Meet Alison Evans Taylor, Oklahoma Alpha

Pi Beta Phi recognizes Alison Evans Taylor with the 2023 Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for her efforts in literacy advocacy.  

Affectionately known as The Book Lady, Alison has left an indelible mark on Oklahoma City's public-school community through her steadfast dedication to literacy. As the driving force behind the ReadOKC on the Go! initiative, Alison has transformed unused buses into vibrant mobile libraries, providing thousands of students with access to books and fostering a love of reading. Her tireless efforts have resulted in more than 175 school and community events and 50,000 new books distributed to family libraries. 

How has your involvement with
Pi Beta Phi influenced or shaped your approach to service? 
My involvement with Pi Beta Phi has shaped my perspective on giving back to the community since my collegiate years at Oklahoma Alpha. This energy and enthusiasm for community outreach continued as a member of my alumnae club in Oklahoma City. The friendships made through this club made me aware of how this commitment to advocating for literacy was shared by Pi Phis from all different chapters in so many unique ways. Our fraternity's legacy has been and will continue to be the visible change that we make each year through our love of literacy. 

What do you love most about giving back? 
The smile on kids’ faces when the ReadOKC On the Go! book bus arrives. Every one of our volunteers will tell you it brings them so much joy. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?  
The best advice I ever received was from my dad who told me I could be anything I wanted to be and not limit myself; this gave me a unique perspective for a woman going into the business world in the early 70s. It also opened an abundance of opportunities that encompassed my entire professional and community service careers as I always thought, “Why not me?”   

How do you measure personal success?   
For me it means recognizing every day is a gift––an opportunity to be the best I can be, to live in the present with gratitude and to be thankful for those who share my journey.   

Published August 1, 2024