Sharing the Passion
One of Shiko Clayton’s passions is reading and the love for libraries. From her memoir, she gives an account of her primary education (Gatumaini Primary School) where she borrowed story books and novels from some of her Indian classmates who had access to non-curriculum fiction books. Her school did not have a library and the only public library in Thika district was not accessible to many schools including hers, due to its location. Not many students had the luxury of owning or even borrowing a book from the library to read as an alternative to the required school curriculum books.
Shiko’s passion for libraries led her to conduct small-scale research to other Kenyans who had immigrated to the U.S. on the topic of libraries and the need to sensitize the communities through the library personnel, educators and authors. The majority agreed that they could have benefitted from local libraries and that there was a need for more awareness.
When Shiko immigrated to America, she found a home in libraries. The Hughes Main library in Greenville County located in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, literally speaks to her, as the Swahili words which she grew up speaking are inscribed on the wall of the children books section. Peleleza dunia yako, which translates to explore your world, is among the fourteen languages of the world that are accessible for all to see in this library. Shiko’s children attended the children library programs like the Bouncing Babies, Musical Jamboree and Story Time from the age of six months until they were of age to join school. These programs serve as a foundation to build kindergarten readiness and the love for books.
In March 2020, just before the pandemic, Shiko traveled to Kenya and had a meeting with fourteen library stakeholders where she presented the findings to her research. She also received over 2,000 books donations from the Friends of the Library in Greenville, South Carolina and from her friends who know her vision. The idea was well received and today Shiko is working on creating a program to support the library system in Kenya.
To date, the Kenya National Library Service has taken massive steps in advocating for literacy for children at an early age with transparency and sensitization both on their website and on social media. However, more advocacy and resources are needed so that all the children can get access to books, especially in the rural areas. It takes a village to raise a child. That’s why Shiko is working on a program and cordially invites authors, teachers, educators, library personnel, parents, and people of goodwill to join hands with her to support the value of reading at a young age.
Testimonials
“I met Shiko Clayton through our local library where I am a children’s librarian. She brought her children to my morning programs, and we quickly hit it off. I learned of Shiko’s passion to bring a library to the children in her hometown. I was able to talk to our Friends of the Library group and got a large donation of books to her in addition to the books that she had previously acquired. These books sit neatly in her residence closets, patiently awaiting the day that she will get them to their new home. With love, prayer, and a lot of hard work, I know that Shiko will succeed. Her belief is that giving children access to books gives them access to the world. This belief, love, and passion behind it, will carry this mission through. Shiko’s story is an inspiration to me and others who will take this journey with her.”
- Mrs. Emily Lammy, Librarian at Greenville County Library. Greenville, South Carolina, USA
“Shiko’s well written memoir encapsulates faith in three aspects: faith in God, faith in others and faith in the process. Shiko’s book beautifully describes how she and her family made an extended family out of friends. This is inspiring and encouraging that even neighbors, who most often than not are strangers, can become friends and more like family. I enjoyed taking the children to the library programs together with Shiko’s children. Reading books to children is awesome as they learn and get exposure through play and fun activities like cooking green eggs and ham after reading the book Green Eggs and Ham. Shiko’s memoir offers inspiration that the young generation needs. I can’t wait to have a copy of Shiko’s book in my hands, it is a MUST read!”
- Mrs. Abigail Velazquez, Stay-At-Home-Mom and home teacher of five children, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
