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Because of You: Your Annual Impact Update
What a difference you made in 2025–26!
Thanks to your generosity, Pioneer Library System Foundation continued to expand access to books, learning experiences, and resources that enrich lives across our three counties. Your support helps us fulfill our mission to foster literacy and a love of learning throughout Pioneer Library System communities.
And there’s more good news to share! The Foundation reached an exciting milestone: more than $3 million invested in library programs and services since our inception in 2010, thanks to donors like you.
In this annual update, you’ll find highlights from the past year, a few more recent examples of your generosity in action, and a look at what’s ahead.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and all they make possible!
Will Merrick
Development Officer
Your Library System at a Glance
When you think of your library, you probably picture the branch closest to home. But your hometown library is part of something bigger! Pioneer Library System serves residents across Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties through 12 branches in 10 communities, along with Information Stations in rural areas.
Each location is unique, but together they provide access to books, digital resources, programs, and services throughout our three counties. Here’s a glimpse of our library system by the numbers in FY 2025-26:
Building a Foundation for Literacy
A love of reading can begin long before a child enters a classroom or even visits a library. Thanks to your kindness, we’ve placed books directly into the hands of young children across our three-county service area.
Welcoming Newborns to a World of Books
We continued our partnership with Norman Regional Health System and SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee by providing The Little Engine That Could—the welcome book for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—to every newborn.
Along with this special gift, families received information about everything the library offers for them and their new baby, including registration details for the Imagination Library, library cards, and a wide range of early literacy and childhood development resources, events, and services for children from birth to age 5.
A newborn’s first book helps families begin a lifelong journey of reading and learning.
Growing Home Libraries, One Story at a Time
In partnership with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and health departments in Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties, the Foundation helped families build home libraries and make reading together part of everyday life.
“These books have become a valuable resource in our programs, helping us promote literacy and encourage a love of reading. Sharing books with families gives us another meaningful opportunity to build connections, encourage quality family time, and support healthy child development.”
Angela P., Child Development Specialist
Pottawatomie County Health Department
Aiden Street, PLS Director of Community Engagement & Learning, and Kyle Caldwell, PLS Foundation Board Member, help prepare books for delivery to community partners.
Sparking Curiosity, Inspiring Learning
From May through mid-August, the Summer Learning Challenge kept children, teens, and adults reading, learning, and exploring during the summer break.
Because of donors like you, our libraries offered special program presenters and learning activities that made summer even more exciting for kids and families.
A highlight was the Night at the Museum kickoff at the Sam Noble Museum, which brought library outreach into a fun, hands-on setting. 320 guests explored exhibits, checked out books, signed up for library cards, and registered for the challenge.
Children explore 3D printing and hands-on learning activities at a Summer Learning Challenge kickoff event.
Opening Doors to Opportunity
Excel Online High School graduate Reinhart celebrates with his family and PLS Outreach Specialist Regan Schreier (left).
For Reinhart, earning his high school diploma brought him one step closer to a lifelong dream. He had always wanted to become a therapist, and now, with his diploma in hand, that dream feels more attainable than ever.
An estimated 1 in 10 Oklahoma adults has not earned a high school diploma. Through Excel Adult High School, Pioneer Library System is helping address this need by offering eligible adults aged 24 and up a path to earning an accredited diploma at no cost. Flexible online classes and support from library staff make it easier to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities.
The library also supports adult learners in other ways, helping them build job skills, write resumes, prepare for interviews, improve English language proficiency, prepare for citizenship, and continue learning throughout life.
Earning a diploma is more than an educational achievement. For graduates like Reinhart, it’s a chance to pursue ambitions and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.
Bringing People Together
Our libraries are more than places to find books. They bring people together through shared experiences, support personal well-being, and create a sense of belonging.
Supporting Health and Well-Being
From yoga and taekwondo to cooking, gardening, and wellness workshops, these programs helped participants learn practical skills and explore ways to support healthier lives. Funding from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Services helped support these efforts.
Coming Together Through Shared Interests
Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library’s three-day FanFest welcomed 653 attendees, with each day featuring a different theme. Book Day celebrated literature through crafts, trivia, and local author sessions. Games Day featured board and role-playing games, while Fandom Day brought fans of anime, movies, and favorite characters together. The event also showcased local artists.
Whether discovering a new author, exploring creative interests, or celebrating favorite characters, attendees connected with others who shared their passions and found a sense of belonging at their library.
A family celebrates their love of Pokémon at Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library’s FanFest.
Exploring the Arts
With support from the Norman Arts Council, Pioneer Library System brought 44 engaging arts and cultural experiences to 1,014 participants through hands-on workshops, performances, and opportunities to connect with local artists.
Through the Artist-in-Residence program at Norman Public Library East, 57,000+ visitors enjoyed artwork on display and had opportunities to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and explore different artistic media during scheduled programs.
A young artist explores color and creativity during a hands-on library art program.
For one parent of four, a children’s paint-along meant all four children could create their own paintings without adding to the family’s expenses. This is a simple but meaningful example of how the library opens doors to experiences families might otherwise miss.
From children’s musical theatre dance camps to Norman Public Library West’s monthly Lunch & Listen performances featuring local musicians, these programs made the arts more accessible to people of all ages.
Community Support in Action
Great things happen when communities come together for their libraries! Many people and organizations help the Foundation expand learning opportunities across the library system, from individual donors and volunteers to businesses, grantmakers, and community partners.
Events That Give Back
Our signature fundraising events bring people together for fun and a good cause, giving them a chance to support the libraries in their own communities.
- Touch a Truck: More than 55 vehicles for kids to explore and over $16,000 raised for children’s literacy and STEAM programs at libraries in Moore, Noble, Norman, and Southwest Oklahoma City.
- Mad Hatter Tea Party: A record $12,000+ raised to benefit libraries in Shawnee, Tecumseh, and McLoud.
- Royal Games: More than 200 guests enjoyed a medieval-themed children’s festival, raising $5,000 for libraries in Blanchard, Newcastle, and Purcell.
Your Votes Made a Difference
Thank you to everyone who voted and to Target for its generous contribution!
Stronger Together
Grants and partnerships with businesses, foundations, and other organizations provided additional resources for early literacy, STEAM, health and wellness, and lifelong learning programs.
Your Impact Continues in 2026-27
This year, we’re expanding funding for the Summer Learning Challenge and year-round youth programming. We’re also helping support enhancements at the Newcastle and Noble public libraries through Pioneer Library System’s Customer Experience Master Plan, creating more welcoming, flexible spaces for today’s library users.
With your continued support, we’re helping our libraries grow and evolve for future generations.
Thank you for making a difference right here at home.