2025 Press Releases
December - Bluffton's Libraries for Kids International Sends Significant Book Shipments to Primary Schools in Kenya and Uganda
Through 2025, the organization sent more than 1.4 million books to African primary schools
BLUFFTON, S.C. – Libraries for Kids International, a locally based international organization that supplies books to school libraries in Africa, shipped 297,000 books to Kenya in mid-October and sent a shipment of 21,000 books to Uganda this month, said Laura Winkel, chief executive officer, Libraries for Kids International. All told, the organization sent more than 1.4 million total books to Africa from 2020 through 2025, she said.
The books have not yet been delivered in Kenya because school is out of session, but they have been stamped, sorted and are ready for delivery the beginning of January, Winkel said. Deliveries are planned for schools in Elgeyo, Marakwet and Nandi. This month, the organization is partnering with the Global YMCA to ship books to Uganda. To start, books will be sent to schools in Mbale (Eastern Region), Gula (Northern Region), Arua (West Nile Region), Kasese (Southwestern Region) and Kampala (Central Region).
"I am very pleased with the progress we have made, and I am happy to share that we have over 300,000 books ready to be distributed in early 2026," said H. Roy Austin, founder and board president. "These books will make a lot of kids happy."
"I will never forget a 13‑year‑old student at Mbagha Primary School in southern Kenya who told me that the books 'opened up the world' to him. That is why we do this work, and we will keep going so more children can have that same chance," he said. "Books Open Opportunities 4 Kids," is the trademarked tagline for the Libraries for Kids International.
In its five-year history, Libraries for Kids International has delivered much-needed books to some 10,177 primary schools in parts of Africa. The organization's vision is to send books to rural schools throughout the continent.
Libraries for Kids International will host its annual charity fundraising event April 25, 2026, at Port Royal Sound Foundation. With the theme, "Dreams Under the Serengeti," the event is in conjunction with World Book Day, an annual global celebration. In addition, the organization hosts monthly author events, which are free, at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton.
Libraries for Kids International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy and education for children in rural areas of Africa. By shipping books and establishing libraries in schools without access to reading materials, the organization helps students discover the joy of learning and expand their opportunities for the future. Since its founding, Libraries for Kids has delivered over 1.4 million books to underserved communities, empowering teachers and inspiring young readers.
Contact: Laura Winkel, Chief Executive Officer, Libraries for Kids International, books@libraries4kids.org
843-597-4826
September - Roy Austin Attends Books for Africa Event
ATLANTA -- Roy Austin, founder of Libraries for Kids, International, recently visited Atlanta to attend a Books for Africa event, where he met with His Excellency Mohamed Siad Doualeh, the United States Ambassador of Djibouti, Africa.
During the event, Austin made valuable connections with representatives from several African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Djibouti. These relationships support the organization’s mission to bring books to children in rural schools in Africa.
Libraries for Kids also secured space in a 40-foot shipping container that will help launch its expansion into Uganda. The shipment is being organized in partnership with Books for Africa and a Rotarian in Uganda who is connected to the global YMCA network.
The container is scheduled to ship in the coming months and will start the expansion into East Africa, this is in addition to the 297,000 books currently on the Atlantic Ocean, headed for Kenya. These books will support primary schools in rural area, giving thousands of children the chance to read and learn.
“This is a big step forward for our mission,” Austin said. “Meeting Ambassador Doualeh and connecting with leaders from across Africa shows how teamwork can make a real difference.”
Libraries for Kids, Int'l is a nonprofit organization that helps bring books to children in rural African schools. The group believes that every child deserves the chance to dream big and learn through reading.
For more information, visit OUR WEBSITE.
May - Libraries for Kids Int’l CEO Meets with Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 23, 2025 – Winkel, the CEO of Libraries for Kids Int’l, traveled to Minnesota this past week to meet with His Excellency David Kerich, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya at a Books for Africa event. During the visit, Winkel and Ambassador Kerich discussed how Libraries for Kids Int’l has shipped over 1.1 million books to Kenya in about five years. They also explored ways to bring more books to children in Kenya and across Africa. Winkel announced that Libraries for Kids Int’l has secured four additional shipping containers of books. These will be sent to Africa in the third and fourth quarters of this year, aiming to provide more children with access to books. “Every child deserves to read and learn,” Winkel said. “We are excited to send these books to Africa and help more children discover the joy of reading. A child does not get to choose where they are born, but with the right resources, they can choose where they end up.” Ambassador Kerich expressed his support. “Books are the great equalizer!” he said. Libraries for Kids Int’l is a nonprofit organization that provides access to books for students in rural primary schools in Africa. They believe every child should have the opportunity to read and learn, no matter where they live. To date, the organization has shipped 25 containers of books. The four new containers will be sent later this year, helping thousands of children enjoy new reading materials. For more information, please contact: Laura Winkel CEO, Libraries for Kids International Phone: (609) 402-6025 Email: laura.winkel@libraries4kids.org
February - Libraries for Kids, Int’l Expands into Tanzania
Bluffton, SC – Libraries for Kids Int’l, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children, announced that it has shipped over 1.1 million books to Kenya as of last month. This significant milestone supports the organization’s mission to foster a love of reading and provide access to quality literature for children in underserved rural primary schools. The shipment includes a variety of books, from picture books to chapter books, catering to different primary school ages and reading levels. This initiative not only enhances the educational resources available in Kenyan public schools but also inspires children to discover the joy of reading. "We believe that every child deserves access to books," said Laura Winkel, Chief Executive Officer of Libraries for Kids Int’l. "Our recent shipment to Kenya is a testament to our commitment to literacy and education. We are thrilled to see the positive impact these books will have on young readers who are eager to read." In addition to the successful shipment to Kenya, Libraries for Kids Int’l is proud to announce its expansion into Tanzania. Starting this month, the organization has put books into its first Tanzanian school. This exciting new chapter will help even more children develop reading skills and ignite their imaginations. "Our expansion into Tanzania is an important step in our mission," added Winkel. "We are eager to start collaboration and expand to ensure that children have the resources they need to succeed and have already had conversations to expand into Uganda in the coming years." Libraries for Kids Int’l relies heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers to achieve its goals. The organization invites anyone interested in supporting literacy initiatives to get involved. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children around the world. For more information about Libraries for Kids Int’l, please visit www.libraries4kids.org.
January - Author Talk with Arthur V. Martin, PhD at The Roasting Room on January 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bluffton, SC, January 3, 2025
Author Talk with Arthur V. Martin, PhD at The Roasting Room on January 13, 2025 Bluffton, SC—Libraries for Kids, International is thrilled to announce a notable author talk featuring Arthur V. Martin, PhD, on January 13, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road. This event is free and open to the public, but a $5 donation is suggested. Books will be available for sale for $20, and the proceeds will benefit Libraries for Kids, International. Dr. Martin is a distinguished scientist, engineer, and published author whose groundbreaking work on COVID-19 and other pathogens earned him a Nobel Prize nomination. With a career spanning over thirty years and over 2,000 projects, he has gained a global reputation as the most knowledgeable air quality consultant and expert in designing and selecting the most efficient and effective technologies tailored to specific structures and applications. His website: www.arthurvmartinphd.com Dr. Martin will share insights into his writing journey and discuss his recently released book, From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination. A thought-provoking Q&A session with the audience will follow. From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination is a chronicle of Dr. Art Martin’s use of his background in biology, chemistry, physics, mechanics, and engineering to develop products and applications to better the health and wellness of people everywhere. In this book, Dr. Martin describes his groundbreaking discoveries, creating an innovative plant-based solution with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, effective at eliminating over 170 individual pathogens, including the formidable COVID-19 virus. For his work on COVID-19, Dr. Martin received a Nobel Prize nomination, and for his work on Tuberculosis, he was nominated by the World Health Organization for a coveted Kochon prize. Following the author's talk, attendees are invited to join Dr. Martin for an optional Dutch Treat lunch at The Roasting Room. This informal gathering offers a chance for further conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. “We are excited to host Dr. Martin and provide the community with an enriching educational experience,” said Tamela Maxim of Libraries for Kids, International. “This event promises to be inspiring and engaging, and we look forward to welcoming everyone.” Space is limited, so reservations are necessary, and early arrival is recommended. For more information or to RSVP, please get in touch with Tamela Maxim at 843.683.4100 or tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org. About Libraries for Kids: Libraries for Kids, International is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides leisure and reference books to schools in rural Kenya for recreational and supplemental reading. We work exclusively with schools with little or no electricity or internet access in communities facing significant environmental, climatic, and cultural challenges. Libraries for Kids' mission is to supply books and school supplies to schools in underdeveloped countries so that they can have libraries for students. Contact: Tamela Maxim, Board Member, Libraries for Kids, International, tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org, 843.683.4100