From the Chief Executive Officer
With each new message we receive from head teachers, through emails and the delivery forms they fill out -- we’re reminded of the joy and relief that new books bring to their students. Their words of thanks are humble, sincere and full of hope. They affirm why our mission matters so deeply.
We are thrilled to share that our latest container has safely landed in Mombasa and is now on its way to Mbale, Uganda, where it will mark our first- ever school deliveries in Uganda. And, the impact continues to grow: two more 40‑foot containers are being prepared for shipment to Kenya by early April. Every book, every box, every container is more than a gift. It’s a lifeline to possibility.
Laura Winkel Chief Executive Officer
Tickets on sale for 'Dreams Under the Serengeti' April 25
Join us for an uplifting evening of adventure, inspiring stories and testimonials, breathtaking visuals, music, friends and great food at Libraries for Kids International's 5th annual charity event, "Dreams Under the Serengeti." You'll want to attend this important event, Saturday, April 25, at Port Royal Sound Foundation, Okatie, South Carolina.
This annual event – held in conjunction with World Book Day the same week -- promises you an immersive journey "to Africa" for the evening, including the artistry of dreams, sound and visuals. The menu for the evening promises to be great -- curating the menu is a James Beard Foundation semifinalist!
Tickets can be purchased for individuals, couples and tables for 10 attendees. Sponsorships are also available on the website, ranging from $500 to $20,000 and above. To learn more, view a video of the 2025 event.
"Dreams Under the Serengeti" builds momentum and raises funds for Libraries for Kids International's vital mission to provide books to establish libraries in publicly funded rural schools across Africa. Our goals are to raise $200,000 to fund eight containers which hold 336,000 books for more than 2,200 school libraries, reaching some 560,000 students.
Your ticket includes a seated dinner, music and open bar, plus presentations, testimonials and more. An online auction, which opens April 18, provides opportunities for bidders seeking art, dining, experiences, gift baskets, private events and travel. Online auction items can be viewed on the event website.
Dreams Under the Serengeti sponsors Thank you!
Libraries for Kids International delivers thousands of books to 859 schools in Kenya
Libraries for Kids International delivered thousands of books to primary, junior secondary and secondary schools in Tharaka Nithi County in central Kenya in January and February, the organization reported. The deliveries were organized by Wanjiku Francis, left side of photo, operations coordinator for Libraries For Kids International in Kenya, and a team of staff and volunteers who delivered the books to 859 schools.
The books were included in a shipment of 297,000 books in five shipping containers sent to Kenya by Libraries for Kids International beginning in August 2025. The containers arrived in October 2025.
A small convoy of trucks delivered 835 boxes of books to schools in Tharaka Nithi County between Jan. 23 and mid-February. A few more boxes of books will be delivered soon to county schools. At various stops, parents, teachers, school administrators and volunteers picked up boxes and delivered them via bicycle and motorbike, Francis reported.
"I’m smiling, happy beyond measure following yet another successful endeavor," Francis said. "I credit this success to God for being with us throughout, guiding us and opening doors for us. I also appreciate the locals big time! We found people who value books, want a chance to read (and who) thirst for knowledge." Since returning home, Francis said she has been following up with school staff and fielding requests for more books.
Eutychus Mwiti Kiambi, principal of Maguma Mixed Day Secondary School, Magutuni, Kenya, wrote to Libraries for Kids International, expressing appreciation for the organization's "generous donation." "We are truly grateful for your commitment to support education," Kiambi's letter said. "Such generosity not only supports our academic programme but also motivate(s) our learners to develop a lifelong love for reading and learning." The principal added that the school's staff and students "look forward to continued partnership and collaboration in running the education growth of our school."
Author Millie West featured March 16 at our free monthly author event
Libraries for Kids International's next monthly author event features Millie West, left, who will discuss her new novella, Cat Island (previously a screenplay), and a new screenplay, The Wind Chimes, which won the award for Best Screenplay at the Chandler International Film Festival on Feb. 5, 2026.
Her presentation is on Monday, March 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton, South Carolina, on the second floor above Corner Perk. Following West's presentation, attendees can join the author for a Dutch Treat lunch.
Monthly author events are free, but a $5 suggested donation to the sponsor is appreciated. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Reservations are required because seating is limited. Call or text board member Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or email her at tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org to reserve a spot or to ask questions.
NOTE: The February author event with Laura Elizabeth has been rescheduled to Monday, May 18.
Candid awards Platinum Seal of Transparency to Libraries for Kids International
Candid, the world's largest source of information on nonprofits, awarded its Platinum Seal of Transparency to Libraries for Kids International. The Platinum Seal is the highest recognition available for nonprofit accountability.
To earn the seal, Libraries for Kids International provided detailed information to Candid about our operations. We also provided strategic goals and the specific metrics we use to measure our progress and impact.
Watch Roy Austin's interview on WHHI-TV
Libraries for Kids International leaders are frequent guests on WHHI-TV, which reaches viewers in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and parts of southeast Georgia.
In January, Roy Austin, Libraries for Kids International founder and board president, appeared on the station's "Talk of the Town" program, hosted by Robyn Zimmerman. In this interview, Austin spoke about his recent travels in Africa and Libraries for Kids International's plans for this year.
Board approves revised mission statement
At its February meeting, the board of directors for Libraries for Kids International approved a revised mission statement to reflect the organization's current work:
"Libraries for International exists to provide reference and leisure books to publicly funded rural schools with limited resources in Africa, expanding educational opportunities for their students."
Watch new video, view map of our work to deliver books to school libraries in Africa
So, how do we get books to Africa, where school libraries are established for the benefit of students? Watch our new 3-minute video that shows book shipments from the Port of Savannah, Georgia, to the Port of Mombasa, Kenya.
In addition, the map below illustrates the journey from your donations to school delivery. Click the map for more details about each step in our process.
Join our cause. Help children grow and learn!
Your donation to Libraries for Kids International can change and inspire children in Africa to learn, and as a result, help themselves, their families and their communities. After Libraries for Kids International books were delivered to Marothiley Primary School in Kenya, Nicholas Mboi, head teacher, described how the books changed the students and their parents.
"Marothiley primary school learners and their parents were happy when they finally received books and other teaching and learning resources ... this has made us to be in a very good foundation for learning." Book deliveries by Libraries for Kids boosted enrollment at the school, he added.
Won't you join us? Donate today, and make a difference. Thank you!
Discover the Heart of Our Organization!
Explore the incredible impact you’ve helped us achieve. Visit our website to learn more about these key areas by following the links below:
- Donor Spotlight & Honor Roll
- Upcoming Event
- Our Event Sponsors
- Milestones
- Our Mission & Impact
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Meet the Board Members
- Our Visionary Partners
How Can You Help Move Our Mission Forward?
Many of you ask how to support our mission. Here are a just few ways you can truly create an impact with us:
- Forward this newsletter to at least one person you know
- Support our program directly
- Volunteer your time to join us in our efforts
- Share our story on social media and tell friends and family
