Hello from Norman, Oklahoma!
Today, our bus traveled to Oklahoma to visit the Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma, where we learned about the critical work of libraries in promoting workforce development.
I was pleased to learn about the incredible ways this library system has connected with its community. Pioneer is a superb example of how libraries are catalysts for economic opportunity and progress in their communities.
At today’s town hall event, “Partnering to Advance Career and Workforce Development,” our panelists discussed how the library leverages a variety of resources to prepare Oklahomans for success in an ever changing and challenging career environment.
We were especially honored to be joined by Congressman Tom Cole, who represents Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional district. He said, “We have seen more bipartisanship then you would normally see in Washington, D.C.” Cole said both sides of the aisle see the importance of increasing funding for workforce development, so our country can compete with others making significant investments in their workforce.
He said, “I do think it is a watershed moment. I would say we are dealing with a great national, really international, disaster of historic proportions with Coronavirus. And it has forced us to do a lot of things differently and through distance, and frankly, weave institutions and organizations together in ways we haven’t before.”
He said that just as libraries in Oklahoma have become disaster centers when tornadoes hit, libraries are playing a similar role in the COVID-19 crisis. I thanked Congressman Cole for his support of libraries and for signing on to co-sponsor the Library Stabilization Fund Act.
Lisa Wells, executive director of the Pioneer Library System, and her community partners showed how libraries can respond effectively during a time of crisis.
The library system is partnering with schools on career development, including a high school internship program for students to explore career paths in law enforcement, teaching and veterinary medicine, among others.
The library also has a career navigator with the Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board, Inc (COWIB) to serve adults and dislocated workers, including those aged 16-24-year who have left school.
Through our discussion, it became clear that Pioneer libraries are making a difference in people’s lives, even possibly saving lives.
Captain Brandi Garner, a detention officer at Cleveland County Detention Center, discussed a program with the county sheriff’s office called the Reset Pod. It is a housing location for inmates that is designed to bring them back into society. The Pioneer Library System is one of the community partners, including community colleges and technology centers, that provide services. Partners provide such services as mental health, substance abuse, education, and workforce development.
She said because of the relationships they have built through the program, very few have returned to incarceration.
We heard from Ashley Welke, a Regional Coordinator for Pioneer Library System, who talked about a program called Online High School. She said it has changed the life of one woman who works in a day care center and aspires to be a teacher.
As I listened, I could not help but be impressed and agree with Wells that the library’s role is to be a connection, a light at the end of the tunnel. It is a role the library system was playing even before the pandemic and stems from its philosophy of reaching beyond the four walls of the library and being actively involved in your community.
This was my sixth stop on an exciting 12-stop virtual tour, Holding Space: A national conversation series with libraries. My goal is to spotlight how libraries of all kinds across the country are addressing the needs of their diverse communities and engaging stakeholders to advocate for libraries.
As you can see, libraries offer much more than books. We also provide important tools, technology and expertise to help connect our communities with opportunities, including career and work. We want to enable more libraries to offer these innovative and impactful services.
Support America’s libraries by urging Congress to support the Library Stabilization Fund Act. Take action to keep #LibrariesStrong.
Also, it is not too late to join us for future dynamic discussions. Visit the Holding Space website to register or follow #ALAHoldingSpace for tour updates.
Photos: Screenshot from ALA Holding Space virtual event:
1. (Clockwise from top left) ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr.; Lisa Wells, Executive Director of the Pioneer Library System; Congressman Tom Cole; and Marissa Lightsey, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness/Oklahoma State DOE.
2. (Clockwise from top left) Shannon Thompson, Dean of Academics, Moore Public Schools; Ashley Welke, Business Services Supervisor at Pioneer Library System; Eddie Foreman, Chief Executive Officer, Central Oklahoma Innovation Workforce Board; Captain Brandi Garner, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.
3. Pioneer Library staff at work in the community.