We were overwhelmed by the generous support of our annual year-end campaign, and we are truly grateful. Your kindness is already making a difference by strengthening library experiences that help people of all ages connect, learn, and grow across our communities.

Here are a few ways your support has made an impact this winter:

• • At Norman Public Library East, community members explored the night sky in a hands-on astronomy program.
  • At the Newcastle Public Library, kids tackled engineering challenges through STEAM activities that encourage curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Three community members from southwest Oklahoma City and Shawnee graduated from the Excel Online Adult High School program.

These examples reflect what your generosity makes possible. As you read on, you’ll see more ways our libraries are helping people thrive through programs, partnerships, and community connections.

With appreciation,

Will Merrick
Development Officer

Tumble down the rabbit hole into the Shawnee Public Library for an unforgettable evening inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Guests will enjoy delicious bites, curious cocktails and mocktails, enchanting entertainment, and topsy-turvy surprises tucked around every corner. Be sure to wear your most whimsical hat for the Maddest Hat Contest!

Don’t be late for this very important date! Sponsorships and tickets are available at plsfdn.org/mad-hatter-tea-party/.

Proceeds benefit the Pioneer Library System’s Pottawatomie County libraries.

Join us this Black History Month for library programs that bring people together to share stories, reflect, and connect. Our libraries provide welcoming spaces for open conversation and learning, inviting people of all backgrounds to listen, participate, and learn from one another.

On February 8, Norman Public Library East will host the African American Read-In, a Community Conversations program inspired by the Crowns Tea. Community members are invited to gather and share passages, reflections, and dialogue in a welcoming setting.

On February 22, the 21st Annual Crowns Tea at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art will honor the tradition of Black women’s church hats and explore this year’s theme, Black Joy, through conversation, music, art, and shared fellowship. Registration is required.

Each year, the Crowns Tea is thoughtfully planned by a team of staff and volunteers dedicated to creating a welcoming and memorable experience. Jasmine Johnson, Pioneer Library System Programming Specialist and Crowns Tea Co-Chair, shared:

“It has truly been an honor to chair this committee. Together with our community members, we are creating an elegant and exciting event that reflects the care and collaboration behind it.”

We invite you join us for one or both these meaningful events!

This programming was made possible, in part, by a Norman Arts Council Hotel Tax Grant.

Did you know the library is here to help support healthier lives in our communities? By connecting people with trusted health information and offering wellness programs, libraries help community members build habits that support their health and well-being.

From yoga, Taekwondo, and meditation to healthy cooking and gardening, these programs give people of all ages opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and make informed choices for themselves and their families. By bringing these experiences into familiar library spaces, libraries help reduce barriers and create opportunities for people to learn and grow together.

Explore upcoming health and wellness programs at your library.

This programming is made possible, in part, by a Health Literacy Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and support from donors like you.

Every time you shop online or in the Walmart app, you can support the Pioneer Library System Foundation by selecting us as your charity through Walmart Spark Good. When you round up your purchase total to the nearest dollar, those small contributions help support library programs and services that strengthen literacy, learning, and connection across our communities. Learn more.

These small gifts add up to meaningful support for our libraries and the people they serve.

Thanks to your support, literacy and a love of learning continue to grow throughout Pioneer Library System communities. Your generosity expands opportunities for learning at every stage of life and supports meaningful connection in welcoming library spaces. Thank you for making this work possible.

Follow us on social media to see your impact in action.