This fall, the Pikes Peak Library District will branch out with construction of the High Prairie Branch Library in Falcon.

It will house 14,000 items and allow easy access to the library district’s 1.3 million piece collection.

The new 6,000-square-foot building will be located next to Farmers State Bank at the corner of U.S. 24 and Meridian Road. It is the district’s first venture east of Powers Boulevard.

Library officials chose the location as demand on mobile service in the area skyrocketed, said Dolores Fowler, Pikes Peak Library District Foundation executive officer.

“The bookmobile was filled to overflowing with holds,” Fowler said. Patrons were waiting in line when the vehicle drove up and often had to wait to enter the cramped bus.

The branch is expected to open in spring 2010. It will feature a fireplace, wireless high-speed Internet access, children and teen areas and a community meeting room.

Construction costs, estimated to total $3 million, have been covered by grants and donations.

Community support through the Bucks for Books drive, a fundraiser sponsored by Farmers State Bank, influenced the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to award the library a $500,000 grant. Other major contributions came from Mountain View Electric Cooperative’s Round Up Fund and a federal Department of Transportation Congestion Mitigation Air Quality grant. Farmers State Bank donated the land.

High Prairie will be the library district’s 14th branch.

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