Pioneer Library System invites residents across Mc-Clain, Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties, including those in Newcastle, to participate in Spark a Change 2026, a community initiative that uses the power of stories to inspire understanding, encourage action and connect individuals and families with local resources.
This year’s selection, The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin, explores themes of resilience, redemption, recovery, family, and reentry. Through shared reading, discussions, and community events, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by justice- involved individuals and the thousands of Oklahoma children affected by parental incarceration.
From August 17 through November 7, community members are invited to read the book, explore resources related to incarceration, and participate in programs that connect literature to real-life experiences.
Participants can instantly borrow The Many Lives of Mama Love through the PLS Connect app, access the 2026 Children of Incarcerated Parents Toolkit, and attend book discussions, resource fairs, a community job fair, and author events throughout the Pioneer Librar y System ser v ice area.
The need for these conversat ions is significant.
Nearly one in nine children exper i ences parental incarceration during childhood, and an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 Oklahoma children have a parent in prison. Research shows that children of incarcerated parents are significantly more likely to experience challenges affecting education, economic stability, and future outcomes.
Spark a Change seeks to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and strengthen community support networks. By bringing readers together around a shared story, the initiative creates opportunities for meani ngful conver sat ions about recover y, just ice, ide n t i ty, and second chances. Commu nity mem bers are encouraged to par t ici pate in a v a r ie t y of events throughout the initiative. Community Res ou r c e Fairs are planned in Shawnee and Moore, followed by a Resource Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on October 22 at Landmark Church in Purcell. A Community Job Fair will take place from noon to 3 p.m. October 14 at The Well, connecting attendees with local employers and workforce resources.
Spark a Change will culminate with a visit from author Lara Love Hardin in November. Hardin will speak at Blanchard Public Library at 2 p.m., November 7. This event will give readers an opportunity to hear firsthand about her experiences, engage in meaningful conversation, and explore ways to turn stories into action.
Spark a Change reflects PLS’s belief that one book can spark new perspectives and that when communities read together, they grow stronger together.
For a complete list of library hours, services, and resources, visit https://pioneerlibrarysystem. org/ or download the PLS Connect mobile app.
