Sen. Ritchie with Charlotte Garofalo of Gouverneur

The director of the Gouverneur Library's reading room, was honored as a Woman of Distinction in Watertown Thursday.

Charlotte Garofalo, was among those honored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie from her 48th District for their contributions to their communities at the “Women of Distinction” ceremony.

Garofalo is credited with transforming the library from a little-used building into a hub of the community. She led the change of the attic space to a loft for the periodical collection and a comfortable reading and study space, and has organized countless programs for people of all ages in the community.

Garofalo is a member of the Kiwanis Club and belongs to Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

For her work, she has won the New York State Library Association Award for library loft renovation in 2008 and the Excellence in Library Service Award in 2008. She was nominated by the Gouverneur Library Reading Room staff, Jane Blackman, Linda Adams, Pat Milne, and Ethan Tweedie.

Also present for the ceremony was previous honoree and former New York State Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O’Neil of Parishville.

“Each of these women are making unique contributions that enrich our society and make our communities better places to live. It’s my pleasure to recognize them for their achievements, and to say ‘thanks’ for all their hard work,” Ritchie said.