Pikes Peak Library District Discovery - Spring 2019

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Providing resources and opportunities that impact individual lives and build community

Seek. Engage. Transform.

Spring 2019 Volume 1, Issue 1 (719) 531-6333 ppld.org 1 LEARN MORE AT PPLD.ORG

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD)

seeks to engage and transform people’s lives via 14 libraries, online resources, and mobile library services. By providing free and equitable access to information, we welcome all members of the community to enrich their minds, make connections, and reach for their full potential.

As a national leader and the second largest library system in Colorado, Pikes Peak Library District serves a population of more than 650,000 residents in El Paso County, thanks to an employee base of nearly 500 full- and part-time staff and almost 1,700 volunteers. PPLD continues to be recognized for its commitment to diversity and community collaboration, its innovative and community-focused programs, and excellent customer service.

Contents

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03

Letter from the Chief Librarian and CEO

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Community Voices

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Creative Services

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Children’s Services

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Young Adult Services

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Staff Feature: Fran Toledo Adult Services

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Adult Education

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Open Doors: Finding Family at the Library

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History of Pikes Peak Library District

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Special Collections

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Circulation and Collection Management Foundation

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Featured Library: Ruth Holley Library

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Business Services

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#ShareYourSpark with Allan Cano

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Letter from the Chief Librarian and CEO It's like a local report card, only cooler.

Welcome to the first edition of Pikes Peak Library District Discovery, our new quarterly magazine that will highlight the many services and programs we offer to the community. It is our hope you will find within these pages inspiring and surprising stories that will show you how we are making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Just as the Pikes Peak region has undergone remarkable transformation over the past several years, so too has your library.

While we still offer everything you remember from the library of your childhood, we have continued to evolve to meet our communities’ changing needs and now offer so much more.

Whether you are a new parent looking to instill a love of reading in your child, an entrepreneur looking to start a business, a voracious reader looking for the latest best seller, a musician looking to record an album, or a curious seeker of information looking to broaden your knowledge of the community or the world, your Library is here to help.

With nearly 500 staff members working in 14 locations throughout El Paso County, a collection of one million items, and over 12,000 programs offered every year for people of all ages and interests, Pikes Peak Library District is here to meet your informational, recreational, and educational needs. Please enjoy this inaugural edition and please visit us soon—we have no doubt that you will be surprised at everything your Library has to offer!

John Spears

CHIEF LIBRARIAN AND CEO LEARN MORE AT PPLD.ORG

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Community Voices “I love your new app!! Thank you for updating it. I especially appreciate seeing linked accounts and the photos of the book covers.

Both are super helpful when you have children!”

Download at ppld.org/app

Is this Adult Reading Program from @pikespeaklibrarydistrict the cutest thing ever? Yes. #bookstagram #books #library #reading #readingprogram Check out our Instagram: @PikesPeakLibraryDistrict

“We’ve seen some pretty amazing videos over the years featuring the Cadet Chapel and this newly released video is at the top! We’d like to thank everyone involved at Pikes Peak Library District for the production of this incredibly moving and inspirational video.” View the video at tiny.cc/PPLDCadetChapel.

Check out our Youtube Channel: PPLDTV

“My children and I visited the High Prairie Library for the first time today. We were so impressed by this place. The library is beautiful and the librarians were incredible. We felt so welcomed!”

Like our Facebook page: Facebook.com/PikesPeakLibraryDistrict

“Shout out to public libraries and esp the @ppld for being a great community resource! They are on top of the ebook catalog, great facilities with fun classes.

My tax dollars well spent.”

Tweet at us: @ppld 4

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We would love to hear what you think about this publication or Pikes Peak Library District!

Email your thoughts to discovery@ppld.org

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Creative Services

Pikes Peak Library District offers that?!

Over the past several years, libraries have begun offering new services to patrons to enable content creation. In June 2014, Pikes Peak Library District opened Library 21c and extended opportunities to delve into technology, innovation, creativity, and invention through makerspaces and studios. Since then, two more makerspaces and one audio recording studio have been added at East Library and Sand Creek Library. These spaces, together with creative programs offered in all PPLD libraries, make up Creative Services.

Our makerspaces and studios offer a vast array of creative tools and gadgets that can help bring your ideas to life. You can fabricate a sign for your small business, prototype a new invention, repair a garment or piece of furniture, produce a video, record a podcast, or complete an endless number of other projects.

In addition to providing use of the makerspaces and studios, Creative Services offers a few prominent events throughout the year: Repair Café, where you can bring in broken items and receive assistance with fixing them; the Maker in Residence program, where we bring in experts to teach classes in their field; and the Colorado Springs Mini Maker Faire, where all of Library 21c is transformed for a day into a giant makerspace with hands-on activities, learning, and fun for the whole family.

Offering these spaces and options for creativity and innovation provides another way for you to succeed in your endeavors, think differently about problems, and maybe even change the world.

Learn more about using the 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, high-end video cameras, green screen technology, and audio recording equipment at ppld.org/creative-services, or by speaking with staff in one of the spaces.

Help the environment

Save money

Learn repair skills

ALL WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! Together with our Repair Café volunteers, you will disassemble, troubleshoot, and possibly repair your broken items.

Acceptable items to bring: bikes, clothing, furniture & household items, small appliances & electronics. *Please note this is a general list of possible items to be repaired by our volunteers, which may vary depending on volunteer availability.

For more information visit AT PPLD.ORG LEARN MORE 5 ppld.org/repair-cafe or find us on Facebook!

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Children's Services Come one, come all!

Everyone is welcome at the library, especially children! Children’s Services in all 14 facilities and mobile libraries serve children from birth to age 12, as well as their parents, caretakers, and teachers. We provide books, audiovisual materials, hands-on programs, homeschool enrichment, tours, community outreach, internet access, online resources, book lists, and

a variety of other services for children and families.

Because library use is an important factor in school readiness, many of our services focus on early childhood skills.

In addition to art, make, and science programs for older children, we offer programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, giving parents a chance to meet other parents and sing, read, write,

talk, and play with their children.

Coming up, PPLD will take part in the annual One Book Colorado giveaway from April 8 - 22. Every four-year-old in the state of Colorado can pick up a free picture book at their local library.

Learn more about our programs and services by visiting ppld.org/kids.

Libraries offer books, music, and movies. You may know that, but there are many more materials you can check out with your library card!

With the coming of spring and warmer temperatures, outdoor activities with friends and family also arrive. Have a backyard barbecue or trip to the park planned? Supplement your fun by checking out a yard game from the library!

You can borrow classic games like bocce ball and croquet, or more recent creations such as disc golf and ladder ball. These gaming sets all check out for one week and are currently available only at Library 21c.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Young Adult Services

Tomorrow's today: young adults

fun season

Young Adult Services at Pikes Peak Library District serves patrons between the ages of 12 and 24. We believe young adults in our community are our future. Our staff strives to seek, engage, and transform all teens by inspiring a love of reading; sparking curiosity and joy of discovery; and providing access to diverse ideas, new experiences, and space to create. We provide resources and support as young adults become independent and productive members of society.

Every fall we invite an author to PPLD so that young adults are exposed to new books and learn about the process of writing. We hope that meeting an author opens up the possibilities of new career ideas. Throughout the year we offer a variety of programs to help young adults connect with their community and learn new skills.

Learn more about our Young Adult Services at ppld.org/teens.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Staff Feature

A focus on Fran Toledo: Ruth Holley Library, Supervisor Fran Toledo has worked in public libraries and county government since 1999. She started as an employee in Circulation for Pikes Peak Library District in 2007 and has held many other positions at PPLD over the years. She is also working to obtain a Master of Library Science degree through Emporia State University by the end of 2019.

Your favorite hobby?

I love to ride my motorcycle. I have a black 2015 Harley Davidson Sportster Low and she is “my girl!” My husband and I both ride. We love to just take off and go with the wind in our hair and bugs in our teeth.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Geronimo. My 97-year-old grandmother is Apache, Spanish, and French.

What food could you not live without?

Homemade bean burritos and tacos! Pizza is my next favorite. And mangos with Tarjin! Yum! What was the last book you read?

For school: Collection Development and Community Analysis For fun: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Bahni Turpin Who is your greatest hero?

All veterans. Thank you for your service! My husband is a retired Gunnery Sergeant who spent 23 years in the Marine Corps and my stepson is currently serving as a Marine firefighter in Yuma, Ariz.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Working on my education. I received my GED at 30, my associate degree in general studies at 45, and my bachelor's degree in communication with a certificate in human resources at 49 – the first one in my immediate family! I am also working on my master's degree with a concentration in leadership and administration, and am scheduled to finish in December 2019.

Adult Services

Using your library as an adult Adult Services at Pikes Peak Library District seeks to educate, entertain, inspire, engage, and connect with adults throughout our community. While our team is here to connect book lovers with new reading experiences, our programs extend far beyond the bounds of what’s traditionally expected at a library! We offer services for entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and those who need legal resources. We also provide services for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities. Some of our unique programs include a Business Resource Fair, grant-seeking workshops, virtual legal clinics, Medicare 101 classes, and Library Explorers programs. We also plan and coordinate large annual programs like All Pikes Peak Reads, the Winter Adult Reading Program, Mountain of Authors, and the Human Library, where people can check out human ‘books’ to have conversations about popular and difficult topics. Plus, we have several online databases including Lynda.com, Mango Languages, and more to help meet the needs of our community’s lifelong learners.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Adult Education

For the forever learners Pikes Peak Library District, like all libraries, is a center for learning. Adults have easy access to many high quality educational opportunities within the Library District. If your goal is to communicate in English, improve computer skills, earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, obtain United States citizenship, find a job, or get job training, our classes and programs are here for you.

Adult Education provides instructorled classes in high school diploma or equivalency exam preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and courses for the Career Online High School (COHS) program. Classes take place at many different library and community

locations and require registration to enroll. Adult Education also offers online options for COHS, GED Prep, Aztec Ready for Work, and USA Learns, making learning accessible in every corner of El Paso County.

There are also volunteer-led groups if you want more flexibility in learning.

Our groups include Speak English, Write English, and Path to Citizenship.

Individuals can also request to be added to a one-on-one list for adult literacy or ESL tutoring. We create matches as tutors are available. We always need volunteers to assist in classes, facilitate small groups, or work one-on-one as tutors.

The highlight of our work is when we can host events to honor students and

volunteers while building community.

The annual Celebrate Literacy Night, Culture Fest, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and volunteer appreciation events are chances to celebrate the hard work and dedication of adult learners and those who support them – families, friends, instructors, and volunteers.

In coming months, Adult Education will collaborate with libraries across the District to relaunch computer classes and work readiness programming. We look forward to restarting these classes and adding program options to meet the community’s diverse needs.

Find out more about our Adult Services and Adult Education at ppld.org/programs/adults.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Open Doors: Finding Family at the Library was just… challenging. It was a very challenging time in my life.”

In the midst of his family’s turmoil, Murphy found the missing puzzle piece to get the fresh start he needed: the staff and the resources at Penrose Library.

“There's no way you could come to the library, meet the people here, and use the resources here, and not be able to

What Derrick Murphy remembers most about being homeless is feeling overwhelmingly defeated.

After weeks of bouncing around from place to place, Murphy was living in a single room, with a single bed, sharing the confined space with his four children and wife in Peyton, Colo. All of this happened because of a single unforeseen bank withdrawal just a few months earlier.

“It was a horrible experience to see my family in a situation I never thought we’d see ourselves in,” Murphy said.

“To see yourself become homeless after going through what we went through

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“There's no way you could come to the library, meet the people here, and use the resources here, and not be able to get back on your feet,” Murphy said. get back on your feet,” Murphy said.

In the months leading up to their family’s sudden homelessness, Murphy was, by all accounts, doing very well.

He had started his own small business as a coffee supplier to multiple large organizations in Colorado Springs. He incorporated as an LLC, had several contracts, and business was booming.

Then, in early 2018, “the whirlwind” took over his life.

The mother of his young son married another man. Their relationship and coparenting their son had never presented problems before. But suddenly, his son’s new stepfather was angry he couldn’t pick the child up from daycare.

As the situation escalated, Murphy’s son’s mother decided to file for child support. Murphy didn’t have any warning.

“We woke up one day with $100 having been taken out of our account, and all it said was ‘legal fees,’” Murphy said. “I had no idea what it was for. I called my bank, and they told me it was related to child support, and that my account had been frozen.”

All of their funds were completely inaccessible for an entire month.

“We couldn’t use anything. We weren’t able to pay rent. We lost the apartment.

We lost everything.”

In February of 2018, the family was homeless. They bounced from house to house, staying with people they knew who would allow them to sleep there for a short time. But something always came up, and they’d be on the move again.

“I had to let go of some of my

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

contracts because I wasn’t able to supply my coffee anymore,” Murphy said. “We were moving all around and it wasn’t stable. To see my business crumble before me when I had worked so hard to build it up, it really hurt. I had to burn bridges with companies I had worked so hard to build relationships with.”

Finally, they found a single room they could live in. All six of them were sharing a bed every night in their makeshift home. They commuted to Colorado Springs every day to keep the kids in school, and so that Murphy could look for work.

He finally found a part-time job as a contracted cleaner, and ended up cleaning at Penrose Library for just three hours a day.

That’s when things started to look up.

Murphy met Taylor Hunter, a security officer at Penrose Library. They got to talking, and Hunter mentioned another position may be opening up.

Murphy spoke with Troy Lennen, Senior Security Officer, who

encouraged him to apply.

It was just one of those things, Murphy recalls, that seemed meant to be.

“I built a great rapport with the whole staff while I was cleaning. I started this job, and that’s when we found our current family home. Everything just came together like a puzzle piece.”

Murphy said the library’s main role in his life has been to help him start over.

As he’s worked to rebuild his life, the human resources staff has helped him through court proceedings and securing health insurance for his family. Pikes Peak Library District’s social worker, Alicia Kwande, has connected him with legal resources and other assistance to help the family get back on their feet.

He’s even started to use the library’s business resources to try and rebuild Just A Cup Of Coffee, the LLC he worked so hard to get off the ground.

“This staff has opened up so many doors for me,” Murphy said. “Everyone here likes to cover each other and have each other’s back. It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Murphy and his family have been officially housed since October of 2018. Since that time, his life has gone through another whirlwind, but a positive one this time. It’s been a time of starting back over, of new chances, of rebuilding their family’s life.

“It’s still kind of hard to believe what we went through,” Murphy said. “Me and my wife still talk about it to this day. Unfortunately, it does still linger over where we are now, as we’re playing pickup, catching up from everything that we lost in 2018.”

But, Murphy says, there is no better place for him to play catch up than surrounded by his coworkers.

“While we were homeless, I was an angry guy, angry at the transition it felt like we were forced to go through. But being here has taught me patience. It has taught me to let things go. Because I have an amazing team around me I can actually talk to them when things happen. They calm me down, and they support me. It’s really amazing.”

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

History of the Library

Throwback to 1903

As Pikes Peak Library District continues to change what library service means to match the needs of the evolving community, it is also important to look back on the history of public libraries in the Pikes Peak region.

The first attempt to establish “a free public library open to all city inhabitants” in Colorado Springs failed when an 1881 City Council ordinance to create a tax-funded library was squelched by strong opposition.

To fill the void, the Colorado Springs Social Union created what would become known as the Free Library and Reading Room Association, located at the corner of Tejon and Cucharras Streets. Other local organizations, such as the YMCA and Grace Church Association, also operated reading rooms around the turn of the century.

The situation changed dramatically in 1903 when Andrew Carnegie agreed to gift the city $60,000 to construct its first public library. After a national competition, Boston architect Calvin Kiessling emerged with the

winning design for the new building, and construction at 21 W. Kiowa St. began on April 15, 1904.

The neoclassical structure was made from materials such as Pueblo sandstone and Platte Canyon granite and was lit entirely by electricity, save for a gas lighting system to be used in the event of an emergency. Kiessling designed the building to “lend itself in all the requirements of a modern library building and afford its patrons the unrestricted enjoyment of the beauties of the distant mountains and immediate surroundings.”

A large crowd cheered the names of Carnegie and Colorado Springs founder General William Palmer at the library’s dedication and grand opening on March 11, 1905. The facility officially opened to the public on March 13 with a collection of about 12,000 books.

The new library was immediately popular. In the month of July 1905, 6,838 books were loaned and 271 library cards were issued.

In the decade to follow, the need to serve rural communities in the area was realized. As a result, the Board of County Commissioners gave the library $500 annually to provide boxes of books for

people living outside of town.

When Colorado Springs annexed Colorado City in 1917, the library board agreed to take over operation of a second Carnegie Library.

It would be known as the West End Branch until it was rededicated as the Old Colorado City Branch Library in 1977.

An anonymous grant in 1954 allowed the library to purchase its first bookmobile to bring library service to communities not easily served by its two stationary locations.

However, truly regional library service came as the result of a 1962 vote to allow

Head Librarian Margaret Reed, namesake of Maggie's Place, 1965

The what and when of Pikes Peak Library District

1903: The Free Public Library of Colorado Springs was established.

1962: 1917: Voters approve The West End Carnegie Library a regional library becomes a branch library when district.

Colorado Springs annexes Colorado City. (Rededicated as Old Colorado City Branch in 1977.)

1905: The Colorado Springs Public Library is dedicated and opens.

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1954: Library begins bookmobile service.

1968: Penrose Library is opened in downtown Colorado Springs.

1964: Pikes Peak Regional Library District officially established.

Palmer Lake, Ute Pass, and Black Forest Libraries added.

1975: Monument Hill Branch opens and Ute Pass Library becomes a part of the District.

1974: El Paso County Jail Branch opens.

(Closed in 1998.)

1977: Broadmarket Square Branch opens. (Renamed Cheyenne Mountain Branch in 1993.)

Eastern Plains Community Branch opens in Calhan School. (Closes in 1982.)

1979: Fountain Branch opens.

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

a tax levy and creation of the Pikes Peak Regional Library District. The District officially formed in 1964 and included libraries in Palmer Lake, Ute Pass, and Black Forest. The addition of two more bookmobiles helped serve the towns of Peyton, Calhan, and Ramah.

As demand for library service expanded along with a growing population, the need for a larger downtown library was filled by a $2.2 million grant from the El Pomar Foundation and land donated by H. Chase Stone. Penrose Library, named after El Pomar founders Spencer and Julie Penrose, was built next to the historic Carnegie Library and opened in 1968.

As the years passed, libraries replaced some bookmobile stops to meet the demand driven by population increase.

The Library District also widened its technological capabilities to keep up with the times.

One of the most significant tech innovations came in 1981 with “Maggie’s Place,” named after retired librarian Margaret O’Rourke, who joked she was being “replaced by a computer.”

And indeed, the cutting-edge computer occupied O’Rourke’s former office. It

1981: PPLD offers public access to the library's computer system, Maggie's Place.

1987: East Library and Information Center opens.

was the first library catalog in the world accessible to home computers with modems.

In 1987, East Library and Information Center opened. The District's second major facility was constructed with funds from a $10 million bond issue approved by the voters in 1983. The state-of-the-art facility included a computer learning center and video studio, which would go on to broadcast throughout the region and win many regional, national, and international awards for its productions.

The emerging importance of the internet led the District to provide access to some databases via the web in 1994, followed soon by full internet access at all libraries.

Over the years, Library bandwidth has increased to keep up with this everexpanding information portal.

PPLD was able to leverage a partnership with the city of Fountain and the Fountain-Fort Carson School District to open a much-needed, larger Fountain Library in 2004 to serve one of the fastestgrowing communities in the region.

High Prairie Library opened in Falcon in 2010 and incorporated many green features, such as geothermal energy and

1989: The Rockrimmon Branch Library opens.

Ruth Holley 1988: Branch opens.

The Sand Creek and Criminal Justice Center branches 1984: open. (CJC branch PPLD implements closes in 1998.) floating collection.

2005: Briargate Branch Library opens.

1994: Sand Creek Branch opens.

repurposed beetle kill pine.

Library 21c opened in 2014 within a renovated call center in northern Colorado Springs. The facility was the first of its kind in the country, with makerspaces, a video and recording studio, business and entrepreneurial center, café, and performance venue in addition to traditional library materials such as books and movies.

PPLD continues to be innovative both in use of technology and its spaces.

Sand Creek Library recently added a recording studio and makerspace. East Library is now home to a makerspace and the Educational Resource Center, which provides hands-on materials for families wanting to enrich their children’s education or help them improve their skills. The Knights of Columbus Hall is being transformed from an office space to a multipurpose venue providing space for arts, culture, and business to foster creativity, innovation, and community in downtown Colorado Springs.

As the needs of its patrons change, PPLD will adapt to provide the resources that best serve the residents of the Pikes Peak region.

2010: High Prairie Branch opens in Falcon.

RFID incorporated into collection, facilities.

2006: eBranch launched. (Later renamed CyberShelf.)

WiFi technology introduced.

2014: Library 21c opens.

Briargate Branch Library closes with opening of Library 21c.

2013: Manitou Springs Public Library joins PPLD after ballot initiative.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Special Collections Margaretta Boas was a newcomer to the region in 1905. The history of Colorado and the Pikes Peak region fascinated her. Like a true librarian, she acquired history books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

Boas’ collection was the foundation for Pikes Peak Library District’s Special Collections, organized in 1950. Her early commitment established PPLD as a key resource for preserving the history of the Pikes Peak region.

Would Margaretta Boas recognize Regional History and Genealogy today?

Margaretta Boas, Special Collections Founder, 1876 - 1962

Penrose Library Circulation Desk Date unknown

She would see our commitment to preserving the collection, but many items would be foreign to Margaretta.

We continue to preserve material relating to the mining camps and western history, which originally charmed her. But we are always adding new material to better illustrate the region’s rich history.

She would identify our pledge to share our region’s stories to the public. Not only the familiar stories of the past, but also new stories of our recent past.

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Those are stories many of us know today: the arrival of newcomers and growth of the region, the development of the U.S. military presence, and the fires and floods of recent memory.

She would not believe how accessible and broad the collection is today, including our extensive U.S. genealogy collection. Elementary students, genealogists, researchers, and curious patrons regularly use the collection.

Our digital collection offers world-wide access to our region’s rich history.

La Fiesta de los Libros 1948

In addition, we continue to explore new ways to expand our reach across the district.

She could not imagine the magic occurring in the historic 1905 Carnegie Library building. Our staff is dedicated to welcoming and encouraging people to connect with the past.

Learn more about our Special Collections at ppld.org/regional-historyand-genealogy.

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Circulation and Collection Management It's not for the faint of heart

Circulation and Collection Management are backstage superheroes of Pikes Peak Library District, making the whole system flow smoothly. Both departments have distinctly different functions, but both make it possible for you to access our physical and online materials as easily as possible.

Circulation covers all aspects of checking out library items, including

issuing library cards, helping patrons find new materials, and managing the many items you place on hold – over 100,000 total items per month! They also shelve more than 13,000 items per day. Our Circulation staff can take the most chaotic book drop and find some way to create order to keep things going.

Collection Management is responsible

for finding and getting all the things you can check out from our library system.

Our staff combines lists of new books, patron requests, and book reviews to decide what new books to buy. They catalog the information and get the new titles ready for you to check out. This talented group also mends books that are damaged and hard to replace.

Pikes Peak Library District Foundation One donation says so much

The Pikes Peak Library District Foundation’s sole mission is to raise and manage funds for the exclusive benefit of the Library District. Our Foundation team works to secure contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations to further the Library’s strategic plan. Every charitable gift we receive makes an impact in the lives of our patrons. But don’t take our word for it. Here is a testimonial from one of the Library’s English as a Second Language students: “I met people at PPLD who come from many different cultures and languages. The first meeting I had with Lacey Miller [Library Instruction Designer] and the students was very welcoming. Everyone asked about my culture, how to write my name, how to pronounce my name. The teacher also shared about her American culture. She spoke about laws, what is permissible, and what is not. All this helped me quickly adapt to my new situation in Colorado Springs. When

I completed my course, Ms. Lacey advised me to continue pursuing my goal of excellent English language skills. She provided advice that helped me decide on my future goals.

The library management, employees, and volunteers greet me with a beautiful smile and listen to me with interest. I am very thankful. ESL at the library is an important course for all newcomers. We must support the library for their wonderful work. I express my heartfelt thanks for the special team at PPLD including Ms. Lacey Miller and Mrs. Teona ShainidzeKrebs [Director of Adult Education].”

Make a charitable donation to create more life-changing stories like this one. Simply visit ppld.org/foundation and click ‘Donate Now.’ For more information, email foundation@ppld.org or call (719) 531- 6333, x6890.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Featured Library Hats off to Holley

Ruth Holley Library is one of 14 libraries serving patrons of Pikes Peak Library District. It is the only library facility to carry the name of a person, a beloved librarian. The Ruth Holley Library is currently located at 685 N. Murray Blvd. and has served the local area since July of 1987. This library has expanded over the years and is highly utilized by local residents who enjoy the vast resources and services the library offers.

Ruth Holley joined the Library District as a bookmobile librarian in 1967. In 1973 she was appointed supervisor, the first African American to head a local library, leading the newly opened East Library at 1905 N. Academy Blvd. Mrs. Holley retired in 1983.

The original East Library where Holley worked moved to a larger facility at 1606 N. Academy Blvd. on June 3, 1976, becoming the East Library and Information Center at 5550 N. Union Blvd. But there was still a need for a library in the Rustic Hills area. A new library was opened in the Murray Plaza Shopping Center on July 25, 1987, and was named for Ruth Holley, who had inspired thousands of patrons.

At a recent rededication of the Ruth Holley Library, numerous friends and coworkers shared how Ruth touched their lives with her kindness and unselfish commitment to 16

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the community. Coworker Gwen Henderson recalled that Holley “was always pleasant and approachable; someone you were drawn to and who was highly respected.” Holley was also known to set aside books for patrons that she thought they might like. Some patrons would be upset when she was on vacation because they needed Ruth to make their selections for them.

Ruth Holley was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1916. She moved at an early age with her family to Denver where she graduated Manual Training High School. Ruth studied at the Los Angeles City College and Howard University.

She married John S. Holley in 1943. Mrs. Holley moved to Colorado Springs in 1967, when she began working for PPLD. After retiring in 1983, she served as a part-time librarian in the Christian Science Reading Room for a local church. Holley died in July of 1986 after suffering a stroke.

Ruth’s husband, John S. Holley, was a local author. His out-of-print book, The Invisible People of the Pikes Peak Region: An Afro-American Chronicle, was first published in 1990. The book shares stories about his wife. The Library District’s Regional History and Genealogy department, along with the Pioneers Museum, is currently overseeing the republishing of Holley’s book.

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Business Services Taking care of business

Pikes Peak Library District has many resources and services available for the business community. A good place to start is to take the Minding Your Business class, taught three times a month at the Library. It is a 90-minute overview of the tools you need to start or grow your business. It covers books and other materials and includes databases and services available to you so you can make the best decisions for your business.

Because when it comes to business, knowledge is power!

We’ll help you identify your industry and where you fit in, determine how many competitors you have, and find new vendor sources to keep your costs down while maintaining your business’ efficiency. We can also help you find financing

sources, marketing information, and much more.

Thirteen of our libraries have laptop computers that you can check out to work on your business. Our desktop computers are available for an hour, and our laptops are available for three hours at a time. We also have coworking spaces. You can use our video and recording studios to create content for your business website, YouTube, and for advertising.

Learn about all our no- and low-cost resources by attending the upcoming annual Business Resource Fair, which will be held on Mon., May 13 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Library 21c.

Find out more about our Business and Entrepreneurial Center at ppld.org/business-center.

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

#ShareYourSpark with Allan Cano Hola to hello with Cano

Save for his wife, Allan Cano was alone in America.

He jettisoned everything to which he had become accustomed in order to start a new life. Family, friends, culture and career. All thousands of miles away.

Cano moved to America with his wife in 2016. The pair met in his home country of Nicaragua after she, an American, traveled to the faraway land to learn Spanish. They were married in 2014, but she was drawn back home to be near family. Cano followed.

He found life in the new country isolating. Language presented the most substantial obstacle.

“One of my biggest problems was going to the grocery store,” Cano said. “When I was trying to buy something, I would think ‘How can I leave here? I will have to talk to someone to pay.’”

The decision to leave Nicaragua weighed on Cano.

“The first year, I cried,” he said. “I didn’t feel part of this country.”

But now he stands with his head held high, having found his stride in Colorado through classes at Pikes Peak Library District. He’s quick to ask questions about his new language and logs away tidbits for future use. Cano’s work ethic and outgoing personality are infectious.

Back home, Cano studied English at a university but said his skills weren’t strong enough to find a job. And English classes in America were far too expensive.

“The first thing I wanted to do when I arrived was get a job,” he said. “But all the jobs, they needed English speakers. So I can’t apply.” The catch, of course, is that without a job, Cano couldn’t afford private English lessons.

Cano’s wife broke the cycle. “She found me this library sheet,” he said. “It said they had classes for free, and I decided to try.”

Cano called the number for Spanish speakers on the bottom of a flyer advertising the Library’s English as a Second 18

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Language classes. A Spanish-speaking employee walked him through the program, orientation, placement exams, and how to find classes at the library branch closest to his home.

The classes sparked a positive change in his life, Cano said.

“I was very motivated,” he said. “Outside of class I would watch YouTube videos, and I asked my wife if we could speak English at home.”

Cano learned so quickly he became a mentor for others in his classes.

“Allan inspires our other learners to push themselves beyond the boundaries of the classroom,” said Kyle Beargeon, adult education instructor at PPLD. “You don’t get a diploma for learning English; it is a lifelong process that must transcend lesson plans into their everyday lives.

Learners consistently need encouragement and community.

Fortunately, there is a sense of community in these rooms at the library because of people like Allan.”

The language skills shifted Cano’s perspective. He made acquaintances with so many others like himself. Although they hailed from different countries and cultures, they now belonged to the same tribe and connected through their ever-growing grasp of English.

“When I meet people from Asia, Lebanon [and] Mexico even, because their culture is very different from mine, it is very cool to talk about how we do things in our country, and it’s all in English,” Cano said. “I like to learn about when they arrive here, what they are doing, how they are doing.”

Rising through the ranks of his classes, Cano now volunteers in the same entry-level courses with which he once began, guiding students through the same nervous corridors he navigated barely two years ago.

Cano now coaches youth soccer part time, thanks to the English skills he learned in Library classes. The position is his job, but also a learning opportunity.

“At the beginning, I was nervous,” he said. “Because when I coach, I have to explain everything in English. But my students have even started to help me. When I say a new word for the first time, if I say it wrong, they say ‘Coach!

Try to say it this way next time.’”

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

For a full-time coaching position, Cano said his supervisor requires an American GED. Fortunately, he can turn to a familiar resource in the Library, which also offers GED courses.

“Math and science are the same in any language, so I’m taking those first,” Cano said.

He’s also preparing for his U.S. Citizenship Exam this November, again through the Library District, which offers Path to Citizenship courses.

“I take everything I can at the library,” he said. “If I don’t have a full-time job, I should take advantage of my time to go to classes in the morning and in the night. Why not? I’m Allan teaching at PPLD 2019

not losing anything.”

The benefits of learning English are obvious, but Cano said he’s learned so much more than just a language.

“Pikes Peak Library District is not just teaching you English, they help you become part of the community,” he said.

“They teach you how to find transportation, to take care of your information, everything it takes to be part of the community. This is very important for me.”

Do you have a story about how the Library impacted your life? Share how PPLD sparked your story at ppld.org/spark, or on social media with #shareyourspark.

Allan coaching soccer 2019

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PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT DISCOVERY

Pikes Peak Library District Discovery Spring 2019 / Volume 1, Issue 1

Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees

Wayne A. Vanderschuere, President Debbie English, Vice President Scott Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer Keith Clayton, II Cathy Grossman Mina Liebert Dr. Ned C. Stoll

Executive Editor Michelle Ray Managing Editor David Kelly Staff Writers Kayah Swanson Jeremiah Walter Graphic Designer Nicole Enger Contributors Britt Bloom Becca Cruz Lance James Brett Lobello Nancy Maday Lacey Miller Jenny Pierce Amy Rodda John Spears Terry Zarsky

Spring 2019 Volume 1, Issue 1

Cheyenne Mountain Library

ppld.org

Manitou Springs Library

1785 S. 8th St. #100, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 (719) 531-6333, x7001

701 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 (719) 531-6333, x7004

East Library

Mobile Library Services

Fountain Library

1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument, CO 80132 (719) 531-6333, x7005

High Prairie Library

2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (719) 531-6333, x7006

Library 21c

66 Lower Glenway St., Palmer Lake, CO 80133 (719) 531-6333, x7007

5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 531-6333, x7014 230 S. Main St., Fountain, CO 80817 (719) 531-6333, x7002 7035 Old Meridian Rd., Peyton, CO 80831 (719) 531-6333, x7003 20

(719) 531-6333

LEARN PPLD.ORG 1175 ChapelMORE Hills Dr.,AT Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 531-6333, x7012

(719) 531-6333, x2313

Monument Library

Old Colorado City Library

Palmer Lake Library

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