Your Generosity in Action
Because of you, stories are being rewritten every day in Pioneer Library System communities. In this update, meet Casey—a mom who earned her high school diploma thanks to the resources and support she found at the library. See how your generosity is helping kids stay on track this summer and making the Summer Learning Challenge even more rewarding for all ages. Plus, catch a glimpse of the whimsical tea party that brought our community together in support of the Pottawatomie County libraries.
Thank you for helping make it all possible. We hope you enjoy the update!
With gratitude,
Will Merrick
Development Officer
A New Chapter: How Casey Found Her Path at the Library
Casey became a mom at a young age and had to put her education on hold, but she promised her daughter she’d earn her diploma. When traditional GED classes didn’t feel like the right fit, she turned to the library and learned about Excel Online Adult High School—a flexible program offered by PLS.
Determined to succeed, Casey completed the coursework with support from PLS staff and graduated the same year as her daughter.
Now enrolled in a cosmetology program, she is proud to be working toward a career that she once thought was out of reach.
Thanks to the resources offered at the library—and the support of people like you—Casey is building a brighter future for herself and her family!
Summer Learning Starts Now!
The Summer Learning Challenge is back from May 1 to Aug. 15! Designed to help kids and teens avoid the “summer slide”—the learning loss that can happen during school breaks—it also offers engaging opportunities for lifelong learners of any age.
Participants earn one point for every minute spent reading, learning, or attending library programs, with the goal of reaching 1,000 points by summer’s end. Thanks to generous donor support, children and teens who hit 500 and 1,000 points are rewarded with free books to keep, and adults who complete the Challenge receive a special logoed tote bag for achieving their goal.
Every point earned also moves us closer to an 18-million-point community goal. When we reach it, the Foundation will provide books for children receiving WIC assistance in our service area—helping foster early literacy and bringing the joy of reading to even more homes.
Ready to get started? Learn more and join the Challenge today!
A Wonder-ful Evening
The 3rd Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party transformed the Shawnee Public Library into a whimsical Wonderland with curious cocktails, tasty bites, and live music. The White Rabbit emceed, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum helped guests personalize souvenir wine glasses in the Maker Lab, and the Maddest Hat Contest wowed with creativity and flair!
Thanks to our generous sponsors and guests, nearly $8,000 was raised to support library programs in Pottawatomie County. Special thanks to Foundation Board Member and Event Chair Amanda Johnson and the event committee for making the magic happen.
Until next year—stay curious!
See photos from the event: View the gallery
Save the Date
The Foundation is proud to host these upcoming events that bring learning to life for kids and bring the community together to support our libraries. We hope you can join us!
Saturday, Sept. 27 – 20th Annual Touch A Truck
Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Norman
» Explore big trucks, emergency vehicles, and more in this hands-on experience!
Saturday, Nov. 8 – 3rd Annual Royal Games
Veterans Park, Newcastle
» Kids can enjoy games, crafts, and royal adventures!
Be Part of the Story
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and get inspiring impact stories, event highlights, and Foundation updates delivered to your inbox.