Pioneer Library System announces that it’s keynote speaker for the 2025 Spark a Change series will be engineer and former astronaut Leland Melvin.
This year’s theme focuses on the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers.
Melvin, a strong advocate for STEAM education, will encourage conversations around career exploration. As part of this series, PLS provides free copies of Melvin’s Chasing Space and Chasing Space: Young Reader’s Edition to the public (while supplies last). Customers are encouraged to pick up a copy then engage in Spark a Change book discussions and events.
Book discussions will take place at the Newcastle, Noble, Norman West and Blanchard Public Libraries the week leading up to Melvin’s visit.
The public is invited to attend an Aviation Breakfast featuring Melvin as the keynote speaker at Max Westheimer Airport on Friday, September 12. There you will hear his inspiring life story and learn about his career in STEAM. Melvin will be available for autographs of his books, “Chasing Space” and “Chasing Space: Young Reader’s Edition” immediately following this event.
A special Sunday Stars event also features Melvin. In this family-friendly program designed for 1st-3rd graders, Melvin will share his journey from the football field to the International Space Station, highlighting the power of perseverance, curiosity, and dreaming big. He will spark imaginations and encourage the next generation of explorers, scientists, and changemakers to reach for the stars and beyond. Visit pioneerlibrarysystem. org to learn more about Spark Change programming and register for upcoming events.
