Pikes Peak Library District is opening the new High Prairie Library at 7035 Old Meridian Road in Falcon on Saturday, Oct. 16. The grand opening begins at 10 a.m. PPLD executive director Paula Miller, board of trustees members and High Prairie Library’s new manager Julianne Rist will cut the ribbon at the facility, ushering in a full day of activities, including giveaways for children who read with Paws to Read service dogs, a program on miniature horses at noon, a 4 p.m. cup-stacking demonstration and many other activities. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.The High Prairie Library is the first PPLD library to be built east of the Powers Boulevard corridor and will help the district meet the increasing demand for library services among the growing Falcon population. The project could not have happened without the support of the community, which included a land donation from Farmers State Bank to get the project started last year.Construction of the 6,000-square-foot library was a $3 million project that was aided by a $500,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The project was also partially funded by a $784,428 grant from the Department of Transportation’s Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Grants. Having a facility to service the eastern plains of El Paso County will reduce the amount of travel to Colorado Springs, lessening traffic congestion and air pollution.High Prairie Library was also constructed in an environmentally friendly way. Some of the green features of the building include geothermal heating and cooling, clerestory windows, energy-efficient insulation and furniture made from renewable and sustainable materials.
