July 2026 Libraries for Kids International Newsletter

August 2026 Newsletter

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From the Chief Executive Officer

The Power of Relationships and Storytelling

At Libraries For Kids International, our mission is strengthened by many donors, volunteers, sponsors and strategic partners who invest their time, talent and expertise in our work. Every partnership contributes to our ability to serve more children, expand our reach and create lasting impact. We are grateful for every individual and organization that believes in our mission and helps move it forward.

As shared in our March newsletter, Libraries For Kids International was honored to be selected as the recipient of Hailey Evans' Marketing Power Package. Her book, "Epic Impact," is a helpful resource.

This month, I would like to extend special appreciation to Hailey for the impact she continues to have on our organization. While the Marketing Power Package has been an incredible gift to Libraries For Kids International, what has impressed me most is her willingness to invest even more of her time and expertise beyond the package itself.

Through her work in mission branding and storytelling, she has helped us think differently about how we communicate who we are, why our work matters, and how we can more effectively connect others to our mission. Just as important, she has generously shared her knowledge with me personally, helping me identify more efficient ways to implement systems and processes that reduce manual work, strengthen operations and increase our organizational capacity. Her guidance is helping us work smarter, tell our story more effectively, and better position Libraries For Kids International for continued growth and global impact.

As our organization grows, our story becomes one of our most valuable assets. Strong mission branding is not about marketing alone. It is about clearly communicating our purpose, values and impact in ways that inspire people to join us. Through Hailey's guidance, we are building greater organizational capacity, exploring new efficiencies and preparing for an incoming enhanced website experience that will better tell our story and support our continued growth on a global scale.

This experience is a reminder that the right relationships do more than open doors. They help organizations learn, evolve and reach new levels of impact.

Laura Winkel

Chief Executive Officer

Books Delivered to Uganda Public Schools Help Improve Academic Performance, Says School Librarian

A donation of books delivered on April by our coordinator, David Mabonga, on behalf of Libraries For Kids International, is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of learners.

According to a Ugandan school librarian Tonny Kolo, the new collection has significantly improved pupils' academic performance, reading habits and overall library experience. The arrival of attractive, age-appropriate books has sparked enthusiasm for reading among learners who previously showed little interest in visiting the library.

Learners gather in the school library to explore books donated by Libraries For Kids International, fostering a growing culture of reading, learning and discovery.

"The books have transformed how our learners engage with reading," said Kolo. "Many pupils now spend more time in the library exploring stories and educational materials."

Teachers are benefiting from the expanded collection by incorporating the donated books into storytelling sessions, group reading activities, classroom discussions and research projects. These resources are helping to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences, Kolo added.

Beyond academic gains, the storybooks are nurturing imagination and creativity by exposing learners to different cultures, experiences and perspectives. This broader understanding is helping students develop empathy while encouraging critical thinking and curiosity about the world around them.

The library has become an increasingly vibrant learning space, as evidenced by growing student participation and enthusiasm for reading, Kolo said. The donation demonstrates how access to quality books can open doors to learning, inspire young minds, and strengthen literacy development in schools across Uganda.

Project Update: Libraries For Kids International remains on schedule for its next Uganda book shipment, with the organization's upcoming container expected to depart the United States in August. The shipment will deliver thousands of additional books and educational resources to partner schools and libraries, further expanding access to quality reading materials for children across Uganda.

Libraries For Kids International Raffle is Here!

Libraries For Kids International has launched a raffle -- with the prize, a Little Free Library, valued to $570! The winner will be chosen before Labor Day, Sept. 7, so buy tickets early and often.

Raffle tickets to win the Little Free Library are available on the web, via social media channels or by scanning the QR code. Learn more by viewing a video and visiting the Little Free Library website. (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 more information.

Volunteers Needed for 'Maritime AfterHours' Aug. 5, in Savannah

Libraries For Kids International is the charity of the month at the next meeting of "Maritime AfterHours," in Savannah, Aug. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The monthly gathering is organized by the Savannah (Georgia) Maritime Association.

Libraries For Kids International needs volunteers to help sell 50/50 raffle tickets and distribute brochures at the event, said Roy Austin, founder and board president. Please write to him at roy.austin@libraries4kids.org if you can volunteer.

At a previous meeting in April, attendees contributed $715 to Libraries For Kids International.

At each monthly meeting of Maritime After Hours, a charitable organization is designated for donations from attendees. Libraries For Kids International is the organization's charity partner three times per year.

Attendees typically travel from throughout the United States and locally to attend, including some who regularly give to Libraries For Kids International. The event also provides an important opportunity for Libraries For Kids International supporters to share information about the organization's mission.

According to its website, the Savannah Maritime Association works for the common benefit of all participants in Georgia’s ports, plus federal, state, city, commercial and community organizations. The association identifies and achieves common goals and objectives for the maritime community.

Libraries For Kids International's Aug. 17 Author Event Features William Douglas, 'Hope is All I Have'

Libraries For Kids International's Aug. 17 Free Author Event features William "Billy" Douglas, right, and a discussion of his 2024 book, Hope Is All I Have: Defying the Odds of Cancer.

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.

Douglas’s inspirational memoir, Hope Is All I Have, explores surviving severe health and life challenges through sheer perseverance and a positive mindset.

Libraries for Kids International sponsors the free talks, and 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.

Next event is Sept. 21, featuring Author Millie West, who will discuss her new novella, Cat Island (previously a screenplay), and a new screenplay, The Wind Chimes.

Libraries For Kids International Grows Community Connections at May River Shrimp Festival 5K

Libraries For Kids International was honored to be selected by BearFootSports to serve as the official charity partner for the 2026 May River Shrimp Festival Hawaiian Shirt 5K for a second year in a row. The event, in Bluffton, South Carolina, July 25, proved to be a tremendous success. With a large turnout of runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters, the day showcased the strength and generosity of the Lowcountry community.

While the event brought visibility to Libraries For Kids International's mission of providing books to children in rural Africa, it also created valuable opportunities to build relationships and expand community networks. New connections were made with local residents, business leaders, community organizations and supporters, strengthening a growing network committed to literacy, education and service.

Special thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the event possible. Libraries For Kids International extends particular gratitude to the military community, including service members and leadership from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and the broader Beaufort-area military community. Their support with volunteering and running the racecourse played an important role in the event's success.

Watch the recap video, which captures the excitement of race day, the energy of the volunteers and the many connections that made the event such a memorable success. Together, the community demonstrated how meaningful partnerships and shared purpose can help create lasting impact.

Join Us! Help Libraries For Kids International Supply Books and Build Libraries for Schoolchildren in Africa

Education has the power to transform lives, but for many children in Kenya, Uganda and other parts of Africa, barriers such as a lack of educational resources, including books, can make learning more difficult.

Your support can help change that.

Every donation to Libraries For Kids International helps provide students with the books they need to succeed in school and life. By investing in these children today, you're helping create opportunities that can benefit families and communities for years to come.

No contribution is too small! Together, we can help more children stay in school, continue learning and pursue their dreams.

Please make a gift today. Your generosity will help empower students in Kenya and Uganda with the education, resources and hope they need to build brighter futures.

We thank you for believing in the potential of every child and for partnering with us to make a lasting difference!