By Harriet Halbig
The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be upgrading a major system that allows patrons to check out books, reserve titles, browse the catalog, and manage their library experience.
There will be service disruptions from Nov. 29 to Dec. 11 while the upgrade takes place. During that time, patrons will not be able to place holds, items cannot be checked back in (they can be returned and will be held until Dec. 11), the online catalog and PPLD app will be unavailable, and new library cards cannot be created.
All PPLD locations will be closed Dec. 10 and 11 to test the new system and check items back in. There will not be a disruption to online databases, the Libby and Hoopla apps, and Pikes Peak Culture Pass.
Patrons will be able to request interlibrary loans and can check out materials with their library card or account number (staff will not be able to look up this information).
Following the transition, patrons will enjoy new features in the online catalog:
- Book listings will be grouped by format (book, audiobook, large print).
- Clickable author biographies will be available.
- Titles will provide grade-level information and make suggestions for other materials.
- The catalog will be able to offer possible results if the information entered is misspelled and make suggestions for similar materials
- Patrons will have the option of having the system save their checkout history.
For up-to-date, detailed information on the transition, please see the district website, ppld.org.
Although the meeting room will be unavailable Dec. 1-11, some programs will be offered.
December programs
Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 (except for Dec. 23) allows children to practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading with our lovable volunteer Paws to Read Therapy dogs.
The German Conversation group, an adult group of intermediate or advanced German speakers, will meet on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 (except for Dec. 1 and 8).
Socrates Café, a discussion group for adults, will meet from 1 to 3 on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, and Dec. 30.
Story Time, for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers, will meet from 10:30 to 11 on Tuesday, Dec. 16
Toddler Time, for children ages 1-2, will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11. Space is limited.
An adult program, Cocoa Blend Workshop, will be offered from 11 to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13. Learn about and experiment with different types of cocoa and other ingredients to create personalized cocoa blends. Take your custom blends home to enjoy yourself or create a special gift for a friend. Registration is required at 719-488-2370.
The Third Friday Friends of PPLD Book Group will meet on Friday, Dec. 19, from 10:30 to 12:30. This group is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library. The December Selection is The Women with Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck.
An Idea Lab program for ages 5 to 12 is Andy Warhol’s Tray Prints from 4:30 to 5:15 on Friday, Dec. 19. Join us for an exciting workshop where you’ll create your own Pop Art masterpiece inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic screen prints. Learn simple printmaking techniques and unleash your creativity.
The teen Dungeons and Dragons group for ages 13-18 will meet from 4 to 5:45 on Saturday, Dec. 20. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans alike are welcome to participate. Space is limited to eight players, and registration is required at 719-488-2370.
Holiday schedule changes
All Pikes Peak Library facilities will be closed all day Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Libraries will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 and remain closed on Jan 1.
Happy holidays from your library!
Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Other Pikes Peak Library District articles
- February Library Events – Quilt exhibit, craft groups, device drop-in, and tax assistance (3/4/2026)
- February Library Events – Winter Adult Reading continues, free tax preparation help begins, Monument Open House (2/4/2026)
- January Library Events – Winter Adult Reading Program, homeschool program, adult book swap (12/31/2025)
- November Library Events – Programs on crafts, end of life, care for caregivers (10/30/2025)
- October Library Events – Book clubs, escape room, scrap exchange (10/2/2025)
- September Library Events – Book clubs, Art for Older Adults, Palmer Lake concert (9/3/2025)
- August Library Events – Book clubs, Dungeons and Dragons, Palmer Lake Big Band concert (7/31/2025)
- June Library Events – Summer Adventure reading program begins, special programs offered (6/7/2025)
- May Library Events – Craft programs, Dungeons and Dragons, book groups (5/3/2025)
- April Library Events – Monument Library 50th anniversary; programs for all ages (4/5/2025)
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