To Sierra Leone, With Love

Over the course of Millrace Books' 35 years on the banks of the Farmington River in Farmington, Connecticut, owner Jan Owens has always "made use of what we've got," that is, she often incorporates the river in book events and even displays -- there's a large picture window that overlooks the water and an island. For the store's 35th anniversary, however, Owens involved her entire community. Millrace hosted a dinner to benefit Farmington's Sierra Leone Task Force, which was founded to rebuild the Hope Day Primary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a place with an unusual connection with the town of Farmington.

"We wanted to do something beyond ourselves," said Owens. "We wanted to celebrate, but also donate, and we wanted the thrust to be education."

Owner Jan Owens

More than 100 customers attended the benefit, which raised $5,000, at The Grist Mill Restaurant, on the first floor of the Grist Mill, which also houses the bookstore. Connecticut historian Bill Hosley spoke, and Owens held a "fun drawing" during which she distributed a whopping 80 signed first editions, including Richard Wilbur's Mayflies.

"Everyone that came did so to support the cause," said Owens. "But they also had a delicious dinner and were very happy. We have a celebration every five years, but in past years we've done things that were more bookstore centered. This one was quite different, but very well received. It's the best event we've ever done."

At the dinner, Owens was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the New England Booksellers Association, which said that she "has been clever, resourceful, and creative in her devotion to her customers and her dedication to literacy and community enrichment."

Farmington has had a long-standing relationship with Sierra Leone ever since the 1839 Amistad Revolt. "Farmington had a strong band of abolitionists who followed the trial of the slaves from the Amistad," said Owens. "When they were freed [after a trial in New Haven, Connecticut], they had no place to go. The people in Farmington brought them here and taught them English so they could work and raise money for the trip back home to Sierra Leone. Ever since there has been this connection.

"I knew this was a vehicle that could really make a difference," Owens said. "The school had been nothing but a shack, but it's being rebuilt to accommodate 800 children. I wanted to do something that would emphasize that in today's world, no matter how small we are, we can reach out in a bigger way." --Karen Schechner