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Susan M. Peiffer

Susan M. Peiffer was inaugurated as the 5th Pikes Peak Poet Laureate on April 24, 2016. Susan will serve as Poet Laureate until April 2018.

Susan Peiffer is a published and nationally recognized poet who studied creative writing and theology at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. With graduate degrees from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Susan taught at a private high school in Delaware for six years. As program director of a non-profit in Philadelphia, she had the opportunity to organize a young leader’s program enabling participants to effectively speak their own stories. She coached the Delawhere? Youth Slam Team to the Brave New Voices championship in Oakland, CA. Since relocating to Colorado Springs in 2012, Susan has become deeply invested in the local poetry community. Currently the Program Director of Hear Here Poetry, she has facilitated several workshops and classes on different aspects of writing and performance, was named the RAW Colorado Springs Artist of the Year, and was the recipient of three Pikes Peak Arts Council awards for excellence in performance poetry and leadership. She is an animated and inclusive presenter who readily engages audiences and inspires the unique circumstances into which poems arrive. Susan is eager to continue connecting different facets of the community through the shared experience of crafting words.

The Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Project is a partnership of the Pikes Peak Library District, the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Radio Station KCME, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, Pikes Peak Arts Council, Hear Here Poetry, the Fountain Valley School, the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District, Pikes Peak Community College and Poetry West.

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The first and third Saturday afternoon of every month this summer, join us at MAKE @ East to build an interactive outdoor game. Bring yourself, or come with friends and family, and learn to make the following fun games:

June 4 Ladder Golf
June 18 Build a Kite
July 2 Sidewalk Chalk
July 16 Ring Toss
August 6 Bean Bag Toss
August 20 Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe

Registration is required for many of these programs. Please see the online calendar or a reference desk for details. Programs are available while supplies last.

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Penrose Library is hosting an open mic night!

When: Thursday, June 16, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Garden at Penrose Library

  • Participants can sign up the day of the event starting at 5 p.m.
  • Sign up is first come first serve
  • Sets are no longer than 20 minutes
  • Lyrics should be appropriate for all ages
  • All styles and levels of experience are welcome

Mic and speakers will be provided, but performers may bring their own equipment.

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When: Mon., Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Mountain Vista Home School Academy - 2400 Slater Ave. 80905

It’s time again for the Mountain Vista Home School Academy Book Swap and Sale! This will be our fourth time holding this event; we had incredibly successful previous years of sales, with families earning over $1500! The Swap and Sale is hosted by MVHSA, and is open to community – specifically home-schooling families! This event is free to all attendees. Participants are welcome to sell home schooling curriculum, manipulatives, and items that can assist in the education of students in the home environment.

If you are interested in selling or trading items at this event, please email the MVHSA office (ramartinez@hsd2.org) no later than August 5th.

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On Your Mark, Get Set... READ!

PPLD Kids presents Summer Reading 2016! Join us for an amazing, fun, and educational summer! From June 1 - July 31, attend special FREE summer programs and sign up for the Summer Reading Game to win prizes for reading! You can register on ppld.org or at your local library starting June 1. For a list of fun events, keep an eye on ppld.org or pick up a Summer Reading events calendar at your local library in June!

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Stars

Join Penrose Library and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society for a summer star party! Learn all about summer constellations with a lecture presented by a member of the CSAS from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. and then we'll head outside to examine the night sky.

No registration is required for this free event.

  • When: Saturday, June 4 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Blvd.
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Pikes Peak Library District is pleased to announce the following winners of the Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest:

  • Ella Batson, “The Form of a Mystery”
  • Sophia DeJoia, “Mountain Gem”
  • Dara S. Kurbegov, “Mysteries of Nature”
  • Brooke Steinberg, “Mystery Murder”
  • Sage Stoecklein, “Mystery?”
  • Anna Winslow, “The Mystery of Me”

You can watch the winners read their poems below:

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AudioFile Magazine is sponsoring Audiobook SYNC again this summer. This free program gives teens access to 30 different audiobooks throughout the summer. Two titles are available for download each week. To find out more, visit http://www.audiobooksync.com/.

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High Country Home Educators will be hosting our used curriculum book sale on Thursday, June 2, in partnership with the HOME Support Group.

The sale will be from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at New Life Church in the Theater.
Admission will be two canned food items (proteins preferred) or $2.00 for adults attending.

We look forward to again serving our members and the homeschool community and encourage you to invite those you know to come to the sale. We’d love to have lots of area families coming to find great deals on good used curriculum and educational materials.

If you have questions about the sale, email SGEventsdir@hche.org.

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Teen Fiction Writing Contest

The Challenge:
Write an original fiction story of up to 2,500 words that begins with the sentence “The picture on the website had lied.” What happens after that is up to you!

Rules:

  • All participants must fill out this form and submit your piece via this link by June 15, 2016. The file format should be compatible with Microsoft Word 2010. If you need to convert a file, please visit a library location.
  • All participants must be going into grades 6-12 in the 2016-2017 school year.
  • All participants must be an El Paso County resident.
  • Word count must not exceed 2,500 words. Word count will be established by using Microsoft Word 2010. Points will be automatically deducted from the total score of the piece if the word count exceeds 2,500 words.
  • Pieces must be double-spaced and in 12 point Times New Roman or Calibri font with the title and page number in the upper-right-hand corner.
  • Only one entry per person.
  • The entry must begin with the line “The picture on the website had lied”

FAQ

When will I know if I have won?
We will notify participants by mid-July if they have won an award. All participants and their friends and family are invited to the Awards Ceremony on Monday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Library, regardless of if they won an award.

Are you publishing the anthology again?
Yes! We will be publishing the top five in both middle school and high school (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and two honorable mentions).

Will I get feedback for my work?
Yes! If you attend the awards ceremony, you can pick up a copy of your work with judges’ comments on it.

Do I have to turn in my story online?
Yes. To better facilitate the process, we are requiring all stories be turned in digitally. You can stop by any PPLD location to use one of our computers for this purpose.

Questions? Contact Corrie Van Bemden at cvanbemden@ppld.org!

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There will be 3 categories with a bird-related prize for the winner of each category:

  • Adults (ages 19 and up): Build a FUNCTIONAL birdhouse/nesting box – judged by professionals
  • Teens (ages 12-18): Build a FUNCTIONAL birdhouse/nesting box – judged by professionals
  • Adults AND Teens: Build a PURELY DECORATIVE Birdhouse – judged by popular vote “People’s Choice Award”

Rules
1. One submission per person in your age group for the functional and one for the decorative.
2. Birdhouse/nesting box must be made by you – no kits please.
3. Functional birdhouse/nesting box must be species specific for local birds and may not be painted. (You may stain it with non-toxic water based stain.)
4. Entry must have your name, (age if teen), contact information, and tell which bird species the house is made for (if it is a functional birdhouse).
5. Decorative birdhouses may be painted and must NOT have a hole for the bird. It should have a flat bottom and not be larger than a copy paper box.
6. Birdhouses/nesting boxes will be on display at Library 21c during the month of June 2016. PPLD is not responsible for any damage that may occur.

Submission Guidelines
1. One entry per person in your age group for the functional and one for the decorative.
2. Drop off your birdhouse/nesting box at Library 21c (teen or adult desk) from Tuesday, May 31 - Tuesday, June 7.
3. Entry form must be included with birdhouse/nesting box. To print an entry form, click here.
4. Pick up your birdhouse/nesting box at Library 21c (teen or adult desk) from Tuesday, June 28 - Wednesday, July 6. (Any birdhouse/nesting box not picked up becomes property of PPLD.)

To view birdhouse specifications for specific species, click here.

You can vote for your favorite birdhouse at Library 21c from Wednesday, June 8 - Saturday, June 18.

Contact Robin at (719) 884-9800, x6359 or rmisciagna@ppld.org with any questions.

Sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited #023, Colorado Springs Wild Bird Center, and This Place Is for the Birds.

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Summer Reading Photography Contest!

Do you express yourself through photography? New to the art of taking pictures? "Get in the Game" and submit a photo for the Summer Reading Photography Contest!

Theme: Get in the Game! "Get in the Game" refers to so many aspects of life. It applies to athletes, gamers, and being involved!

Entry Deadline: Sunday, June 26, 2016

General Information:

  • The photographs will be juried by a panel of teen volunteers.
  • There will be a reception for participants and families at the East Library on July 30 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Photographs will be on display at East Library during the month of August.

Guidelines:

  • Contest is open to grades 6 - 12
  • Submit one photo (sized to 8x10 and between 150 - 300 dpi) per person
  • Include a paragraph explaining why the photo fits the theme
  • Use the online entry form to submit your photograph
  • In order to win a prize, participants must live within the Pikes Peak Library District (most of El Paso County, except for Security/Widefield).

For more information, email Joanna at jrendon@ppld.org.

Need a camera? Borrow one for FREE!

  • Set up an appointment to checkout a camera by emailing the Center for Public Media and mentioning the Summer Reading Photography Contest.
  • An orientation will be required before or during checkout.
  • For teens under 18, a parent or guardian will need to check out the camera on his/her library card.

The Summer Reading Photography Contest is made possible in part through the generosity of Charlie Mussi.

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Minding Your Business

Saturday, May 28, 10-11:30 a.m.

Learn how to research starting or growing a business or how to find a job in Minding Your Business. This class covers print sources, electronic databases and websites to help find information on industry, competition, vendors, financials, and more.

LinkedIn Basics

Wednesday, May 18, 9-10:30 a.m.

LinkedIn is a professional social network that allows you to search for jobs or network with others in your field. Learn the basics of LinkedIn - setting up a profile, finding contacts, navigating the main tabs, giving/receiving endorsements, and how to use LinkedIn to search for jobs.

Facebook Business Pages

Tuesday, May 24th, 12-1:30 p.m.

Put Facebook to work for your business by learning the basics of Facebook Business Pages. Create your page, learn to navigate the interface, and get tips on the types of content that drives interest in your business.

Pre-requisite: Students must already have a personal Facebook page and know their login information.

Grow Your Business: Part Two

Monday, May 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

In this hands-on workshop, learn and apply need-to-know marketing basics and leave with a plan to grow your business.
Topics for Part Two Include:
Branding
Pricing Strategies
Place/Distribution
Promotion
- Effective Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Public Relations (PR) and Communications
- Sales Promotion
Competition
Positioning
Presented by Jamie Wagner, MBA

Ordinary to Outstanding: How to Achieve More Success than Ever Before

Wednesday, May 11, 6-7 p.m.

Have you had a dream, but were unsure how to achieve it? Or have you started towards a goal, but came up short of making it? In this interactive, workshop-style class, you'll learn strategies to define what you want, improve your success odds, deal with set backs, and even find out the most important trait of success. The one hour you spend will give you information and tools to achieve incredible success for a lifetime.

Wordpress Business Fundamentals

Saturday, May 14, 1-5 p.m.

The WordPress Business Fundamentals Workshop will show you how to get the most out of the self-hosted version of WordPress and create feature-rich business website. This course reviews how to download, configure, and upload WordPress to your web host. Then we'll dive fully into the tools within WordPress, demonstrating how to setup your site, pages and content. This course also includes tutorials on everything from adding images, formatting, troubleshooting and hyperlinks.

Craft Show Crash Course

Monday, May 16th, 3-5:30 p.m.

A workshop for Handcrafted Artisans to begin selling at craft fairs.

Resumes that Get Results

Thursday, May 19th, 4-6 p.m.

Are you sending out multiple resumes and not getting the results you want? Is your resume an accurate portrayal of your true knowledge, skills and abilities? Are you using a generalized resume instead of a targeted resume? Are you using the correct resume format for your specific job search situation? With so many people searching for a job what is the best method to use to find employment?

Join Don Ostrander at the Resumes That Work class to find out the answers to these questions as well as learning how to create a resume that will put more emphasis on what you have to offer a potential employer and tips that will help your resume stand out from those of your competition.

Rev Up Your Digital Marketing Efforts

Wednesday, May 25th, 6-7 p.m.

Rev Up Your Digital Marketing Efforts: how your online presence can be like owning the car of your dreams
Would you like to "rev up" your business online presence through your website, paid advertising, search engine optimization, and social media? Come learn the basics of each of these platforms and see what you can put to work in your business.

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Teen Summer Reading is Coming Soon!

Teen Summer Reading starts on June 1 and runs through July 31. Anyone going into grades 6 - 12 can participate! Starting June 1, you can register online at or stop by your local library.

Earn prizes for reading! Read for fun and read anything you would like! Up for grabs are: coupons, books or journals, t-shirts, tablets, and more!

Join other teens at your library and participate in many different programs being offered throughout the summer including game and tech days, craft and make programs, movie screenings and more!

How the game works: For each of the three levels, read 3 books or 9 hours. To complete the program, teens need to read a total of 9 books or 27 hours by July 31.

Find more information online starting June 1!

See you this summer at the library!

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Congratulations to the winners of our first All Pikes Peak Writes, PPLD's adult fiction writing contest. The victors were announced at Mountain of Authors on Saturday, April 23.

1st Place
“Sub-Zero” by Lizbeth Tarpy
1st place prizes include: year’s subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine, copy of Writer’s Market 2016, and Livescribe 2GB Echo Smartpen

2nd Place
“Journey by Train” by Susan Eitemiller
2nd place prizes include: year’s subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine and copy of Writer’s Market 2016

3rd Place
“Tea Party” by Heidi Balaraman
3rd place prizes include: year’s subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine

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William Shakespeare - The Bard of Avon

"He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again."
Hamlet (1.2.186)

April 23, 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, Shakespeare's body of work transcends time and place. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. We're sure it comes as no surprise that PPLD has a large selection of works by The Bard in our collection.

https://pikp.ent.sirsi.net/client/PPLD/search/results?qu=william+shakesp...

What's your favorite? Mine's Hamlet. My husband likes Titus Andronicus because it's a bloodbath.

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Healthy Living @ PPLD

PPLD, the El Paso County Department of Human Services, and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region are teaming up to encourage healthy living!

Our libraries will be hosting a wide variety of programming and the opportunity to win prizes through a game that runs from April 1 through June 30.

For a complete list of Healthy Living programs, click here.

HOW TO PLAY:

  1. Register online at http://ppld-healthyliving.readingrecord.net or in person at your library
  2. Attend the PPLD Healthy Living Programs AND complete 6 activities listed on the game card
    1. Click here to download your game card!
    2. For a Mobile Libraries game card, click here.
  3. Collect prizes at the end of each level
  4. Complete all 3 levels for the grand prize drawing

RULES:

  1. Open to all ages and all PPLD library patrons
  2. Must have a library card in good standing to win grand prize
  3. PPLD employees, substitutes, and household members are not eligible for grand prizes
  4. PPLD reserves the right to substitute prizes
  5. Prizes will be awarded while supplies last

PRIZES INCLUDE:
Granola Bar, Fitness Journal, Water Bottle, and Day Pass to the YMCA

GRAND PRIZES INCLUDE:
Fitbit, YMCA 90 Day Pass, Fitness Gift Basket

This program is funded by the El Paso County Department of Human Services.

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Christine Yocum

As a California native and self-taught baker, current PPLD Artist in Residence Christine Yocum was introduced to baking at a young age by her father and grandmother. Imagine a former left tackle in college teaching his nine-year-old daughter the finer points of cookie-making. Those sweet moments birthed in her a lifelong passion for baking—in particular cookies—and the eventual opening of Art & Style Baking, an online gourmet cookie company specializing in hand-painted cookies.

Even now, when her hands are steeped in cookie dough, she can sense his tender nod of encouragement and approval. While her dad passed away before he could enjoy "the fruits of his labor," her tender-hearted daughter assures her that he would be proud.

Christine will host classes throughout the Library District about cookie painting, as well as open studio hours at Library 21c where you can watch her work and talk to her about her art.

Intro to Cookie Painting
Come by for a fun-filled time of exploring creativity as you hand-paint cookies and transform an ordinary shape into your own edible work of art! Registration required. Attendees must be at least 16 years old.

Studio Hours

  • Mon., March 28 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Tue., April 5 from 1 - 4 p.m.
  • Tue., April 12 1 - 4 p.m.
  • Mon., April 18 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Mon., April 25 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Wed., May 4 from 1 - 4 p.m.

PREVIOUS/CURRENT MAKERS/ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

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The Teen Art Contest is for teens and by teens. Teens create the art, and teens determine the winners.

The theme for our 2016 Teen Art Show & Contest was Magnify It! Teens were encouraged to take a closer look at the world around them and create a piece of artwork.

All of the artwork will be displayed at either Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c during the month of April. Questions? Contact Becca Phillipsen at (719) 884-9800, x6336 or rphillipsen@ppld.org.

Here are the winners!

High School

“My Converse Crush” by Ashley D. - Best in Show
“Rain Forest Creature” by Taya E. - 1st Place
“A Little Package of Joy” by Shauna P - 2nd Place
“Lou” by Arely A. - Coordinator’s Choice

Middle School

“The Story in an Eye” by Stephanie L. - 1st Place
“Hidden in the Flowers” by Tiya G. - 2nd Place
“Butterfly Glory” by Asia X. - Coordinator’s Choice

You can view the winning works here:

Teen Art Contest Winners - 2016

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Manitou Springs Library is hosting a monthly Anime Club on the 2nd Saturday of every month, from 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Come draw Manga, watch anime, make anime-inspired crafts, and eat snacks!

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PPLD is partnering with ELI (Entrepreneurship Learning Initiative) to present this program. The information session and book discussion are free. There is a fee for the Ice House Entrepreneurship Programs. (See description for details.)

Day Series

Ice House Information Session

  • Tue., April 26 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., Pine Room

Who Owns the Ice House? Book Discussion

  • Wed., May 4 and 11 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., Pine Room

Ice House Entrepreneurship Program

Dates:
Wed., June 1 - Introduction & Course Overview
Wed., June 8 – Lessons 1 & 2
Wed., June 15 – Lessons 3 & Opportunity Discovery Canvas
Wed., June 22 – Lessons 4 & 5
Wed., June 29 – Lessons 6 & 7
Wed., July 6 – Lesson 8 & Opportunity Discovery Canvas
Wed., July 13 – Final Presentations
Wed., July 20 - Graduation & Celebration

You can register at the following link: eventbrite.com/e/day-series-ice-house-entrepreneurship-program-tickets-21114153000. A $250 material fee is required. Need-based scholarships are available upon request (email info@elimindset.com). To learn more about the overall effort, visitIceHouseCOS.com.

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I Am Malala

With over 400 votes, the winner of the 2016 Book Madness is....

I Am Malala
by Malala Yousafzai

Thank you so much for voting and come back next year!

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Artist in Residence: Diane Crawford: Feb/March 2016

PPLD's newest Artist in Residence is Diane Crawford, a contemporary artist with twenty years experience. Originally from the upper Midwest, she left careers in corrections, law enforcement and social work to pursue the arts. While primarily self-taught, she has attended watercolor workshops by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Diane has recently lived in Hawaii and Las Vegas, and her works reflect the influences of her life and experiences.

Her mediums of choice are watercolor and alcohol inks. Her painting style is unique. She paints free-hand without drawing her designs first and rarely uses paint brushes. She uses old credit cards and drinking straws on her alcohol inks, and a palette knife on her watercolors.

Diane will host classes throughout the Library District about alcohol inks, as well as open studio hours at Library 21c during which time you can watch her work and talk to her about her art.

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Artist in Residence: Erin Gillespie: Nov/Dec 2015

PPLD's newest Artist in Residence is Erin Gillespie, a multimedia artist currently residing in Colorado Springs. Her paintings are primarily figurative or portraits, full of bold, bright colors and expressionistic qualities. After receiving her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and Painting from Colorado State University, Erin lived for many years in Portland, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona before returning to Colorado. She held positions at Pinon Fine Art Gallery and Terra Firma Fine Art in Denver, Colorado and was a member of the Arts Student League of Denver for many years. Erin is currently an art instructor teaching numerous classes at both Bemis School of Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Her work has been displayed in numerous galleries and venues, in both group and solo shows.

Erin hosted classes throughout the Library District about acrylic painting.

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Daria Wilber
PPLD's Maker in Residence for August and September 2015 is Daria Wilber. She was born in Washington, D.C. and spent the first two decades of her life in and out of the amazing array of galleries and museums in the D.C. area on a weekly basis. She studied painting and printmaking at the Maryland School of Art and Design and worked in the scene shop for a regional theater company. In the mid-2000s, Daria began to study the paper arts in earnest. In 2012 she plunged into studio papermaking after a sculptural papermaking intensive at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts with Jo Stealey. Daria currently works with papermaking and artist Helen Hiebert as a studio and teaching assistant.

During her time as Maker in Residence, Daria conducted flat paper making classes and a paper sculpture class

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