Libraries Leader Honored with Prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine

ORANGE COUNTY, NC – Brenda W. Stephens, the former director of the Hyconeechee Regional Library System, was inducted into the esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper before the end of his term. The award, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina’s executive branch, recognizes individuals for extraordinary service to the state.

Ms. Stephens’ journey in public service began in the U.S. Army. It flourished during a groundbreaking 30-year career in libraries, where she played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility and integration in Orange County. Her career started in 1976 when she chose to drive the bookmobile throughout the county. This purposeful decision brought essential library services to underserved communities. “It was important to me that all people, regardless of their location or situation, could benefit from the services we provide through government,” Stephens reflected.

In 1993, she became the director of the Orange County Library System as it transitioned under county governance. Later, as Regional Director of the Hyconeechee Regional Library System—serving Orange, Caswell, and Person counties—Stephens made history as the first Black citizen to lead a regional library system in North Carolina.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brenda over the years, and she has been a jewel of knowledge and leadership,” said Sen. Graig Meyer (District 23). “Her induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is a well-deserved honor.”

Beyond her library leadership, Stephens dedicated over 20 years to the Orange County Schools Board of Education, serving as a member, officer, and eventually President of the North Carolina School Boards Association. Notably, she led the association through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her contributions extend into community service, including roles on the executive board of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and as a commissioner at the Burwell School Historic Site in Hillsborough for over 15 years. A Northern High School graduate, Stephens holds a Bachelor of Arts from Winston-Salem State University and a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from North Carolina Central University.

Ms. Stephens has been recognized for her outstanding achievements with honors, such as the Woman of the Year Award in Education from Spectacular Magazine. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her dedication to education, public service, and community uplift has left a lasting legacy. Her recognition with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is a fitting tribute to her exceptional contributions to North Carolina.