Your morning starts here.

Families can enjoy free movies, books, classes, and makerspaces at Pikes Peak Library District to stretch their budgets and spend quality time together.

Residents can register (at any branch) for a library card to access tutoring, homework help, and creative projects.

Pinello Elementary in Security-Widefield installed its first centralized air conditioning system over the summer to cool classrooms after record 90-degree temperatures.

Meanwhile, older campuses still rely on fans and water breaks as they await potential upgrades from a planned bond measure.

Colorado Springs is developing a Housing Action Plan designed to boost affordable housing for low-income workers — the plan will guide City Council decisions to lower cost burdens, as over 11% of residents currently pay more than half their income on housing.

On Saturday (Aug. 29), Hipcamp announced its 2026 Hipcamp Awards highlighting 12 top Colorado campsites, including Basalt Mountain Homestead and Camp Overland.

The list offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of unique camping spots across the region.

The Villain Arts Tattoo Festival continues today (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the Norris-Penrose Events Center in Colorado Springs, where tattoo artists offer live sessions ranging from intricate designs to personal stories; tickets cost $25.

Registrations are open for CityServe Day, a volunteer event that will involve 2,000 helpers on Oct.

2-3. COS I Love You and United Way host various projects where volunteers can join as teams or individuals.

Residents can join The Gazette’s Fall Shop Local Giveaway to support nearby businesses and have a chance to win hundreds of dollars in gift cards or merchandise.

The contest is open now through Oct. 18.

The Pikes Peak Library District is hosting a full week of literary events in Colorado Springs, including an adult book club meeting at East Library Wednesday morning and an author visit at Library 21c Wednesday evening; programs for children + teens are also scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.