Local Libraries in My Area: The Pikes Peak Library District

Spotlight on Colorado Springs: The Pikes Peak Library District

Colorado has a claim to many impressive sights, from the beautiful aspen trees that shine with rich colors in the fall to the awe-inspiring summit of Pikes Peak. Colorado also has one of the top ranked libraries in the country, the Pikes Peak Library District. Hennen's American Public Library Ratings which ranks libraries in the United States based, in part, on population, circulation of materials and visits, ranked Pikes Peak Library District number nine in the nation among libraries of it size.

Currently the Pikes Peak Library District is made up of twelve branch locations that serve areas in Colorado from Monument and Palmer Lake, to Cascade, with plans in the works for a new branch that will serve parts of eastern El Paso county, as well as a mobile library service, which provides access to library materials to those who can't get to a traditional library branch location. The Pikes Peak Library District also has a virtual library called the eBranch. All branch locations of the Pikes Peak Library District offer wireless access, among other services. Let's take a look at a few of the Pikes Peak Library District's branches.

The Sand Creek Branch library is located in south Colorado Springs, at 1821 South Academy Blvd. This branch was recently remodeled and celebrated it's grand reopening on March 21, 2009. The updated branch features open spaces, special rooms for children and teens, a drive up book return and window for picking up reserved books and other materials, computers for public use, a cafe area, self-checkout machines and meeting and study rooms. The Sand Creek branch also offers free computer classes on subjects like Computer Basics and learning word processing with Microsoft Word. As was mentioned earlier there is wireless access and special programs for toddlers and children. Members of the community who wish to visit the branch but lack transportation will find the branch can be reached by using our local bus routes. The Sand Creek branch is open, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.