Palmer Lake Library is set to become the first branch in the Pikes Peak Library District to operate under a hybrid-access model, giving eligible patrons access to the building from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, beginning Monday, Aug. 31.

The new model combines staffed and unstaffed hours. During staffed hours, anyone with a library card can visit. Outside of those hours, only patrons with a hybrid-access badge will be able to enter and use the facility. Under the new schedule, staff will be on-site Monday through Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taken together, the hybrid-access model will make the library available 112 hours each week, according to district officials.

PPLD says the change comes in response to community feedback requesting earlier and later hours, as well as Sunday access. The district has framed the pilot as a direct answer to patron demand for more flexible access to library facilities in the region.

Adults ages 18 and older who have held a 400-series PPLD library card for at least 90 days and are in good standing are eligible to complete training and apply for a hybrid-access badge. Prospective badge holders are required to complete a training process before gaining unstaffed entry to the building.

Palmer Lake Library is the first of three PPLD locations expected to adopt the model this year. Calhan Library is scheduled to launch hybrid access in September, followed by Ute Pass Library in December, according to PPLD. If the program is successful, PPLD says it may expand hybrid-access hours to additional library locations in 2027.

Whether patron uptake at Palmer Lake meets district expectations — and whether the September rollout at Calhan Library proceeds on schedule — will be among the early indicators of the program's viability across the district.