Southworth Library awarded $20K accessibility grant

The Southworth Library in the village of Dryden is looking to transform its space to make it more accessible for disabled individuals and people who assist the disabled community.

Back in 2011, the library had an addition built onto its structure on West Main Street. Since then, director Diane Pamel and the library staff have made it their goal for the building to be as compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as possible.

“We have some things knocked off the list, but there’s so much more we can do,” Pamel said. “It’s really important as the library we’re making accessible to everyone.”

The library’s wish to tackle accessibility projects came true when they were recently awarded $20,000 from the American Library Association (ALA) through support of its Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) initiative.

The ALA received $10 million through LTC in February. About $7 million has been used to distribute $10,000 and $20,000 grants to small and rural libraries across the country.

In collaboration with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), LTC “offers grants to qualifying libraries across the country with a population under 25,000 and located at least five miles from an urbanized area,” according to a release.

“This program is a step in the right direction to impactful change,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “We are so grateful to have this generous grant that will assist so many libraries and communities regarding the core issue of accessibility in underserved areas.”

Southworth Library is one of 240 libraries across 43 states that will use LTC funding.

“It’s pretty open-ended to do what we need to do to create a more accessible space and accessible programming,” Pamel said. “It’s pretty exciting to get funding to do some of those changes.”

Pamel said that adults with disabilities from the Racker Center residential program visit the library on a weekly basis. She noted that children with disabilities also stop by the library, but a majority of the programs “weren’t accommodating enough” for them. 

“It’s important to me that our library meets everyone’s needs. If there’s a way to change things or modify our space, I want to do that.”

Pamel noted that she created a plan that includes a list of accessibility-based projects that will soon be submitted to those in charge of ALA’s LTC program.

Some of the ideal projects that Pamel listed were filters for the library’s fluorescent light bulbs, upgrading to furniture that can be used by individuals in wheelchairs, a calming space in the library’s kids section and more.

“The [calming space] is really important for kids and families,” Pamel said, noting space with noise-manipulative features.

Despite compiling a list of potential projects, Pamel is open to what the community wants, including for children with sensory issues.

Pamel mentioned that the library is restricted from spending the grant funding until her staff engages in community conversations or conducts public input sessions in support of people with disabilities and individuals who work with disabled people. Pamel added that she wants to hear from the community and its stakeholders, whether it’s in person, over the phone or by other means of communication.

“We never want to represent people without their voice,” Pamel said. “We want to have open conversations and see what people want.” 

So far, the grant funding has inspired Pamel and her staff to modify some of the library’s programs. For example, during story time, the library staff provides a list of things that will happen.

“It’s helpful for kids who need a little more structure,” Pamel said. “Having the mindset is so valuable.”

Pamel said that the library has until 2025 to finalize projects and spend the grant funding.

“These grants are more than just funding,” said Kate Laughlin, ARSL’s executive director. “They’re lifelines for small and rural libraries, allowing them to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. They have already helped unlock so many doors to learning and empowerment.”

To provide comments or suggestions, contact Pamel by email at southworthlibrary@gmail.com or by calling the library at 607-844-4782.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Results from village of Dryden, Freeville elections

The villages of Dryden and Freeville held their elections on March 19.

All races in each village were uncontested. In Dryden, incumbent village board of trustees members Dan Wakeman and Clay Converse received 64 and 59 votes, respectively.

In Freeville, Mayor Miles McCarty was reelected with 21 votes. Village board member David Fogel also received 21 votes, while Diana Radford racked up 19 votes.

Dryden Little League to host golf tournament May 19

The Dryden Little League will host a fundraising golf tournament on May 19 at 8 a.m. at the Stonehedges Golf Course in Groton.

The tournament is a captain-and-crew format, and the cost is $300 for each four-person team. Funds raised will support the Dryden youth baseball and softball teams and will provide uniforms and equipment for participants.

The tournament includes 18 holes of golf, two carts per team, dinner after golf, door prizes and gift bags. Events during the tournament include longest drive and closest to the pin contests, a $1,000 hole-in-one challenge, a 50/50 putting contest and optional raffles for various prizes.

For inquiries, send an email to golf@drydenlittleleague.com. Tournament registration and sponsorship forms are available upon request.

Egg hunt in Dryden is March 30

The Town of Dryden Recreation Department has announced that the annual egg hunt is scheduled for March 30 in the village of Dryden.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will take place at Montgomery Park on Elm Street. The Dryden Fire Department will bring the Easter Bunny to the egg hunt as a special guest.

More Easter-based programming will be held at Southworth Library in the village at 10:30 a.m.