Celebrating 35 Years of Service to You PPLD's EAST LIBRARY
When Colorado Springs voters approved a $9.9 million bond measure in 1983, it enabled Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to begin plans for a library in a part of town that was growing rapidly but lacked ample Library services. “About 40% of the people who use the library system live east of Circle Drive,” PPLD’s Carol Bruce Shannon said at the time, with only a small library in Rustic Hills Plaza to serve a burgeoning population.
On Oct. 20, 1986, a cornerstone dedication was performed by the Grand Masons of Colorado, and a time capsule was put in the cornerstone. The East Library and Information Center (now just called East Library) had its grand opening on Jan. 10, 1987, and the day’s activities included a presentation by writer and historian David McCullough, who has since won two Pulitzer Prizes.
A 10-acre site near Vickers Drive and Union Boulevard was purchased in 1984 from School District 11 for $600,000.
The facility included a computer lab, large community meeting room, video studio, art exhibit foyer, and a branch office for the El Paso County Department of Motor Vehicles.
At a ceremony held on Aug. 27, 1985, ground was broken by a group that included community members aged 2 to 77 and a robot with a plastic shovel programmed to help with the digging.
The land to the west of the library became George Fellows Park, named after a former city manager, and is maintained by the Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department.
Robert Muir and Associates designed a three-story, 64,000-square-feet building, and Hubcon Corp was the main contractor on the building’s construction.
Overlooking the park, and with a spectacular view of Pikes Peak, is a glassed-in circular reading terrace.
“The new Library facility represents a building that is designed for the future, housing state-of-the-art computer equipment to enhance public access to information in a comforting, visual environment,” said Muir.
6
By Jeremiah Walter
Residents in the area were excited with the new addition, with one East Library neighbor noting, “There are very few recreational and pleasure facilities in this part of town, so it is a welcome addition to the community.” East Library in July 1986. Photo credit: Myron Wood
