TOCCOA, Ga. — For Shantelle Grant, the joy of librarianship starts the moment a child bursts through the doors of the library, racing toward the shelves with a smile and a book already in mind.
That daily spark — the excitement of discovery and the promise of a lifelong love of reading — is what has earned Grant statewide recognition as the 2025 Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year, an honor announced by the Georgia Public Library Service.
Grant serves as children’s coordinator at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library and as regional children’s and youth services director for the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System. The award recognizes her work in early literacy, youth programming, and building community partnerships across Northeast Georgia.
Fully invested in her work
“It means a lot because I’m very active and fully invested in my work,” Grant said. “I try to attend every workshop and every meeting, not just to be there, but to participate — to bring my happiness, my joy and anything I know that might encourage or inspire someone else. I think people picked up on that and chose to nominate me for my character. I’m incredibly thankful that was recognized, and I don’t take this honor lightly.”
Grant’s path to librarianship began in early childhood education, where she spent more than a decade teaching at Stephens County Head Start. A partnership with the library during those years proved pivotal. During summers, Grant led story times at the library, while the library’s children’s librarian visited her classroom during the school year to promote reading.
“That transition is a beautiful story,” Grant said. “The former children’s librarian, Kay Canberg, pulled me aside and told me she was retiring and had already given my name to the library manager because she thought I would be a great fit. I had been teaching for 12 years, and in 2007 everything changed. I was interviewed, hired on the spot, and I’ve been at the public library in Toccoa for 19 years now.”
Today, Grant oversees a wide range of children’s and youth programming, including story time, summer reading, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, homeschool programs, the Mayor’s Reading Club, and collection development. Staying organized, she said, is key.
“It really comes down to organization,” Grant said. “I write everything down and rely on a good calendar and planner, with help from my coworkers. I want to make sure I’m delivering the very best for our families and children.”
Early literacy is a central focus
Early literacy is a central focus of her work — and a major reason she was selected for the statewide award.
“Early literacy has to start as soon as possible,” Grant said. “Any time you can put a book in a child’s hands or let them hear a story, you’re building the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten.”
Beyond Stephens County, Grant works closely with children’s librarians across the region, helping coordinate programs and share best practices among six library systems.
“We work closely across the six-library system,” she said. “Staying connected with families and focusing on early literacy is critical, because if a child can’t read by fourth grade, they’re already behind.”
Colleagues say Grant’s impact reaches far beyond programs and statistics.
“Shantelle’s impact on our community is both profound and far-reaching,” said Delana Knight, director of the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System. “Through her leadership in early literacy initiatives, mentorship of teens and future educators, and deep partnerships with schools, homeschool families, and local government, she has made the library a welcoming hub for learning at every stage of life.”
The children are at the heart of Grant’s job
Grant was also named the 2025 Pioneer in Education by the Stephens County School
System and is active in the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce and a local Rotary Club.
For Grant, the heart of the job remains the children themselves.
“When they run to the children’s area with smiles on their faces, eager to find a book and take it home, that’s what keeps me going,” she said.
She hopes the award shines a light not only on her work, but on the role libraries play in everyday life.
“Public libraries are essential to the community,” Grant said. “We’re more than books — we help people access resources, find jobs, and succeed in everyday life.”
The Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library will celebrate Grant’s award with a public reception on March 19.
