October 8, 2007

SENATOR ANDREW E. DINNIMAN CONTACT: MARTIN INDARS
PHONE: 610-692-2112 PHONE: 610-692-2112
www.senatordinniman.com mindars@pasenate.com

WEST CHESTER - State Senator Andy Dinniman will receive not one but two awards this weekend for his work to strengthen community relations and improve public libraries.

The Human Relations Council of Greater West Chester is set to present the Seventh Annual Robert H. Hanna Community Appreciation Award to Dinniman in recognition of his lifelong commitment to equality, social justice and political integrity. The award will be presented at the council’s annual luncheon set for Saturday, Oct. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Charles E. Melton Arts & Education Center in West Chester.

The statewide organization, Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL), plans to name Senator Dinniman the Elected State Official of the Year for being a vocal leader in promoting and supporting public libraries. That award will be presented at the PCBL’s annual luncheon set for Sunday, Oct. 14 at noon at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel in State College. The luncheon occurs during the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Annual Conference.

Dinniman, who will personally accept both awards, said he was surprised and touched to be recognized by both of these important organizations in one weekend.

“It is always a pleasure to get an award, but these are two causes that I have fought for and groups that I have long admired,” Dinniman said. “Both awards will serve as reminders of how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done. I will strive to earn again and again the recognition that the Human Relations Council and the PCBL have bestowed upon me.”

“In terms of the Hanna Award, its wonderful to follow in the footsteps of the individuals who have won this award previously - people like Sam Stretton, Clifford DeBaptiste and Alice Thomas. I am equally honored to be recognized by the PCBL as an advocate for public libraries and the values they represent. I have always felt that our libraries are not mere public institutions but important pillars of democracy, “ Dinniman said.

In the spring, Dinniman was honored with Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester’s first annual “Senator Andrew Dinniman Award.” It will be presented each year to an individual who displays a real commitment to furthering the shelter’s mission.

For more information, call Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.

Note to Editors: Senator Dinniman’s office is closed today for Columbus Day. It will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

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