Hornell Police are pursuing a suspect in the crime
By Andrew Harris, GALLERY from the Hornell Public Library
Hornell’s gem, the Hornell Public Library was the victim of a senseless act of vandalism last week. An unknown villian used orange spray paint to deface the solid wood front doors and other parts of the property. A local pawn shop and gas station were also victims.
While infuriated by the act, the library team quickly stepped up to repair and move on. Director Denise Chilson told us that two board members lead the effort:
“Norm Ellis and Garrett McGowan, Board members of the HPL spent all weekend and most of yesterday cleaning, restoring, and hanging the library doors.
The perpetrator of the vandalism did an estimated $4000 in damage to the doors alone. Norm and Garrett donated their time and expertise to get the doors repaired a quickly as possible. The staff and I are particularly grateful to these two because even seeing the plywood up was a reminder of the offensive language in orange spray paint. “
Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray reports that the investigation has produced a male suspect who appears to have left the state. “We are pursuing this individual and have applied for a warrant to bring him back to Hornell to be arrested.”
Luckily the vandalism has not disrupted the library’s hours of operation or services provided.
The school and library budget vote is today in Hornell, Noon until 9pm at the High School
Read our previous reporting on the vandalism and don’t forget to VOTE!!
