For Silvana Collins, returning to the Georgetown County Library System as its new head of Children's Services felt a lot like coming home.
Collins, who previously spent a decade working in Hispanic outreach and as an assistant in the library system, stepped into her new role in November. She brings with her a wealth of experience, a deep love for working with children and a vision to expand library programming and accessibility for the county’s youngest readers.
“I really enjoy working with children,” Collins said. “Their response to learning—especially when you introduce them to something new, like another language—is incredible.”
Collins also brings to the job an energy and enthusiasm for her work that’s positively contagious.
Collins’ library career began in Hispanic outreach, where she helped families navigate the library system, obtain library cards and access educational resources. She later became an assistant to the former head of Children's Services, Sheila Sullivan, before stepping away for a time to attend to family matters.
Collins missed the library, and she especially missed the kids, she said. So, when Sullivan retired last fall, leaving her position vacant, Collins knew it was the perfect opportunity to return to her passion.
Her approach to the role is rooted in inclusivity and engagement. A key component of the Children’s Services programming is bilingual and even trilingual story time. In addition to introducing Spanish vocabulary, Collins incorporates sign language to make sessions more interactive and accessible.
“The kids respond so well to sign language,” Collins said. “It makes story time more engaging and interactive.”
Expanding Outreach and Accessibility
One of Collins’ first initiatives in her new position has been revitalizing outreach programs that were put on hold due to the pandemic and the library’s renovation, which saw the main branch in Georgetown closed for more than a year. She has restarted visits to local daycares, bringing story time and crafts directly to children who may not otherwise have access to the library.
“We bring everything they need, down to the craft materials,” she said. “All they have to provide is a glue stick.”
In addition to daycare outreach, the library offers an array of nontraditional services, including board games, puzzles and educational kits that families can check out. The library also provides backpacks containing park passes and nature exploration tools, allowing children and families to visit local parks and engage in outdoor learning experiences.
“The modern library is so much more than books and movies,” Collins said. “We want to provide hands-on learning experiences for kids in as many ways as possible.”
Collins has worked to create a structured schedule of daily programming at the library to help parents and children know what to expect.
“Every morning at 10:30, there’s something happening,” she said. “That consistency makes it easier for parents to plan visits.”
Programs include story time, music sessions, Playdough playtime and hands-on STEM activities. A new book club, which focuses on biographies and historical figures, is still gaining traction. If attendance remains low, Collins is prepared to pivot to graphic novels, hoping to engage reluctant readers.
“The rule is to try a program for at least three months before deciding if it’s working,” she said. “If something isn’t catching on, we adjust.”
Building for the Future
Collins’ long-term goal is to reach as many children as possible, particularly in areas where access to library services is more limited. While some branches are located near schools and naturally receive student traffic, others require more active outreach efforts.
“The challenge is finding ways to bring children in,” Collins said. “For branches that aren’t near schools, we have to be creative—whether it’s through social media, flyers or special programming.”
As summer approaches, Collins and her team are already deep in planning for the annual summer reading program, themed “Color Our World.” Activities will include art projects, gardening lessons and visits from local artists and authors. The goal is to keep children engaged in reading and learning while school is out.
“The more we can connect kids to the library, the better,” she said. “When they see us out in the community, they recognize us. They know who we are and what we offer.”
A Personal Passion
Collins, a native of Quito, Ecuador, has called Georgetown County home for more than a decade. She and her husband, John, moved to the area from “up north” to seek a better climate for their son, who struggled with asthma.
“Living near the ocean has been life-changing for us,” she said. “It’s given our family a fresh start.”
Now, with her own children grown, Collins finds fulfillment in working with the county’s youngest residents.
“They fill up my need for play and silliness,” she said with a laugh. “When a little one smiles at you with just two tiny teeth showing, it melts your heart.”
Her approach to library service is rooted in a philosophy of giving.
“My favorite book is ‘The Giving Tree,’” she said. “The tree gives everything it has because that’s what love does—it shares without expecting anything in return. That’s what I hope to bring to the children of this community.”