HR 1136: Grant, Ms. Shantelle; occasion of her selection as the 2025 Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year; commend

House Resolution 1136

By: Representatives Erwin of the 32nd, Gambill of the 15th, Ballard of the 147th, Wade of the 9th, Donatucci of the 105th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Ms. Shantelle Grant on the occasion of her selection as the 2025 Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Ms. Shantelle Grant serves as the children’s coordinator at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library and as the regional children’s and youth services director for the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Grant has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the needs of her community; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Grant is widely recognized for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for adults and children of all ages, while actively advocating on behalf of public libraries and promoting literacy and lifelong learning throughout her community; and

WHEREAS, nominators have noted that Ms. Grant’s passion for earl literacy has playe d a vital role in supporting the library’s mission to support the development of lifelong readers and learners; and

WHEREAS, at Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library, Ms. Grant conducts and oversees all aspects of children’s and youth programming, including story-time, summer reading programs, 1,000 Book Before Kindergarten, home-school programming, the Mayor’s Reading Club, collection development, and other literacy-focused initiatives; and

WHEREAS, community members consistently praise Ms. Grant’s enthusiasm, warmth, and commitment to children and families, noting her ability to engage audiences of any size with joy, patience, and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, in her role as Regional Children’s and youth Services Director, Ms. Grant coordinated state level youth initiatives across the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System, providing guidance and support to children’s staff while facilitating collaboration and effective program planning; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Grant’s leadership has had a profound and far-reaching impact on her community through early literacy initiatives, mentorship of teens and future educators, and strong partnerships with schools, home-school families, and local government; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Grant is an active member of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce and the local Rotary Club, further demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and community service; and

WHEREAS, in November 2025, Ms. Grant was recognized by the Stephens County School System as the 2025 pioneer in Education, reflecting the lasting influence of her wok in education and youth development; and

WHEREAS, encouraged by retireing librarian Kay Canberg, Ms. Grant began her service at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library in 2007, and as since devoted herself to strengthening literacy and learning opportunities for children and families across Northeast Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Grant is widely regarded as a professional of integrity, compassion, and excellence whose work has strengthened her community and advanced the mission of public libraries throughout the state of Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Ms. Shantelle Grant for her exemplary service and congratulate her on being named the 2025 Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Ms. Shantelle Grant.