A Message from the Executive Director

Who could have anticipated in January 2023, as the Pioneer Library System began another promising year, that our commitment to resilience, engagement, and learning would be tested by unprecedented challenges? Yet, our dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our community enabled us to not only survive but thrive.

In a year marked by tornadoes, climate instability, and the ongoing effects of the temporary closure of Norman Public Library Central, the Pioneer Library System has emerged as a beacon of resilience and adaptability.

Our 2023 Annual Report, themed "Resilience," vividly demonstrates how the library pops up wherever and whenever our community needs it. We proudly celebrate surpassing 100,000 active library cardholders and registering over 10,000 children in our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.

Our Summer Learning Challenge achieved a new milestone with more than 24 million minutes of learning logged. These milestones were reached despite many obstacles in place. Whatever pops up, our communities band together to face it head-on, overcome, and move forward together. 

Our new Library Lab embodies this spirit of innovation and responsiveness, offering dynamic, flexible resources that meet the evolving needs of our community. From solar benches bridging the digital divide to our Sunday Stars initiative tackling learning loss, the library continues to provide crucial support. 

Lisa Wells, Executive Director