In April, books delivered to Gulu Primary School, below left, in Uganda, began quietly transforming classrooms. Teachers are now using these books for storytelling, group reading and discussions. Students who once showed little interest are now drawn to bright, age-appropriate stories that spark curiosity and imagination. These are the outcomes we have been working toward -- not just delivering books, but creating access points for learning, creativity and connection.

And sometimes, that impact is best understood through a single story, as reported from Gulu Primary School. Hope, a primary grade 3 learner, once struggled to read aloud and often avoided participating in class. Today, she borrows a book every week. She’s discovered a love for stories about animals and adventure. With each page, her confidence has grown. She now raises her hand, reads aloud, and is improving in both fluency and comprehension. Another student Tanga, a grade 5 leaner, put it simply: "I used to think reading was boring, but now I enjoy adventure stories and want to read more books."

This is the shift we are working to create -- not just improved

literacy, but a lifelong love of reading.

What makes these stories especially meaningful right now is that they reflect something deeper happening within our organization. Over the past year, we have been intentionally strengthening our processes on how we communicate with partners on the ground, to how we measure and understand impact. Much of this work happens behind the scenes. It’s not always visible. But now, we are seeing it come to life.

We are hearing directly from schools. We are seeing clearer feedback loops. We are watching the ripple effects unfold not just in numbers, but in names, faces and individual journeys such as Hope’s and Tanga's. This is what it looks like when systems and mission align.

Across Uganda and Kenya, that alignment is gaining momentum. Logistics, delivery and community engagement are coming together in ways that allow us not only to expand, but to deepen our impact. At the same time, we are taking thoughtful steps toward new horizons, including early discussions wth the Ministry of Education in Zambia, grounded in partnership, sustainability and long-term stewardship.

For a long time, it personally felt as though we were working through what I often call the "momentum gap" -- building, refining and preparing, but seeing little visible progress from those efforts. Today, it feels different. We are stepping into a new chapter, one where the foundation we’ve been laying is beginning to bear fruit in real and measurable ways. And the most powerful part? We are no longer just telling our story. The children are telling it with us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in this work continues to open doors, strengthen systems and change lives -- one child, one book and one story at a time.

Laura Winkel, Chief Executive Officer

Expanding our Reach in Africa With the Help of Rotary Clubs

By Roy Austin, Founder and President, Board of Directors

Libraries for Kids International

During May and June, I traveled to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to strengthen and expand Libraries for Kids International. One way we can do that, I learned, is through Rotary Club partnerships.

In Rwanda, Rotarians quickly mobilized support, arranging meetings with leadership at the Kigali Public Library. This library was built by the Kigali Rotary Club for $6 million. It took 12 years, and they got no grants from Rotary International. They said it was the largest project in the world by a Rotary Club. The club committed to helping receive and distribute book shipments, creating a strong foundation for reaching rural schools.

In Uganda, our local team continues to successfully distribute books, supported by strong community relationships that align closely with Rotary’s service mission.

In Kenya, Rotary engagement is growing rapidly. In Bungoma, local Rotarians expressed strong interest in partnering on a possible Rotary International Global Grant to expand book distribution. I also visited our

warehouse in Kitui, Kenya, and met with our operations coordinator, Wanjiku Francis, above left, and her team. Our board member, Ng’ang’a Wanjohi, above right, traveled from Nairobi to meet with me and discuss future plans for Kenya.

In Tanzania, we are hoping to get permission from the Tanzania Ministry of Education to bring books to rural schools in Tanzania. I visited a couple of schools, and of course, they wanted books. We are also building momentum with multiple Rotary clubs and education leaders in the country. Meetings with Rotary members in Karatu, above photo, and Arusha confirmed strong enthusiasm to support future book distribution. We are also

future book distribution. We are also in early discussions with the Ministry of Education, thanks to connections secured by our trip leader, Witress Emmanuel, with support from our driver, Sande Willis, to secure approval for broader impact.

Across all four countries, Rotary clubs, large and small, demonstrated a shared commitment to literacy and education. Their willingness to collaborate, volunteer and pursue grant opportunities is critical to scaling our work.

Looking ahead, Rotary International partnerships will play a role in expanding access to books and strengthening education in underserved communities in Africa!

Note: Austin spent nearly six weeks in Africa. Read his complete report about his visit.

Libraries for Kids International Strengthens Partnerships for Africa’s Future

Laura Winkel, CEO of Libraries for Kids International visited Washington, D.C., the week of June 8, and engaged in a series of high-level forums and strategic conversations centered on Africa’s future.

The Washington meetings involved topics that align with the mission of Libraries for Kids International, Winkel said. "Literacy and access to books are foundational to building human capital, strengthening education systems and empowering the next generation of African leaders," she said.

Winkel characterized the meetings as "energizing and deeply meaningful" for Libraries for Kids International. She attended the Africa Day 2026 High-Level Forum, "an inspiring gathering of leaders, diplomats and changemakers committed to advancing development across the continent."

Winkel also participated in the African Union High-Level Forum at the AU Mission to the United States, where Her Excellency Ambassador Constancia Gaspar, left, led important discussions on the role of the African Diaspora. "The dialogue highlighted how diaspora engagement and global collaboration are essential to driving sustainable progress throughout Africa," Winkel said. Later, she attended meetings and participated in the Africa Day celebration, hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps and the African Union Mission to the United States at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. The evening celebrated the richness of African culture, heritage and unity across the global community.

Throughout the week, Winkel held meetings with representatives from the Embassy of Kenya, the Embassy of Angola, and other embassy partners, right, continuing important conversations around collaboration and long-term impact.

"A central theme across these engagements was the African Union’s Agenda 2063 -- a strategic framework for achieving "The Africa We Want,"' Winkel said. Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future.

Books deliveries continue in Kenya and Uganda, plans underway for additional containers to be sent

Sande Willis, left, our driver in Tanzania, and I are pointing at the top of Mt. Kilamanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. We titled this photo, "Aim High." 

Libraries for Kids International continued book deliveries in Kenya and Uganda this spring and early summer. These efforts have raised the number of rural African schools in which we have established libraries to 13,013.

Susan Hess, pictured in the red T-shirt, and her husband, Sam, are donors and volunteers with Libraries for Kids International. They joined Roy Austin on this year's trip to East

Africa. They worked with Wanjiku Francis, Libraries for Kids International Kenya operations coordinator, to visit and deliver books to rural schools in Kenya. Francis is also preparing for two shipping containers of books to arrive in mid-July for distribution. Teachers are sending her request forms for books.

In June, Francis organized book deliveries in Trans-Nzoia County in western Kenya. Team members were responsible for overseeing deliveries to a total of 945 schools. 

Uganda coordinator preps for second container of books

David Mabonga, Libraries for Kids International Uganda coordinator, has been working in the country's Eastern Region of Uganda, obtaining request forms from the teachers for a second shipping container of books from Libraries for Kids International.

This spring, part of the funds secured from a matching opportunity through Books for Africa, are being used to fund the second shipping container. That container is to be packed and loaded in July, and scheduled to ship by early August.

The first container shipped to Uganda arrived earlier this year, and teachers responded to us. Sara N. of the Zesui Primary School, Uganda, reported, "I want to tell you that it was timely to receive these books because they arrived at a time when we were organizing for a reading competition. They have really helped the children to perfect their reading abilities."

Jacqueline L., Musese Senior Secondary School, Uganda, said students have improved their reading through Libraries for Kids Interantional books and class participation has improved. "The quality of presentation of assignments has also changed because many now speak and write better English. Innovation and creativity especially to solve problems in and around the school environment is clearly being noted."

Libraries for Kids International's July 20 Author Event Features Donna Wyland, 'Autumn's Harmony'

Libraries for Kids International's July 20 Free Author Event features Donna Wyland, left, who will discuss her book, Autumn's Harmony.

Author events are held at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton, South Carolina (2nd floor above Corner Perk), beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Autumn’s Harmony is a poignant and witty tale about the healing power of forgiveness, reconciliation and new beginnings. Anna Bentley needs a new life. Struggling in a long-term marriage with two children and a secret that stole her joy many years ago, she begins to search for the key to happiness in marriage and in life. When peach martinis, lacy lingerie and

Nicholas Sparks novels fail to quell her discontent, she finds what she was looking for in the most unlikely place. This story is for every woman who has ever desired to make sense of her past, find joy in the present and discover God’s purpose for her future. 

Libraries for Kids International sponsors the free talks, but there is a suggested donation of $5 to the sponsor. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Reservations are required because seating is limited. Call or text Tamela Maxim, Libraries for Kids International board member, at 843-683-4100 or email at tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org to reserve a spot or ask questions.

Libraries for Kids International Raffle Coming!

Launching in July: Libraries for Kids International Raffle, with the prize, a Little Free Library, valued to $570!

Raffle tickets to win the Little Free Library will be available on our website and via social media channels. Learn more by viewing a video and visiting the web. (Note: A step stool, post and mount are also included.)

This is a Lowcountry raffle only, meaning there are no shipping options. Of course, the winner may donate the Little Free Library to any person or organization of their choice. Watch our communication channels for details!

Read These Real Testimonies. Help Support These and Other Students in Africa!

Teachers and administrators often write to us with messages of thanks for the books we provide to help build libraries. This month, we share testimonies from two students in rural schools in Kenya.

One student, left, writes: "My dream is to be an astronaut. I will start by focusing and reading more about astronauts and reading more story books. From that, I will learn new vocabulary. Today I have learnt to:

-- spell new words

-- write new words

-- learn new words

-- writting a good paragraph."

Another student writes: "My name is Bonface. My dream is to be a sergion (surgeon). Today, I will start by reading science experiment books and adventure stories."

Testimonies like these are much appreciated and confirm that the work we do is worthwhile. We are supporting students' dreams! What to be a

part of our mission to provide books and build libraries for rural schools and their students? It's easy! Change a child's life. Make a donation today. Thank you!