Laura Winkel, Chief Executive Officer

Tickets on sale for 'Dreams Under the Serengeti' April 25

Join us for an uplifting evening of adventure, inspiring stories and testimonials, breathtaking visuals, music, friends and great food at Libraries for Kids International's 5th annual charity event, "Dreams Under the Serengeti." You'll want to attend this important event, Saturday, April 25, at Port Royal Sound Foundation, Okatie, South Carolina.

This annual event – held in conjunction with World Book Day the same week -- promises you an immersive journey “to Africa” for the evening, including the artistry of dreams,

sound and visuals. The menu for the evening promises to be great -- curating the menu is a James Beard Foundation semifinalist!

Tickets can be purchased for individuals, couples and tables for 10 attendees. Sponsorships are also available on the website, ranging from $500 to $20,000 and above. To learn more, view a video of the 2025 event.

"I’m smiling, happy beyond measure following yet another successful endeavor," Francis said. "I credit this success to God for being with us throughout, guiding us and opening doors for us. I also appreciate the locals big time! We found people who value books, want a chance to read (and who) thirst for knowledge." Since returning home, Francis said she has been following up with school staff and fielding requests for more books.

Libraries for Kids International delivers thousands of books to 859 schools in Kenya

Libraries for Kids International delivered thousands of books to primary, junior secondary and secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County in central Kenya in January and February, the organization reported. The deliveries were organized by Wanjiku Francis, left side of photo, operations coordinator for Libraries For Kids International in Kenya, and a team of staff and volunteers who delivered the books to 859 schools. The books were included in a

shipment of 297,000 books in five shipping containers sent to Kenya by Libraries for Kids International beginning in August 2025. The containers arrived in October 2025. A shipment of 297,000 books in five shipping containers sent to Kenya by Libraries for Kids International beginning in August 2025. The containers arrived in October 2025.

Her presentation is on Monday, March 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton, South Carolina, on the second floor above Corner Perk. Following West's presentation, attendees can join the author for a Dutch Treat lunch.

Monthly author events are free, but a $5 suggested donation to the sponsor is appreciated. Books will be available for sale and signing. Reservations are required because seating is limited. Call or text board member Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or email her at tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org to reserve a spot or to ask questions.

NOTE: The February author event with Laura Elizabeth is now on Monday, May 18.

Author Millie West featured March 16 at our free monthly author event

Libraries for Kids International's next monthly author event features Millie West, left, who will discuss her new novella, Cat Island (previously a screenplay), and a new screenplay, The Wind Chimes, which won the award for Best Screenplay at the Chandler International Film Festival on Feb. 5, 2026.

Candid, the world's largest source of information on nonprofits, awarded its Platinum Seal of Transparency to Libraries for Kids International. The Platinum Seal is the highest recognition available for nonprofit accountability.

To earn the seal, Libraries for Kids International provided detailed information to Candid about our operations. We also provided strategic goals and the specific metrics we use to measure our progress and impact.

Watch Roy Austin's interview on WHHI-TV

Libraries for Kids International leaders are frequent guests on WHHI-TV, which reaches viewers in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and parts of southeast Georgia.

In January, Roy Austin, Libraries for Kids International founder and board president, appeared on the station's "Talk of the Town" program, hosted by Robyn Zimmerman. In this interview, Austin spoke about his recent travels in Africa and Libraries for Kids International's plans for this year.

Board approves revised mission statement

At its February meeting, the board of directors for Libraries for Kids International approved a revised mission statement to reflect the organization's current work:

"Libraries for International exists to provide reference and leisure books to publicly funded rural schools with limited resources in Africa, expanding educational opportunities for their students."

Watch new video, view map of our work to deliver books to school libraries in Africa

So, how do we get books to Africa, where school libraries are established for the benefit of students? Watch our new 3-minute video that shows book shipments from the Port of Savannah, Georgia, to the Port of Mombasa, Kenya.

Eutychus Mwiti Kiambi, principal of Maguma Mixed Day Secondary School, Magutuni, Kenya, wrote to Libraries for Kids International, expressing appreciation for the organization's "generous donation."

"We are truly grateful for your commitment to support education," Kiambi's letter said. "Such generosity not only supports our academic programme but also motivate(s) our learners to develop a lifelong love for reading and learning." The principal added that the school's staff and students "look forward to continued partnership and collaboration in running the education growth of our school."

Candid awards Platinum Seal of Transparency to Libraries for Kids International

Join our cause. Help children grow and learn!

Your donation to Libraries for Kids International can change and inspire children in Africa to learn, and as a result, help themselves, their families and their communities. After Libraries for Kids International books were delivered to Marothiley Primary School in Kenya, Nicholas Mboi, head teacher, described how the books changed the students and their parents.

"Marothiley primary school learners and their parents were happy when they finally received books and other teaching and learning resources ... this has made us to be in a very good foundation for learning." Book deliveries by Libraries for Kids boosted enrollment at the school, he added.

Won’t you join us? Donate today, and make a difference. Thank you!