OLD LYME — On Sept. 12, the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin (PGN) Noyes Library Board of Trustees and staff gathered to celebrate the Library’s 125th Anniversary with the unveiling of a bronze statue of a griffin, a mythical half-eagle, half-lion creature. The almost 200-pound bronze statue, created by sculptor Michael McLaughlin, stands by the library’s entrance with an open book at its paws.
“While it is great fun to have such a wonderful sculpture right by our door,” explains Library Director Katie Huffman, continuing, “We are most excited by how it will help our library better connect with children, and further advance the library’s mission.”
According to Julie Bartley, the PGN’s Children’s Librarian, the library has long recognized that to inspire lifelong learning, it has to reach children at an early age … which is basically the same intent as the library’s many youth programs. The Library’s griffin is intended to contribute to that effort.
“While the griffin has often been portrayed as a fierce, magical creature,” Huffman notes, she adds, “We hope our griffin is slightly softer and more accessible than most.”
She points out, “It is still a griffin, with a nod to the merits of its determined, insatiable curiosity, but we hope visitors will find her friendly and inviting, and that even the youngest visitor will be inspired to give her a pat.”
Sculptor McLaughlin resides in northwestern Connecticut. He received his foundation in classical art while studying at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Upon completing his studies at the Academy, Michael went on to participate in an “old school” style apprenticeship in the studio of sculptor, Juan Andreu.
Andreu later inspired McLaughlin to travel to Thailand, Korea and Japan to continue his course of study further.
McLaughlin is the recipient of numerous awards and has won commissions from municipalities, galleries and private collectors from across the country.
Established in 1897, the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library exists to inspire lifelong learning and discovery in a welcoming place with exceptional resources programs and services. As a 501(c)3 association library, it receives support from town and state funding, and also relies on private donations.
The Library’s griffin was made possible thanks to private financial support from the Library’s Board of Trustees and others.