Lisa Wells honored with 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship Award

CHICAGO — Lisa Wells, Executive Director of the Pioneer Library System (PLS) in Oklahoma, has been honored with the 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship-a recognition that she has truly earned through exceptional vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Wells' work embodies the highest ideals of librarianship, setting the standard for what it means to champion libraries as vital, trusted institutions at both the local and national levels.

Throughout her distinguished career at PLS, Wells has launched transformative initiatives such as the BlueCareer program, which expanded statewide access to career readiness resources and redefined libraries' impact on economic mobility and lifelong learning. Her innovative approach has positioned libraries as dynamic centers of opportunity, adapting to the needs of communities with technological fluency, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

Wells's leadership catalyzed the installation of solar benches in Newcastle, Oklahoma, providing Wi-Fi, device charging, and instant access to library materials - an initiative so impactful it has been replicated across North America. This bold vision demonstrates her belief that libraries should be visible, innovative, and integral to civic life.

Under Wells's guidance, PLS Connect emerged as the first locally developed library mobile app in the country, revolutionizing customer access and engagement. Her drive for innovation continued with the launch of Library Connect, a comprehensive scheduling and events platform, exemplifying a customer-first philosophy and barrier-free service delivery.

Wells has invested deeply in the development of library staff, establishing an Employee Development Department that ensures personalized, strategic learning opportunities accessible year-round. Her vision has empowered teams through specialized training in talent pipeline development, courageous conversations, and high-performing team building-cultivating leaders at every level of PLS.

As a mentor and educator, Wells founded IMPACT PLS, an internal leadership program now in its fifteenth year, preparing library staff to become confident advocates and leaders. The program has produced a new generation of library professionals, with over one-third advancing into expanded leadership roles, driving forward the values of librarianship in their communities.

Recognizing the urgency of preparing future librarians, Wells has bridged the gap between academic preparation and real-world practice by creating robust internships for LIS students. Through hands-on experience in literacy initiatives, workforce development, technology, and community engagement, she has shaped students into information organizers, educational partners, and agents of social mobility-connecting library services directly to educational outcomes and life transformation.

Wells's national and state-level advocacy is unparalleled. She has tirelessly promoted librarianship through major media outlets and served in influential roles within the American Library Association (ALA), directly supporting policies that sustain libraries nationwide. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as President of the Oklahoma Library Association and chair of its Advocacy Committee amplified the collective voice of librarians, ensuring their visibility to policymakers and the public.

Wells has tirelessly promoted librarianship and library services at the national level, such as NPR, American Libraries, ALA, at the state level with The Oklahoman, Newcastle Pacer, Woman of the Year Honoree, and at the local with Norman Transcript. Wells' accomplishments have been recognized by numerous awards, including Woman of the Year, Movers & Shakers, and the Urban Libraries Council's top Innovator of Workforce and Economic Development. These honors are not just personal achievements-they are a testament to Wells's consistent success in elevating the visibility and credibility of librarianship in public discourse.

Lisa Wells's visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and relentless advocacy have transformed libraries and inspired professionals nationwide. The 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award is a fitting tribute to her profound impact, and she stands as a model for the profession-proving beyond doubt that she richly deserves this distinguished honor.

The 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award jury members included: David Buzard, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Susan DiMattia, Consultant Di Mattia Associates; Monique Oldfield, Librarian, Wayne State University; Laura Semrau, Humanities Librarian, Baylor University;  and chair, Shali Zhang, Dean of Libraries, Auburn University Libraries

Applications for the 2027 ALA Ken Haycock Awardfor Promoting Librarianship must be submitted by February 28, 2027. Guidelines and forms are available on the ALA website.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For 150 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.