New Safeguards After 3 Cars Hit Library

A loud noise startled Harrison Library Director Galina Chernykh on just her second day on the job last year. She walked outside and was surprised by what she saw—a vehicle had overshot a parking spot and ran into the front of the building.

She didn't think anything of it, until it happened again a few months later.

Then, when a car hit the building a third time, her concern became a more serious.

"When it happens three times, it's serious," she said, noting that the vehicles drove over a sidewalk before hitting the building.

So Chernykh is pleased that new poles are being added in front of the library between the parking lot and sidewalk. Crews have been working in the area this week and the project is expected to be finished by Tuesday, Chernykh said.

"That's important because we have kids walking on the sidewalk," she said, pointing to the area where the vehicles drove into the building.

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In addition to poles at the parking lot's edge, a new sidewalk is being installed in front of the building. The ramp entering the building is also being renovated.

Across the street, the sidewalk in front of town hall was also replaced this week. Work there was wrapping up on Friday.

As for why the library has become a target for vehicles, Chernykh offered a simple solution.

"Everyone can't wait to get to the library," she said with a laugh.