This May, hundreds of Pittsboro Elementary students headed home with free books to read over the summer—thanks to a gift rooted in a lifelong love of reading. In memory of her husband, Robert Myers, Peggy Myers coordinated a collective gift of $8,000 to support Chatham Education Foundation’s Books on Break program.
When reflecting on her late husband’s life, reading was a constant. As a young boy, he loved the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and was equally captivated by Ishi in Two Worlds. As an adult, he worked his way through Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, and many of the greats of Russian literature, including Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Turgenev, and Gogol. And as a father of two boys, he relished daily reading time—sharing that same love of books with his children.
“Books meant so much to Robert throughout his life,” said Peggy. “I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory than by helping children develop a love of reading and giving them access to books of their own.”
Longtime residents of Chatham County, Peggy and Robert raised their two sons here, both of whom attended Chatham County Schools. Robert was well known in the community, first as the owner of a local garden center and later through his work as a carpenter in the construction industry.
Books on Break—free book fairs held at Chatham County Schools’ Title 1 and rural schools—lets students choose and keep 4–5 books of their own to read over the summer. All books are brand-new and include high-interest fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, bilingual titles, and magazines. The program helps combat summer learning loss and encourages a lifelong love of reading by putting books students want to read directly into their hands.
In lieu of flowers, Robert’s obituary requested donations be made in his memory to the Chatham Education Foundation for the Books on Break program—inviting family and friends to be part of this lasting tribute. Peggy’s gift reflects not only her own generosity, but also the contributions of those who wanted to honor Robert’s life and his love of reading.
“This was a first for us!” said Brittany Sandefur, Executive Director of the Chatham Education Foundation. “I was so touched to learn that Books on Break was how Peggy wanted to celebrate Robert’s life. There is no better legacy we can leave behind than to make sure our kids have a great education and a good life.”
Peggy experienced the impact of her gift firsthand when she volunteered at Pittsboro Elementary’s Books on Break event. She helped set up the fair and assisted students as they selected and bagged their books—sharing in the excitement as each child chose stories to take home. During her visit, she was introduced to Principal Lemondre Watson and Dr. Jayme McPhatter from Central Services, both of whom expressed their appreciation for her meaningful support.
Students also had the opportunity to thank Peggy by signing a card to show their gratitude for the books they received.
Through this gift, Robert’s love of reading now lives on in the hands of young readers across Pittsboro. It’s a lasting tribute that reflects both a love of reading and a genuine commitment in the education of Chatham’s students.