October 2026 Libraries for Kids International Newsletter

October 2026 Newsletter

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From the Chief Executive Officer

A Conversation Worth Having

This week, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation led by Wendy McGrady, President of The Curtis Group, focused on trends in philanthropy and what they mean for nonprofit organizations like Libraries For Kids International. One message stood out above all others: successful organizations are not simply the ones telling their story. They are the ones listening. As our organization continues to grow and prepare for the launch of our new website, I've been reflecting on an important question:

Do we communicate our mission, impact and needs as clearly as we could?

Every day, we work to place books into the hands of children, support schools, strengthen libraries and create opportunities that can change the trajectory of a child's future. Yet even as we celebrate growth, we know there is always room to improve how we share that journey with the people who make it possible.

The presentation reinforced the importance of transparency, stewardship, relationship-building and understanding how supporters experience an organization's message. It reminded me that while data can help guide decisions, meaningful relationships are built through trust, clarity and consistent communication.

As we enter this exciting new chapter, I would like to hear directly from you.

What do you want to know more about?
Where can we be clearer?
Are there parts of our work, our process or our impact that you would like us to explain better?

Your perspective matters. In many ways, the strongest organizations are shaped not only by their mission, but by the people who care enough to help them improve.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to listening, learning and continuing to grow together. Email us!

Laura Winkel

Chief Executive Officer

Uganda Update: A Container Full of Possibility Has Set Sail

There are certain moments in our work that never lose their excitement, and witnessing a container begin its journey is one of them. On September 11, a 40-foot container carrying 42,195 books departed the Port of Savannah and began its voyage toward East Africa. While ocean shipping timelines can be unpredictable, we anticipate sharing additional updates as the shipment gets closer to the Port of Mombasa and continues its journey to Uganda.This shipment scheduled to arrive in December represents far more than books. It represents opportunity, curiosity and the promise of literacy for thousands of children who are eager to learn. Every box loaded into the container carries stories, knowledge and the chance for a young reader to discover something new.

We are also happy to report that our Uganda Coordinator, David, and his family are doing well. David has shared excitement building among schools and communities as they prepare to receive this full container of books. The anticipation is a wonderful reminder that the impact of every shipment begins long before the container doors are opened. As we follow this journey across the Atlantic and toward Africa, we are grateful for everyone who helps make moments like this possible. We look forward to sharing the next chapter of this story as the books move closer to their destination and, ultimately, into the hands of children eager to read.

42,195 books. One container. Countless futures waiting to be written.

Kenya Update: The Power of a Child's Voice

We know that literacy is about more than putting books on shelves. It's about helping children discover their voice. That belief inspired the launch of our V.O.I.C.E. Club (Voices of Inspired Children Everywhere) in Kenya, an initiative designed to encourage students to go beyond reading and begin sharing their thoughts, questions, reflections, artwork and stories. Through letters, voice messages, drawings, book recommendations and creative responses, students can connect with readers and supporters across the world. This initiative was spearheaded by Kenya Coordinator, Wanjiku Francis. Kenya is the first country to launch V.O.I.C.E. Club, and our vision is much bigger. As the program is successfully launched, we will introduce it throughout every country where Libraries For Kids International operates, creating opportunities for students across Africa to share their voices, ideas and experiences with our community. What excites us most is not simply what students are learning, but what they have to teach us.

In our CEO column, we shared our desire to become a stronger listener as an organization. The V.O.I.C.E. Club is one way we're putting that commitment into action. As we continue building new ways to communicate across the Atlantic, we want to create meaningful opportunities for our supporters and students to learn from one another.

So, we'd love to know:

What would you like to hear directly from our students?
Are you curious about their favorite books?
Their dreams for the future?
The impact a library has on their school?
The challenges they face or the lessons they're learning?

As this program grows, we will bridge the distance between communities by creating authentic connections rooted in curiosity, understanding and shared humanity. After all, some of the most powerful stories aren't the ones we tell about our students. They're the ones our students tell themselves.

Email us!

Celebrating Community Events and Leadership

September was a very meaningful month for Libraries For Kids International as supporters, volunteers, and community partners gathered at both Maritime AfterHours in Savannah and Burnt Church Distillery's Community Partner Give Back Event in Bluffton. These events provided valuable opportunities to share our mission, connect with new supporters and strengthen awareness of the importance of literacy for children across Africa. Throughout both events, we enjoyed meeting longtime supporters, welcoming new faces and engaging in conversations about the life-changing impact that access to books can have on a child's future. Moments like these remind us that our mission extends far beyond the libraries we help build. It is powered by a growing community of people who believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, imagine and thrive.

As many of you know from our September announcement, founder Roy Austin retired from his role as Board President. While this marks the close of an important leadership chapter, it is far from a goodbye. Roy continues to serve on our Board of Directors, and we are grateful for the vision, dedication and passion he brings to Libraries For Kids International. It was especially meaningful to see so many supporters, volunteers and community partners take time during these September events to congratulate Roy and thank him for the lasting impact he has made on children and communities across Africa.

The momentum continues as we look ahead to another exciting community partnership. 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.

Strengthening Partnerships Across Africa: CEO presents at African Union Embassy in Washington, D.C.

On September 9, Libraries For Kids International CEO Laura Winkel had the distinct honor of joining Ambassador Constância Adelina Gaspar, African Union Ambassador to the United States, in Washington, D.C., for a gathering of African diplomatic leaders and representatives from across the continent. The visit provided an important opportunity to share the mission of Libraries For Kids International while building meaningful relationships that support future literacy and educational initiatives throughout Africa. During her time in Washington, Laura presents our mission at the African Union Embassy and participated in one-on-one embassy meetings with diplomatic representatives from Kenya, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe, discussing educational priorities, opportunities for operational matters, collaboration and ways Libraries For Kids International can support literacy development through informed partnerships.

These conversations reinforced something that remains at the heart of our work: lasting impact begins by listening. Every country has unique educational goals, needs and challenges and understanding those differences is essential as we continue to grow and serve communities across Africa. The dialogue continued well beyond the visit. Following her return home, Laura participated in virtual meetings with representatives from Equatorial Guinea, Sudan and several other African nations, further strengthening relationships and exploring future opportunities for partnership.

Libraries For Kids International's Oct. 19 Author Event Features Cele and Lynn Seldon

Libraries For Kids International is pleased to welcome local authors and travel journalists Cele and Lynn Seldon for our October Author Talk featuring Lynn's newest release, Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry: A History & Guide. The book explores the landscapes, culture and communities that shaped one of the South's most beloved literary voices, following the places, people and traditions that influenced Pat Conroy's life and work throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry.

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 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.

November 16, 2026 Author: Annelore Harrell will talk about Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 3

Sometimes Hope Arrives in a Box of Books

For many students in rural Africa, receiving books is a life-changing event. New stories become available. New knowledge becomes accessible. New possibilities begin to take shape. What may seem like a simple shipment of books can inspire an entire school. Your generosity helps create those moments every day.

Gift Books. Change Lives.