From the Chief Executive Officer
What is a dream worth?
For the children we serve, it can begin with something as simple as a book. Recently, I had the privilege of reading notes students' shared with us from Kenya, sharing their hopes for their future. I was reading more than dreams. I was reading possibilities that did not exist before access to books.
One young Kenyan learner shared:
"I found my dream by reading. I gained courage through reading and learning new words. My creativity is developed through ideas from books. I'm confident talking in English after reading in class. Our teachers helped us read and this has changed our future."
Did those words hit your heart as hard as they did mine? Not because they describe what a child has accomplished today, but because they reveal what is possible for their tomorrow. Many students shared their hopes with us.
"In 2035, I hope I will be a doctor helping treat people who need my help."
Another proudly shared:
"In 2035, I hope I'm an engineer creating strong and beautiful structures for our country."
And another looked even further ahead and declared:
"In 2040, I hope I'm an AI engineer bringing technology to our farmers."
As I read these notes, I was reminded that every child's dream begins with access. Access to opportunities that help them discover talents they never knew they possessed. Our students' voices have also influenced another important milestone for Libraries For Kids International. Earlier this year as you know, we were honored to win a StoryBranding package through the generosity of Hailey Evans. What began as a branding project quickly became something much bigger. Over the following months, I worked to refine our organization's story, strengthen our messaging, and create the official branding blueprint that would guide how we share our mission with the world. The goal was simple: tell the stories of children like these in a way that honors their voices and demonstrates the transformational power of access to education.
In October, that vision came to life thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our IT Advisor James Worix, who donated his time, talent, expertise, and countless hours to build our newly launched website with his team. What he created is far more than a website. It is a window into the lives we are changing together. It is a place where you can see the impact of your generosity, learn about the communities we serve, and understand how something as simple as a book can help a child discover a dream because each month we will be featuring two new stories from the field. Most importantly, it allows the voices of our students to be heard by people around the world. When I think about the student who said, "I found my dream by reading," I realize that our website serves a big purpose. Stories create connection. Connection inspires action. And action creates change.
I want to personally thank James for believing in our mission and for investing his professional talents in a way that will impact children for years to come. His generosity has helped us build a platform worthy of the incredible stories that emerge from every student, classroom, and community we serve. I would also like to invite each of you to visit our new website at: www.libraries4kids.org. It is a complete revamp to explore our mission, learn about our impact (new stories, monthly), and see the future unfold through literacy and education. Most importantly, we would love to hear what you think of this project. Email us.
As I reflect on all of this, I am reminded that none of this happens alone. Each dream begins with someone choosing to care.
Thank you for being part of their story.
With gratitude,
Laura Winkel
Chief Executive Officer
Uganda: Books Incoming!
Our Uganda container is making excellent progress and is now expected to arrive in East Africa earlier than anticipated, with the shipment projected to reach port in less than two weeks. The 42,195 books aboard are one step closer to the students, schools, and communities waiting to receive them.
We are actively working with our Uganda Coordinator, David, to adjust timelines and prepare for distribution. If all continues according to plan, we are optimistic that these books will be delivered before the end of the year, allowing students to benefit from them before leaving for Christmas break. Should any unforeseen delays occur, distribution would move into the beginning of the new year, either way, these books will soon be in the hands of eager young readers.
42,195 books. One container. Thousands of students. A brighter future, arriving soon.
Zambia: Launching 2027
Libraries For Kids International is proud to announce expansion plans into Zambia in 2027 through collaboration with the Ministry of Education are in final stages. This exciting new chapter will help bring books, literacy resources, and educational opportunities to children and schools across the country.
Why Zambia? Our model can be duplicated in any country and key officials and along with the Ministry of Education stepped in to collaborate with our organization effortlessly. We identified a coordinator over a year ago. We are very pleased to introduce Richard Salunoka, who will serve as our contracted Libraries For Kids International's Country Coordinator for Zambia, helping guide this important expansion effort. He has been volunteering his time for over a year to make this expansion happen and is the key piece for this success. As we look toward 2027, fundraising efforts are now underway to support the shipment of our first container of books and educational resources to Zambia.
What Zambia's flag represents: The Zambian flag reflects the nation's spirit and heritage. Its green symbolizes natural resources and growth, red represents the struggle for freedom, black honors the people of Zambia, and orange reflects the country's mineral wealth. The soaring African fish eagle stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, vision, and the ability to rise above challenges. As Zambia celebrated its 62nd Independence Day on October 24th from British colonial rule, we honor the nation's strength, resilience, and bright future while looking forward to building new opportunities for literacy and education together in 2027.
We Need Volunteers!
Libraries For Kids International is honored to have been selected as the charity partner for the 2026 HHI Jingle Jingle Bridge Run in Hilton Head Island this December through our partnership with BearFootSports. Events like these help introduce new supporters to our mission while bringing communities together around a shared commitment to creating opportunities for children through literacy and education. We need your help to volunteer the day of Raceday. Please visit our events tab on our website or signup HERE.
The Power of 20.19
In 2018, a teacher named Anna Tayiai was asked a simple question:“Do you have a library?” Her response was equally simple:“No, but we would love to have one!”
That one conversation sparked the idea that would become Libraries For Kids International in 2019.
At the time, Anna's students had dreams, potential, and a desire to learn, but they did not have access to the books many of us take for granted. Today, because supporters stepped forward, students in her community have access to books that inspire reading, learning, and possibility. Anna herself shared that every book gives children an opportunity to learn, imagine, dream, and see possibilities beyond what they already know.
This Giving Tuesday season, we're inviting you to become part of our $20.19 Giving Circle. $20.19 ensures that children like those Anna teaches gain access to the books that can change the course of their lives.
A library begins with a book. A future begins with an opportunity.
Help us place more books and more possibilities into the hands of children across Africa. Because somewhere today, another teacher is saying,"We'd love to have a library." And together, we can help make that wish a reality. Ways to Give.
Libraries For Kids International's Author Talk Series: Author Annelore Harrell will talk about Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 3
November 16th: Libraries For Kids International is pleased to welcome local author Annelore Harrell for our November Author Talk featuring her newest release, Et Cetera Y'all, Volume 3.
Known for her engaging storytelling and unique perspective on Southern life, Harrell will share stories, insights, and reflections from her latest collection, offering an entertaining look at the people, places, and experiences that make the Lowcountry so distinctive.
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. Libraries For Kids International sponsors these free talks, and there is a suggested donation of $5 to support the organization. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation.
Reservations are required because seating is limited. Call or text Tamela Maxim, Libraries For Kids International board member, at 843-683-4100 or email tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org to reserve a spot or ask questions.
December 21, 2026 Author: Author Donna Huffman
