Pioneer Library System

Hello everyone!

My name is Karen Bays. I am happy to be working with you as the new Pottawatomie County Coordinator / Shawnee Branch Manager for Pioneer Library System.

I come to PLS from the Metropolitan Library System, in Oklahoma County, where I worked for the last seventeen years.

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the outstanding staff at PLS, and I’m looking forward to building on the great progress already made toward ensuring that citizens of Pottawatomie County have access to quality library services and programs.

 A little about my work history - I shelved books while I was in college, and fell in love with libraries and their mission to serve the public. I worked as a library assistant and as a reference librarian for several years. In 1999, I began doing branch manager work for Edmond Public Library. The manager job was challenging, rewarding, and fun; and it was hard to leave. But I’ve always wanted to live and work in a smaller town and to serve a more diverse clientele, so I decided to move to Shawnee.

My hobbies include cat-shepherding, bird watching, dancing, yoga, nature hikes, swimming, and yes… reading!

If you need to contact me be sure to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I look forward to connecting you to the joy of reading and to information for lifelong learning.