PIONEER BRANCH
This past year has been one of connection, growth, and community impact for the Pioneer Branch Libraray. We continued to evolve as more than just a place for books— serving as a welcoming hub where individuals and families come to learn, create, and connect.
One of the most meaningful partnerships we maintained is with We Are Limitless from Defiance. Each month, participants visit the library to enjoy hands-on crafts and share lunch together. Their enthusiasm and joy bring an incredible energy to the library, and their visits have become a highlight for both staff and patrons alike. We also partnered with NOCAC for the Summer Lunch Program, ensuring that children had access to healthy meals while school was out. Hosting this program at the library provided a safe and welcoming environment and allowed kids to continue exploring books and learning opportunities, combining nutrition with literacy and community engagement.
Special events brought families together in memorable ways. Our Reading Under the Lights program at North Central School, in partnership with School Resource Officer Stephanie Mills, created a unique evening celebrating literacy and strengthening connections between the library, local schools, and community leaders. Similarly, the Afterschool Reading with Mort program offered children the chance to practice reading with Mort, the school therapy dog, building confidence and fluency in a relaxed, supportive setting.
We were also thrilled to host the Exotic Zoo, featuring their newest addition— a sloth! Patrons of all ages enjoyed learning about exotic animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts. Programs like this spark curiosity and provide hands-on learning experiences that make the library a lively and engaging place.
Community traditions continued to thrive as well. We proudly hosted our 2nd Annual Community Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, welcoming families and community members of all ages to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun. Events like this reinforce the library’ s role as a central gathering place and encourage engagement with library programs and services.
Looking toward the future, we reached an exciting milestone with the purchase of land for our new building location adjacent to the school. This new facility will provide flexible meeting and program rooms, an enhanced children’ s area, dedicated teen and study spaces, and welcoming areas for community connection. By relocating next to the school, we will create greater opportunities for collaboration, increased student access, and stronger daily engagement with families. This milestone reflects the community’ s support and vision for a vibrant, growing library.
Overall, the past year has demonstrated the power of partnerships, programming, and community engagement. We are grateful to our patrons, partners, and staff for making these accomplishments possible and look forward to continuing to grow, innovate, and serve in the year ahead.