Willington Public Library Acquires New Children's Books Through Pilcrow Foundation Grants

WILLINGTON, CT — The Willington Public Library has been awarded more than $1,300 in new children's books through Pilcrow Foundation Grants.

Here is the official announcement:

The Willington Public Library is excited to announce it has been awarded a grant for $400 from the Pilcrow Foundation’s Children’s Book Project, which was matched by the Friends of Willington Public Library for $200, providing the library with 33 brand new children’s books worth approximately $600.

Additionally, the library was selected for two sponsor grants through the Pilcrow Foundation for 37 additional titles, bringing the grand total to 70 new children’s books worth over $1,300 in retail value.

The first additional sponsor grant, provided by Mr. Hal Berenson and Mrs. Laura Ackerman of
Colorado, added 20 science and math-themed books valued at $400.56 to the collection. The
second, from Drs. Bill Strawbridge and Meg Wallhagen of California contributed 17 health and
wellness titles worth $299.59. Combined with the original grant, these generous contributions
ensure that young patrons in Willington will have access to high-quality, up-to-date materials on
a wide variety of topics.
“This grant helps us continue to build a vibrant, diverse, and current collection for our youngest learners,” said Steve Osier, Director of the Willington Public Library. “Access to up-to-date books on science, health, and math empowers children to learn and grow. And the stories from other titles will provide entertainment and foster a lifelong love of reading for fun. We are grateful to the Pilcrow Foundation, the Friends of Willington Public Library, and the additional Pilcrow Foundation sponsors for helping us provide these important resources to our community.”

The Friends of Willington Public Library played a vital role in securing the grant by providing
the $200 match as part of the application. The Friends raised these funds through their annual membership dues, investment income, and community events, including their annual book sale held in May/June, as well as their craft fair and basket raffle held in December.

“The Friends of Willington Public Library are proud to support the growth of the library’s
collection for children,” said Hanna Prytko, President of the Friends of Willington Public
Library. “These new books will benefit children and families in our community for years to
come. We cannot wait to see them on the shelves and in the hands of young readers.”

Connie Bedan, Treasurer of the Friends, added, “Supporting the library through supplemental
resources by funding this matching grant is a core part of our work and reinvesting our members’ dollars into a library we all love. Especially as our investment unlocked a door to even more support through other donors that support the Pilcrow Foundation.”

The Friends of Willington Public Library is a volunteer nonprofit group that supports the library through fundraising and advocacy to enhance programs and collections for the community.

Those interested in joining or supporting the Friends can learn more by visiting the Willington Public Library’s website here or by stopping in at the library during open hours to pick up a membership form near the circulation desk.

For more information about the Pilcrow Foundation and its mission to support rural libraries,
visit www.pilcrowfoundation.org.