$25,000 to SSI Library

In May 2024, The Literary Guild Treasurer, Jim Eskew presented a check for $25,000 to St. Simons Island Public Library manager Hesper Muntford.

We raise funds for the library through our ongoing Bookstore (open most Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9:30-3:30) and the Spring and Fall book sales (see calendar) held over four days in the Casino Atrium.

Many thanks to the book donors, bookstore and book sale volunteers, and book sale patrons for making this ongoing fundraiser possible!

St. Simons Island Library will use the funds to purchase new books and materials! 📚

$12,000 for programs 📚

We award St. Simons Island Library $12,000 yearly for projects supporting cultural literacy in our community. Guild membership funds make these programs possible. Recent programs are listed below:

  • The Take 5 Program (2024-2025 School Year) This initiative provides reading materials and helpful instructions to the parents of all pre-K children who attend St. Simons Elementary and Oglethorpe Elementary on St Simons. The aim is to improve early reading skills through parent participation. $4,950

  • Summer Reading Program (Summer 2024) – The library hosts families for a large-scale performance on Thursday mornings and a storytime session on Friday mornings in June and July. This grant will cover an art workshop with local artist Kevin Bongang, a juggling performance, a reptile educational performance, and a party for Smokey the Bear in conjunction with the National Forest Service, a historical storyteller, an interactive nature talk, a yoga session for kids, and seven (7) storytime sessions. Funds will primarily cover the entertainers’ fees and the cost of some event supplies. $2,520

  • The Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters (Winter 2024) and supporting books.  $3,106

  • Cultural Storyteller portraying Oney Judge (Winter 2024) plus supporting books.  $1,696 

  • Digital Materials Acquisition (Fall 2024) funding for e-books and audiobooks – Marshes of Glynn Libraries. $5,000