Spark a Change

Spark a Change in your community

Spark a Change is a systemwide initiative that invites all residents to spark curiosity and inspire change in ourselves and our communities.

Each year, Pioneer Library System identifies a critical topic in our community and selects title(s) that address that topic.

PLS is thrilled to sponsor Leland Melvin, American engineer and retired NASA astronaut, as the 2025 Spark a Change keynote speaker. Melvin will tour all three counties September 12-14, 2025, and will serve as the keynote speaker at Norman’s Annual Aviation Breakfast. Join the conversation around the importance of STEAM careers as part of PLS’s Spark a Change series.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 12

• 7:00 am Aviation Breakfast in Norman: Keynote and book signing

• 11:30 am Author luncheon with moderated conversation in Tecumseh, followed by audience Q&A and book signing

  • Sponsored by Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative and First United Bank

Saturday, September 13

• TBD: Author conversation in Shawnee, followed by audience Q&A and book signing

Sunday, September 14

• 1:30 pm Visit to Newcastle's Sunday Stars STEAM program

Spark a Change includes any or all of the following activities, all centered around one main theme:

• Read the selected titles Chasing Space or Chasing Space for Teens, available for instant download on hoopla! PLS will be giving away free copies of these titles at all locations - pick yours up today at a branch near you!

• Engage with the author as they tour the library system! Discover astronaut and NFL pro Leland Melvin's inspiring journey and learn about this career in STEAM.

• Participate in programming, book discussions, and hands-on activities led by experts. Browse and register for Spark a Change events here!

• Explore the topic more in-depth through other library resources, like possible careers in engineering and aeronautics through Learning Express.

Spark a Change is intended to inspire you into action, reflection, exploration, or discussion - we're here to support whatever it is that gets you involved in becoming the change you want to see in the world!

Leland Melvin is a former NFL player, astronaut, engineer, author, and executive producer whose remarkable career spans sports, space exploration, and education. 

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Melvin earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Richmond in 1986, where he also played college football. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1990. 

After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1986, Melvin also played for the Dallas Cowboys before a hamstring injury ended his professional football career. He transitioned to a career in science, joining NASA as an engineer and later becoming an astronaut. He flew on two Space Shuttle Atlantis missions to the International Space Station in 2008 and 2009, contributing to critical research and operations in orbit. 

Dedicated to education and advocacy, Melvin served as co-chair of the White House’s Federal Coordination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Task Force, where he helped develop the nation’s five-year STEM education plan. He was also the United States representative and chair of the International Space Education Board (ISEB), fostering global collaboration in space education. 

An accomplished author, Melvin wrote the memoir Chasing Space, detailing his journey from the football field to outer space, and co-created the Space Chasers graphic novel series to inspire young readers. He is also an executive producer of The Space Race, a documentary highlighting the experiences of Black astronauts. 

Melvin’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition. He was selected as an ICON MANN alongside Quincy Jones, Forest Whitaker, and Steve Harvey, honoring his ability to inspire people worldwide through his vision and commitment to positive change. He also received the NFL Players Association’s “Award of Excellence” for encouraging athletes to excel beyond the game. 

With multiple honorary doctorates, Leland Melvin continues to be a trailblazer in STEM education, storytelling, and mentorship, inspiring future generations to break barriers and reach for the stars.