Pikes Peak Library District’s Winter Adult Reading Program starts early

The Pikes Peak Library District’s annual Winter Adult Reading Program is beginning Jan. 1, one month earlier than in recent years.

The popular program encourages adults aged 18 and older to participate in activities and have a chance to win prizes. In 2025, 5,781 people registered for the program, up 14% from 2024, the library district said in a recent news release.

Participants complete 30 days of reading and activities, like attending a library program or completing an activity listed on the program’s webpage, to earn an entry into the grand prize drawings and for chances to win other supply-limited prizes.

Registration opens online Jan. 1 and in-person Jan. 2. Please note, libraries will be closed Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday.

To celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 program is themed around Colorado and its history. A variety of engaging programs based on the theme are planned.

This year’s program also includes the Sorry, I’m Booked: Winter Adult Reading Program Party with literary trivia, a book swap, an adult Storytime, bookish crafts and book talks about titles coming out in 2026, the release said.

“The program is self-paced, which makes it flexible for even the busiest adults to participate,” Senior Librarian Heidi Buljung said in the release. “… Reading for 30 minutes every day for a month will help people build strong reading habits for the whole year and beyond. Attending library programs also counts toward that goal, so participants have the option to get out and do something social with their community.”

El Paso County updates public comment process

El Paso County is updating its public comment process for public meetings to ensure consistent procedures and improve meeting efficiency, the county said in a recent news release.

As part of the update, county staff will no longer call participants for public comment. Officials said several other avenues for providing public input will still be available.

The change takes effect on Jan. 13.

The call-in process was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure there was no disruption to public comment.

Officials said calling people for public comment has, over time, presented recurring technical challenges that have affected the quality and accessibility of meetings.

Participation in the call-in format has also been low; most residents engage in person or through written submissions, options that both remain available.

Residents can share input in the following ways:

-In person during public meetings. Meeting schedules and agendas are available at agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso.

-By email. Contact information for commissioners and departments is available at: elpasoco.com/contact-us.

-Through Citizen Connect: Submit comments and questions to El Paso County commissioners at citizenconnect.elpasoco.com.

People should request ADA accommodations at least 24 hours before a meeting. Visit elpasoco.com/digital-accessibility or call 719-520-6464.

Meetings will still be livestreamed and recorded on the county’s website and social media channels.

For more information on meetings, agendas and opportunities for public comments, visit elpasoco.com/public-meetings.

Education accolades

Palmer Ridge High School graduate Alexander Fraser was recently invited to join Albion College’s Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine in Albion, Mich.

Kyah Munguya of Monument was recently recognized by McPherson College in central Kansas as a fall 2025 honor roll student. Students must be enrolled full-time, earning a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the honor roll.