The Pikes Peak Library District is broadening community access to its creative facilities by rolling out extended hours at makerspaces and studios across several branches, including time slots when no library staff will be on hand.
The East Library was the first branch to launch the expanded schedule, with Library 21c and Sand Creek Library both preparing to follow. Studios at the participating locations are also included in the broader access expansion. Extended hours at the East Library's makerspace got underway in September.
The district framed the change as a direct answer to what community members had been asking for. A press release from the district's director of strategy and innovation credited patron requests for more time in the makerspaces and studios as the impetus, adding that a solution had been found within the existing budget and calling the new arrangement an exciting concept for patrons.
Access to the equipment is not open-ended — those who wish to use the machines must first complete training and achieve certification, after which they become eligible to reserve time during regular operating hours even when staff are not available. Qualifying for those unstaffed sessions carries additional requirements: a library card that has been in good standing for a minimum of 90 days, completion of the relevant certification coursework, and an advance booking.
Further details on the certification process can be found on the PPLD website. Confirmed start dates for the expanded hours at Library 21c and Sand Creek Library have not yet been announced.