Palmer Lake Library to offer expanded hybrid-access hours starting late August

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Palmer Lake Library will become the first branch in the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to offer hybrid-access hours, 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.

PPLD says the change comes in response to community feedback requesting earlier and later hours, as well as Sunday access.

Under the new schedule, staff will be available:

• Monday through Wednesday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The hybrid-access model will make the library available 112 hours each week, says officials.

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.

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.

PPLD says if the program is successful, it may expand hybrid-access hours to additional library locations in 2027. For training and badge applications, click here.

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