"The American Library Association has named Lisa Wells, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System, as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, one of the profession’s highest honors recognizing extraordinary contributions to the public understanding, appreciation, and advancement of libraries and librarianship."

"The nomination further praised Wells for transforming challenges into opportunities through strategic leadership, community engagement, and a clear vision for the future of library service."

“'Her voice, leadership, and impact have also been felt at the federal level,' said nominators at the Urban Libraries Council. 'Lisa played a critical role in deepening engagement with Representative Tom Cole, including helping facilitate a meaningful local library visit that demonstrated firsthand the transformative work of libraries.'”

Read the full article.