Although loving books is not a requirement of working at Pikes Peak Library District, my love of both reading and community are definite benefits. I enjoy working for an organization that supports readers of all ages, levels, and interests knowing that I am part of supporting the diverse communities throughout El Paso County. I also enjoy seeing the list our data team puts together each year showing the top checkouts for the previous year. Library resources and services extend far beyond books, but I absolutely love seeing what treasures my neighbors throughout El Paso County spent their time reading the prior year.

In 2023, PPLD library cardholders checked out 2,298,021 physical materials and 3,096,369 digital materials. The top three most checked-out adult books were The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line by Mari K. Eder (1,088 borrows), Simply Lies by David Baldacci (954 borrows), and Lessons in Chemistry by Nonnie Garmus (953 borrows). For teen books, the top three were Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (425 borrows), Scythe by Neal Shusterman (398 borrows), and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (329 borrows). In Juvenile books, the top books were The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor (915 borrows), Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (801 borrows), and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (764 borrows).

The fact that the most checked-out adult book was the 2023 community book for All Pikes Peak Reads uniquely captures our community’s participation in Library programs. More than 156,790 people attended the Library’s 6,533 programs. Even I stepped out of my reading comfort zone to read this work of WWII-era nonfiction. It was a treat reading together with the community and catching Mari K. Eder’s author presentation and book signing when she visited the Library.

One program that blew me away with outstanding participation numbers was the Winter Adult Reading Program. Last year’s program had 4,061 people register, far surpassing prior years. The Winter Adult Reading Program challenges participants ages 18 and older to complete 30 days of reading and activities over a two-month period. It is a fun way to develop brain-healthy reading habits, explore a variety of activities, and get rewarded for your reading. People who finish their challenge earn the limited-edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug and entry into the grand prize drawing.

Now is the perfect time to think about your own reading journey. The 2024 Winter Reading Program started on Feb. 1 and there’s still time to sign up! Spend time reading and doing engaging activities to complete your own 30-day challenge before the program ends on Sun., March 31. Stop by the Library to learn more and register, or visit ppld.org/winter-reading to register online.

Carla Bamesberger is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Pikes Peak Library District. Besides reading and touting all that the District offers, this Coloradoan enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, biking, crafting, and gaming. She can be reached at cbamesberger@ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6259.