Pikes Peak Library District history

Regional history and genealogy collections at Pikes Peak Library District are held by Special Collections in the 1905 Carnegie Library.

1917 – Colorado Springs annexes 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 majority of El Paso County citizens voted to establish a special taxing district and PPLD was formed.

1968 – July 15, the Penrose Public Library is dedicated and opens.

1974 – The Jail Branch opens.

1975 – Monument Hill Branch opens and Ute Pass Library becomes a part of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).

1977 – Broadmarket Square Branch opens on South 8th Street.

1979 – Fountain Branch in Fountain, Colorado, opens.

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

Calhan Branch in Calhan, Colorado, opens; closes in 1982.

1984 - PPLD implements the floating collection (one of the first libraries in the nation to do so), saving money and providing patron-driven collections.

The district's second major facility is constructed with a $10 million bond issue approved by the voters in 1985.

1987 – The East Library and Information Center opens on January 11th.

1988 – The Sand Creek and Criminal Justice Center branches open.

1989 – The Rockrimmon Branch Library opens.

1993 – The Cheyenne Mountain Branch library opens, expanding services and replacing the Broadmarket Square Branch.

1994 – District sells Antlers Garage to the El Paso County Retirement Plan and purchases Sand Creek Branch.

1996 – Antlers Garage is purchased from El Paso County Retirement Plan.

1999 – Renovation of Penrose Public Library is completed with a new floor plan, west window reading bays, a new Children’s Section, Internet stations, and expanded Reference and Nonfiction sections.

2000 – The Gates Computer Lab, with 11 computer stations, is opened at Penrose Public Library with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

2003 – Events and programs were planned throughout the year to celebrate 100 years of libraries in the Pikes Peak region, to heighten awareness of the District’s 11 locations and 2 Mobile Libraries, as well as to encourage patrons to become familiar with the District’s numerous resources.

2004 – The District reached an important benchmark in 2004, exceeding 6,000,000 circulations and maintaining a turnover rate of 6, outstanding achievements for a public library system.

2005 – PPLD opened its first new branch library in 16 years in 2005.

In 2006, PPLD starts eBranch, enabling patrons to download eBooks and audio materials to their electronic devices.

2008 – PPLD purchased a van, funded primarily by a grant from The Colorado Trust, to be used for a mobile services program to various senior facilities throughout the region.

2009 – Work on the Sand Creek Branch renovation was completed early in the year, providing increased computer access, PPLD's first drive-thru holds pick up, and expanded collections and meeting space.

2010 – PPLD incorporated radio frequency identification technology into its collection and all facilities.

2011 - Library Express, a vending machine stocked with popular books and DVDs, begins operation in the First & Main Town Center, giving PPLD its first presence on the Powers Corridor.

He retired from the Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2012 to launch a consulting business allowing him the freedom to pursue his love of history, writing and the arts.

The town of Manitou Springs voted to join PPLD effective January 2013.

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."

2015 Call for Proposals

2016 Call for Proposals

2017 Call for Proposals

2018 Call for Proposals

2019 – PPLD opened its 15th library in Calhan, Colo., on Nov.