When I was a child, a visit to my local public library meant a chance to explore beyond assigned reading at school. I loved being able to choose any book I wanted, even though I struggled to read them. I’m dyslexic, and my reading level was far behind the rest of my class. Fortunately, the library had a wide range of interesting picture and comic books for me to muddle my way through.

The library also encouraged me to go outside of my reading comfort zone with its annual reading program that challenged kids to read in order to earn prizes. The reading program and variety of books helped encourage me to pick up familiar and new books to practice with, and I eventually worked my way from only being able to read parts of speech bubbles in comic books to reading full pages. For me, that was a tremendous feat. This is the impact of public libraries.

Libraries today offer even more opportunities than when I was a kid.

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is a vital lifeline for the whole community, from providing early literacy support for kids and safe hangout spaces for teens to connecting small business owners with meeting rooms and printing. The district offers many resources, programs, and classes that foster learning and fight social isolation.

Seniors can learn how to identify fraud or pick up new skills with tools like 3D printers and computerized sewing machines in the makerspaces. Kids and teens can develop strong research skills using library databases. Families can connect while playing board games or putting together genealogy projects. These opportunities are only a small part of what PPLD provides. The library also offers access to public computers and WiFi, tutoring options, books, regional history archives, a toy library, literacy programs for children, passes to local museums and attractions, and more.

Over the summer, I had an unexpected glimpse of the little me who struggled to read. We received a thank-you note from a parent who had signed their child up for PPLD’s annual Summer Adventure reading program. They said their child is dyslexic and felt reluctant to read, but by the end of the program felt much more confident after participating in the program. Just like my library did for me, PPLD made a difference for this child and continues to do so for the whole community.

Support from the community allows the PPLD Foundation to continue supporting the library through capital projects that keep its buildings running smoothly. Donations are a vital part of Library funding that makes our community flourish. Give back to your community and help us continue enriching our community this season by making a gift to the PPLD Foundation at ppld.org/donate.

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 cabamesberger@ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6259.