Harrison Library Director Receives NY Innovation Award

Harrison Public Library Director Galina Chernykh has been honored by the NY Library Association (NYLA) for her work in transforming the library into the centerpiece of the Harrison community. She will receive the Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award at the NYLA Annual Conference in November.

“Her ability to always see the bigger vision makes the library a vibrant place by merging reading and other academic pursuits with community involvement,” said Danielle Colavito, one of the library’s Makers In Residence, in a letter nominating Ms. Chernykh for the award.

“Galina has worked tirelessly to bring new programs like the Play2Learn Festival to Harrison,” adds HPL Board of Trustees President LoAn Austin. “Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and inspire the staff and community leaders to see the Harrison Public Library’s limitless potential.”

According to NYLA, The Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award is given to a public library director who during the past two years developed or implemented an innovative program leading to an increase in financial support and/or usage of their library by:

• Demonstrating the value and importance of their public library to community leaders and local government officials.
• Enhancing the image of the public library through an innovative public relations program publicizing the resources and services in multiple media formats.
• Developing new programs and services to attract users and non-users.

“I am humbled and earnestly grateful for this award,” Ms. Chernykh says, “but the achievements it reflects would not have been possible without the inspiration I receive from my board and my staff as well as the tremendous support the library receives from the community.”

In a letter supporting Ms. Chernykh’s nomination, Harrison Town Councilman Frank Gordon said, “Since her appointment to her current position as Harrison’s Library Director in 2011, Ms. Chernykh has revitalized and transformed our Town’s public library through innovative programming and capital improvements.” He reinforced his endorsement with a list of capital projects planned under Ms. Chernykh’s direction that include the complete $4 million renovation of the Halperin Building in downtown Harrison as well as multiple capital improvements to the West Harrison Branch.

Also endorsing the nomination was HPL Foundation trustee Fran Brescia-Coniglio, who wrote,

“Galina understands the important role libraries play in a community and most importantly adapts with the times and needs of the patrons to create a welcoming place.”

Ms. Chernykh will receive the award November 9 at the NYLA Annual Conference in Rochester, NY.