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.