(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is improving patron experiences and updating its operating system for the first time in 24 years.

PPLD said it is updating its Integrated Library System (ILS), the operating system that allows patrons to check out books, reserve and renew items, and manage their library experience. The new system, called Polaris, was chosen earlier in 2025 after an extensive search process.

“The ILS is essentially the [central] nervous system of the Library,” said Jenny Pierce, director of collection management. “We’re updating it for the first time since 2001 to provide better customer service for our patrons.”

The new system is expected to be fully implemented on Friday, Dec. 12, and PPLD said patrons will enjoy new features such as reading histories, saved searches, auto-complete search bars, suggested reads, and all available material formats at their fingertips. The system will also include clickable author biographies.

“We think patrons will especially like the grouping of similar formats of the same title into one record in the new catalog,” Pierce said. “You very quickly see the print, audiobook, and eBook options in one place as well as which items are [currently] available.”

According to PPLD, the update will come with minor disruptions in services for a 10-day period in late November to early December, during which patrons will not be able to place holds on materials, access the catalog, or use the PPLD app. Patrons will still be able to check out books and Culture Passes, along with using eLibrary services and computers, as well as reserve rooms and use the Makerspaces and studios.

“Our goal is to disrupt services as little as possible,” said Colleen Medling, ILS administrator. “This is a major undertaking, and we’re doing it with our patrons in mind.”

After the upgrade is finished, all PPLD locations will close for two days in early to mid-December to allow PPLD staff to test the improvements and prepare to help patrons navigate the new system.