This week at its Annual Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Urban Libraries Council had the honor of recognizing Lisa Wells, executive director of Oklahoma’s Pioneer Library System (PLS), as its Library Advocate of the Year.
Wells has given an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and passion to much of ULC’s advocacy work, including as co-chair of its E-Content Action Team focused on addressing unfair e-books licensing and prices for libraries.
In congressional meetings both digital and on Capitol Hill, Wells has been a tireless advocate not only for her own system, but for all urban public libraries. Her leadership and engagement with decision- makers serve as a model for all libraries.
“Lisa understands that meaningful progress comes when we act together, speak with a shared voice, and remain committed to the long work of change,” said Brooks Rainwater, president and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council.
“Lisa has done incredible work not only for Pioneer Library System and her own community, but for every ULC member.
“She shows why libraries remain in demand.”
“This award is a reflection of what we can accomplish when libraries come together around issues that impact our communities,” said Wells. “Advocacy is most powerful when we share our stories that elevate the impact of our work, engage in civil discourse, and stay committed to the work even when progress takes time.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Urban Libraries Council and grateful for the opportunity to help advance a more sustainable future for public access to digital content. The work continues, and I am honored to be a part of bringing us together.”
Wells has been the PLS executive director since 2017. She has been named an American Library Association “Mover and Shaker” and is a past president of the Oklahoma Library Association.
She is a graduate of the ULC Executive Leadership Institute, a recipient of ULC’s Joey Rogers Leadership Award, a recipient of the American Library Association’s Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship and a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma.
