art Center (MAC).

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Calhan Library 600 Bank St., Calhan, CO 80808 (719) 531-6333, x7013 Cheyenne Mountain Library 1785 S. 8th St. #100, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 (719) 531-6333, x7001 East Library 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 531-6333, x7014 Fountain Library 230 S. Main St., Fountain, CO 80817 (719) 531-6333, x7002 High Prairie Library 7035 Old Meridian Rd., Peyton, CO 80831 (719) 531-6333, x7003 Library 21c 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 531-6333, x7012 Manitou Springs Library 701 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 (719) 531-6333, x7004 Mobile Library Services (719) 531-6333, x2313

Pikes Peak Library District Discovery Winter 2021 / Volume 3, Issue 1 Executive Editor Michelle Ray Managing Editor Kayah Swanson Graphic Designer Nicole Enger Contributors Kirsten Akens Brenna Hemphill David Kelly Colleen Lark Michelle Ray Kayah Swanson Jeremiah Walter Pikes Peak Library District 2021 Board of Trustees President Wayne A. Vanderschuere Vice President Scott Taylor Secretary/Treasurer Dora Gonzales Debbie English Cathy Grossman Mina Liebert Dr. Ned C. Stoll

Monument Library 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument, CO 80132 (719) 531-6333, x7005 Old Colorado City Library 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (719) 531-6333, x7006 Palmer Lake Library 66 Lower Glenway St., Palmer Lake, CO 80133 (719) 531-6333, x7007 Penrose Library 20 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 531-6333, x7015 Rockrimmon Library 832 Village Center Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (719) 531-6333, x7008 Ruth Holley Library 685 N. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915 (719) 531-6333, x7009 Sand Creek Library 1821 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916 (719) 531-6333, x7018 Ute Pass Library 8010 Severy Rd., Cascade, CO 80809 (719) 531-6333, x7011

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Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) seeks to engage and transform people’s lives by providing equitable access to information, enrichment opportunities, and community connections via 15 facilities, online resources, and mobile library services.

It is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 670,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo.