Libraries in area communities receive $1,000 grants

MIDDLETOWN — A Durham family intent on its philanthropic mission to “plant seeds of opportunity” in the community, in conjunction with a Middletown charitable foundation, surprised 18 librarians Wednesday by giving grants to each facility for a job well-done during a very trying year.

The Peach Pit Foundation is administered by Sharon and Bill Griffin, and their daughter Jessica Griffin Scheff.

Sharon Griffin is a member of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County Leadership Circle, a group of donors committed to the work of CFMC who contribute annually toward operations, according to Thayer Talbott, vice president of Programs & Operations at the 49 Main St. organization.

Peach Pit awarded a grant to the Community Foundation to share with these libraries in conjunction with contributions from other donors, Thayer said. The only stipulation is the $1,000 grants be used for something fun.

A Zoom session was intended to be a surprise to all grantees. It replaced the annual luncheon, which was canceled because of the pandemic, Thayer said.

The Peach Pit’s name was inspired by a birthday card Griffin received years ago, which showed a turtle planting a peach pit. “Sometimes you stick around and you see your peach pit grow, and other times, we move on. It still grows, you just don’t see it,” it said.

That sentiment perfectly encapsulated the family’s philanthropic mission, Griffin said.

Peach Pit, established in 2005, seeks to help working people who “need a leg up in life, fosters the development of working families and individuals who need a little boost of assistance in life, whether it be child care, education or mental health counseling,” according to its website.

The organization sponsors the annual luncheons for Leadership Circle members. These individuals are “people who have seen fit, for many, many years, to be very generous contributors, because there’s a strong recognition that what we do is far beyond giving out grants,” said John Boccalatte, chairman of the CFMC Board of Directors.

Public libraries have thought “outside the box” and found new ways to connect and support their communities throughout the pandemic, Thayer said.

The Essex Library has been a “godsend,” said CFMC Board of Directors and Leadership Circle member Judy Schoonmaker. “They’ve been a saving grace to our whole family. All I have to do is call over there: ‘You know what I like,’ and [a staff member] puts six books in a bag. I don’t know what we’d do without them this year,” Schoonmaker said.

“I have a million ideas half-formed in my head,” said Ramona Burkey, director of Middletown’s Russell Library. I can’t wait to bring this news back to my team and see what they come up with. We’re so grateful. What a wonderful gesture.”

“I love libraries. They’re about the best equalizer there is for all of us,” said Cynthia Clegg, CFMC president and CEO.

“Our community needs joy right now,” said Ellen Paul, director of the East Hampton Public Library.

“It’s not necessarily the person next door to you in your community. Sometimes, there are people in other parts of the county doing wonderful things” that benefit part of all of Middlesex County, Boccalatte said.

“We do sometimes forget to have fun in the midst of crisis moments like this,” said Deb Smith, director of the Essex Library.

Elizabeth Alford, director of the Ivoryton Library Board of Trustees, expects to spend the money to boost her virtual arts and crafts programs for all ages. “This is going to make a big, big difference.”

Sharon Griffin said the idea for giving to the libraries arose after members of the charity wanted to reach out “in some meaningful way.” Libraries are an “integral part of each and every community, and service patrons of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels and interests,” she said.

The only request is for these libraries to use the $1,000 as soon as possible. “Please, use it to do something fun. There are no limitations,” Griffin said. “Anything you feel that might lift up some spirits, bring a little joy to both your patrons and yourselves — go for it,” said Griffin, who praised librarians for their ability to adapt to the challenges presented by the pandemic.

At Russell Library, that adaptation includes providing an array of virtual and digital resources such as online story hours, arts and crafts and activity sessions, book discussion groups, career counseling and resume reviews, as well as financial seminars.

Michael Gilroy, East Haddam Library System director, said he can’t wait to brainstorm ways to best spend the funds.“My head is swimming with ideas for how to put this money to use.”

For information, call 860347-0025, visit the Community Foundation of Middlesex County on Facebook or go to middlesexcountycf.org.