Southworth Library Director Diane Pamel named Community Hero of the Month

ITHACA – For a little more than 16 years, Director Diane Pamel has kept Dryden’s Southworth Library as a center of the community.

For the impact she has made in that role, Pamel has been named Community Hero of the Month by the Tompkins Chamber, in partnership with Tompkins Community Bank. This award recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community.

The nomination of Pamel for the honor noted that she is a “tireless, lifelong advocate for her community.”

“As the longtime director of the Southworth Library in Dryden, she wears many hats from presenting story hours and book clubs for all ages, to successfully writing grants, to spearheading an incredible building addition,” the nomination stated. “Diane is a leader in the library field and master at fostering new community connections. Diane cares deeply for Dryden and is continually finding new ways to meet the community’s growing needs.”

Pamel said she was “incredibly honored” when she heard she was chosen. “I love what I’m doing, and I love making things happen in Dryden,” she said.

As for why she thought she was chosen, Pamel said that was a tough question to answer. Perhaps, she said, it is because of the programming the library offers and the effort she has made to connect community members.

“I really have worked hard and made it a priority to find a way for the community to come together and have discussions on issues or interesting topics,” Pamel said. “Especially after COVID, there was such a need for that. It is so nice to see people come together.”

In addition to providing access to information, Pamel noted that Southworth serves a variety of needs in Dryden.

“The library is not just books, it really is a community connection place,” she said. “Today we had a story time, and afterwards we just had a lot of people stick around, with adults coming in, families coming in, and that is a fairly common thing here.”

Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares agreed with Pamel’s assessment about the need for community connectedness.

“It is so important that our residents find connection in their communities,” she said. “It makes our county stronger, and it’s been proven that people are happier and healthier when they connect with others.”

Tompkins Community Bank President Johanna Anderson said Pamel is a great example of a community hero.

“It’s one thing to have a space for the community to gather, but it still needs someone to bring people in,” she said. “That’s what Diane does, and why she is a community hero. Thanks to her, Dryden has a place that brings people together.”

For more information about Southworth Library, visit southworthlibrary.org.

About Tompkins Chamber

With over 700 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster a healthy economy, a vibrant destination, and improve quality of life in Tompkins County.

About Tompkins Community Bank

Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through their unique local decision-making model, the bank offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness, while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at tompkinsbank.com.

About Community Hero of the Month

Tompkins Community Bank, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, launched the Community Hero of the Month Awards in March of 2021, giving deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. Each month’s winners receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a gift from Tompkins Community Bank.

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce "Community Hero of the Month" series is sponsored by Tompkins Trust Company

More in "Community Hero of the Month & News & Press Release"
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