On Our Way - Wise Owl House Files for 501(c)3

On November 17, 2023, in a comfortable, quiet meeting room in Charleston’s Main Library, our five Wise Owl House volunteers put pen to paper to become a 501(c)3 non-profit.

The Wise Owl House Board (Left to right): Donna Bailey, Mike Hutchinson, Kevin Hackler (behind Mike), Leah Donaldson, and Kristin Hackler

The official board consists of Donna Bailey, Mike Hutchinson, Kevin Hackler, Leah Donaldson, and Kristin Hackler.

Mike has been instrumental in forging connections with Charleston Friends of the Library, which kindly donates books to the Wise Owl House efforts. Mike can be found regularly volunteering in the Friends of the Library sorting room on the ground floor of the Main Library. He has also built a network of Little Free Libraries and indoor Perches, mainly in areas of North Charleston that can most use the free books, which he consistently checks on and refills.

We are also grateful to have Leah Donaldson, executive director of Charleston Friends of the Library, join our board! Her experience in working on and guiding non-profits is invaluable and her love of books knows no bounds.

Speaking of lifelong book fans, we are thrilled to have Donna Bailey, a career librarian, also on the board. Her literary knowledge and library experience are already an incredible asset to the team.

Also on the board are Kevin Hackler, a business attorney whose knowledge of forming and running non-profits has been invaluable from day one, particularly in the 501(c)3 application process, and Kristin Hackler, who simply loves books and believes that everyone deserves a chance to read and learn as much as their heart desires.

As soon as the papers were signed, the team toasted sparkling grape juice in antique crystal glasses and celebrated the official start of Wise Owl House and bringing literature and learning to every corner of our community.