21 C - Pikes Peak Library District

The 21st Century Library branch of Pikes Peak Library District was designed and opened as a Family Place Library in June of 2014 with the sponsorship of Children’s Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs. Our library is a community destination for families, because there are very few other public places that offer a safe indoor place and developmentally appropriate toys for families with very young children to meet and play. The family-centered environment has a play area and writing center for children and features a special area for infants. We have toys and materials that spark imaginative play, build gross and fine motor skills, and foster early literacy. We connect families with community resources and provide parenting information through our Parenting Collection and our Family Place community bulletin board. The library also now offers curbside hold checkout services for busy families. At any given time, you’ll find many families enjoying our Family Place Play Area. We also offer programs for ages 0-5 including Baby Time (0-12 months), Toddler Time (1’s & 2’s), Storytime (3+), and even yoga programs. We also host virtual programs for parents called Parenting Little Ones, which give parents the opportunity to ask questions of community resource professionals in the fields of nutrition, development, speech, behavior, and more! Families in the area come to our library because it is a special place that tells the community that the library strongly values young children and families, a social environment that encourages adults and children to play and interact, and a learning environment that provides a safe place for children to explore relationships, formulate ideas, and learn about their world. We are glad to be a Family Place Library, and we know our patrons are happy with it too.