Over the past year, your generosity made a remarkable difference in Pioneer Library System communities. From the delight of a child discovering their first book to the pride of adults achieving diplomas they once thought were out of reach, your support has created vital opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow.

We are pleased to share these highlights, which showcase how your support strengthened literacy, engaged young learners, empowered adults, and promoted wellness in our communities. Thank you for believing in the power of libraries.

With gratitude,
Will Merrick
Development Officer

Reading with a child is one of the most powerful ways to shape their future. Having books at home is vital to to early literacy development. Because of you, more families are sharing stories, which helps build a strong foundation for school and a lifetime of learning.

Building Home Libraries with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – More than 125,000 books were mailed to 11,000+ children, and 2,336 “graduated” on their fifth birthday. A child enrolled at birth and remaining in the program until age five will receive 60 high-quality books.

Welcoming Newborns with Books – 3,500 families received the Imagination Library welcome book, The Little Engine That Could, an invitation to join the free program, and information about library resources. Our community partners, Norman Regional Health System and SSM Health in Shawnee, distributed the books.

Increasing Access Through Outreach – More than 10,600 books were provided to county health departments to distribute during WIC well-child visits. By meeting families where they are, this outreach helps more children grow up with books in the home and build foundational early literacy skills.

“We always wanted this book. It has been too expensive for us,” shared one caregiver.

Without learning opportunities, students can lose months of progress over the summer, often called the “summer slide.” The Summer Learning Challenge turned that risk into a season of growth with learning tracks for children, teens, and adults. Over 9,500 participants logged 22 million minutes of reading and learning! Thanks to you, children and teens were rewarded with free books for reaching the 500- and 1,000-minute milestones.

Libraries are more than places for books; they are hubs for learning, connection, and wellness. By offering opportunities to move, learn, and explore, our libraries empower people with the tools to make informed health decisions and support physical and mental well-being.

Promoting Health and Wellness – 637 programs welcomed more than 10,000 participants, with topics ranging from cooking and gardening to yoga, meditation, and dance.

A Tai Chi participant from Norman shared, “I don’t need my cane as much anymore. It is a wonderful balance-building class.”

Bringing Stories Outdoors – Families enjoyed time together at eight Story Walk® trails, where reading and physical activity unite. Each month brings a new story to discover, inspiring movement, imagination, and shared moments that make learning an adventure.

Inspiring Wellness Through Music and Play – The outdoor instruments added to the Tecumseh and Purcell Story Walk® trails created spaces for creative play-based learning.

Every day, new possibilities unfolded at the library. People earned diplomas, gained language skills, and started their path to citizenship.

Earning Diplomas, Opening Doors – Nine community members graduated from the Excel Online Adult High School program.

One graduate, Kylee, shared: “I work as a personal care assistant, and now that I have my high school diploma, I plan to start working toward my CNA [certified nursing assistant] and keep growing in the healthcare field.”

Starting the Path to Citizenship – At the Purcell Public Library, English language classes, citizenship workshops, and Q&A sessions with an immigration attorney created a safe, welcoming space to ask questions and receive trusted guidance.

Curiosity leads to discovery, and more than 1,000 programs at the library engaged 22,000 participants of all ages in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. These hands-on experiences nurtured creativity and helped people develop new skills.

• Exploring Science and Engineering – Families investigated the natural world through interactive programs, while LEGO clubs encouraged children to work together, think critically, and innovate.
• Building Technology and Math Skills – Teens expanded their knowledge through coding programs and other practical activities that made learning fun and relevant. Adults gained confidence in digital literacy through workshops that supported growth at work, school, and in everyday life.
• Engaging with the Arts – People of all ages expressed themselves through programs that inspired imagination and introduced a variety of creative mediums. Lunch and Listen performances brought neighbors together through the joy of music.

Nearly 3,000 people attended Foundation events that combined fun with support for literacy and learning. The whimsical Mad Hatter Tea Party, the always popular Touch A Truck, and the family-friendly Royal Games each offered unique ways for people to connect and celebrate. These events raised over $35,000 to enhance library programs and services in their communities.

Alongside your generosity, the support of our grant partners strengthened literacy and learning throughout our service area. Their investments extended the library’s reach and impact, making more opportunities available to people of all ages. We are proud to recognize these partners:

Your generosity truly made a difference. Because of you, children discovered the joy of reading, adults achieved goals they once thought were out of reach, and communities came together to learn, connect, and grow. Thank you for helping create brighter futures across Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties.

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