Author Tembi Locke, book discussion events coming to area — story on page 3
Pioneer Library System invites all community members to experience what’s new at their local library this National Library Week, April 7-13.
Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and hot new titles to audiobooks and eBooks, but there’s so much more to the story of what PLS has to offer.
“PLS libraries truly serve as inclusive and welcoming spaces where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, connect, and engage in new ways through cultural and educational activities,” said Kendall Watson, branch manager at the Newcastle Public Library.
Never shying away from trying new things, PLS offers an ever-expanding array of programs and services for all ages with its key areas of focus including community conversations, early literacy and school readiness, health, upward mobility, and STEAM.
The last of these, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), is seeing a boom through one of the latest offerings at PLS: four new Maker Spaces, available at PLS locations in Moore, Noble, Shawnee and Southwest Oklahoma City. Maker Labs are open during regular library hours, and staff are available on-site to help users learn the equipment, software, and tools needed to make, create, and design. Available maker equipment includes 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery and sewing machines, and more.
STEAM also has a home at the library’s newest location, a pop-up community place named Library Lab, which opened its doors in February and is designed to supplement library services for residents during the closure of Norman Public Library Central at 103 W. Acres Street.
Library Lab is located at 121 S. Santa Fe Avenue Suite 119, just south of Main Street and .7 miles from Norman Public Library Central, and offers many favorite library services such as programs and a select collection of popular titles for all ages to borrow, as well as being staffed by familiar community librarians.
The location also offers Maker equipment, Wi-Fi access, book lockers, and a Movie Box.
In another step to further enhance access to its materials and other services, PLS eliminated fines in December 2023. A one-time amnesty for all existing late fines was undertaken, creating a clean slate for all adult library accounts.
The change in fines affects overdue, or late, materials, with fees remaining for unreturned and damaged items, which helps the library maintain its collections. Digital checkouts do not accrue fines.
PLS has worked to make it easier to access digital resources as well, having recently installed its thirteenth solar bench location.
The state-of-the-art benches are solar powered to allow users to charge personal devices, connect to Wi-Fi, and browse more than 100,000 eMaterials through the library’s digital collection, all without requiring a library card.
With ever-expanding ways to connect with the library, reimagining this community institution also means users no longer must come through the doors of a library to utilize its offerings.
For today’s busy customer, Pioneer Library System offers its solar benches, the PLS Connect app, digital resources, 24-hour library locations, book lockers in Newcastle, and more ways to access the library outside of its walls.
Advances in access notwithstanding, PLS continues to welcome all community members to stop by any of its brick-and-mortar locations during National Library Week to get the full story of what’s new at the library.
Viewpoint, the acclaimed educational program hosted by Dennis Quaid, is also doing its part to share what’s new at the library.
The series has recently collaborated with PLS to underscore the indispensable role of libraries in communities across the country and showcase their profound impact on individuals, families, and organizations.
Filming took place in December of 2023, with the special segment featuring prominent experts and community figures delving into the enduring relevance of libraries and the positive influence they exert on diverse aspects of society. Pioneer Library System’s segment amplifies the message of the pivotal role libraries play in fostering education, community engagement, and empowerment.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all varieties across the country each April.
