From the Director
A Message from PLS Director Anne Masters
Pioneer Library System - From the Director
The Pioneer Library System has just completed its fifth Big Read. Thank you to everyone involved in supporting, promoting and implementing the many activities associated with this year’s Big Read: The Things They Carried
Author Tim O’Brien’s presentations at OBU in Shawnee on Wednesday night and at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman last night were attended and appreciated by capacity crowds. Long lines waited following the presentations to speak with the author and have their books signed.
We conduct our Big Read programs to encourage the reading of literature in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties. We believe the reading of literature helps us to be better people and citizens – more understanding, more empathetic, more able to appreciate the complexity of issues, more willing to be involved. I can’t imagine a better message to convey the value of literature than that delivered by Tim O’Brien.
These presentations also provided an opportunity to celebrate the new Pioneer Library System Foundation. Grant writing and fund raising conducted through the Foundation made Tim O’Brien’s visit possible.
It is with excitement that we can now announce that next year’s Big Read title will be The Joy Luck Club and that Amy Tan will be here next spring at this time. The Foundation will be working to put together the funds to support that visit. The Pioneer Foundation is seeking 100 Founding Donors. Founding Donors may be individuals, but they may also be organizations, businesses, book discussion groups or other groups who support the Foundation’s mission: To provide advocacy and financial support to enrich the present and enhance the future of the Pioneer Library System. For more information, please email PLS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Long live books and public libraries and all they do to make our world a better place!
Anne Masters, Director
Pioneer Library System
Add a commentLibraries helping libraries
Pioneer Library System - From the Director
Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 August 2009 07:50
Recently Louisville, Kentucky has experienced flooding. Libraries in the area have experienced heavy water damage due to the flooding. Estimated damages to the Louisville Free Public Library are in the millions of dollars. According to the Courier Journal
...[Library Director Craig] Buthod said up to 4 feet of water poured into the basement of the Main Library, much of which is used for operations. Buthod said at least 10,000 books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs were damaged. Many of the items were new and awaiting distribution to the branches. Buthod said the average cost per item was conservatively $20.
All three Bookmobiles parked at the library were damaged by flooding, and water pressure blew out some basement windows...
Cash donations are appreciated in any amount. People wishing to help can send checks to: The Library Foundation, 301 York St., Louisville, KY 40203, Attn: Flood. This donation will qualify as a charitable contribution (501 (c) 3). An acknowledgment will be provided for your tax records.
Update: The recovery work is underway, with the drying out of computer equipment high on the list. Public internet service at the branches has been restored. Insurance adjusters, project managers, and cleanup contractors are on the job. The losses include all the new materials that were in the lower levels, three bookmobiles, the Library Director's car, and the library’s 100-year-old auditorium.
Add a commentToday's Public Library
Pioneer Library System - From the Director
Last Updated on Monday, 27 April 2009 10:42
In the past week, I've visited with Norman citizens to discuss expanded public library service in our community. Our conversations have included enthusiasm for new possibilities. Often, however, I heard the statement, "Today's public library is much different than the library I grew up with."
I want to address this sentiment because beyond the nostalgia -- missing the look, smell and feel of your childhood library -- is something important. As American citizens, we often don't consider the silent gears that move forward the powerful machinery of democracy -- public schools and libraries in particular.
I believe that the reasons public libraries continue to enjoy public support are the same today as they were more than 100 years ago. In order for democracies to thrive, citizens must have free access to information, education, cultural and community history, humanitarian ideals, and community pride...
Click here to visit the Norman Transcript Online and read the entire article by Anne Masters.
Add a commentYou benefit from the vote
Pioneer Library System - From the Director
Last Updated on Monday, 27 April 2009 10:43
On May 13, the three counties served by the Pioneer Library System voted YES in support of the 2 mill increase for support of public library services. The funding support came just in time for Pioneer to plan new and improved services.
Sunday Summer Hours started June 1. In the past, only the Moore and Norman branches were open on Sunday afternoons and then only September through May. Although the new funds won’t be budgeted until the new fiscal year beginning July 1, Pioneer decided to begin the new Sunday Summer Hours immediately in Moore and Norman. PLS administrative staff members supplemented branch staff on Sunday afternoons in June to stretch the hourly staff budget. In many cases customers did not realize the Sunday Summer Hours were something new, they just came. Sunday business has been brisk. Beginning in September, all of the Pioneer branches will be open on Sunday afternoons. Other changes in library hours are in the works and will also be implemented in September.
Join the Pioneer Circle of Knowledge
Pioneer Library System - From the Director
Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 11:41
Dear PLS Customers,
National Library Week is April 13 - 19 and the theme is "Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library."
Public library users join that circle for many reasons and appreciate different things that the library offers. A library customer recently sent me a copy of a list called "65 Reasons to Love Your Public Library" that was developed by the Texas Library Association. We would be interested in hearing from our customers: what (or who) do you love about your Pioneer hometown library?
To "prime the pump" I'll share three from the Texas list:
- I love getting expert help with the Internet.
- I love saving money by borrowing items instead of buying them.
- I love getting help with science fair projects and term papers.
If you would be willing to share, please send your "reason to love the library" to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or use the online form.
Be sure to come to see us during National Library Week and join the Pioneer "Circle of Knowledge."
Anne Masters, Director
Pioneer Library System
