Katie Rider submitted this press release. Mary Ellen Brackemyer supplied the pictures from Tuesday, March 20, though Friday, March 24.
Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, will be closed for three weeks, beginning Monday, March 20, 2023. The closure will allow for the preparation and installation of new flooring throughout the facility. The current carpeting is original to the 1995 structure, and though it has worn well, the disintegration of adhesive has created tripping hazards throughout the building.
Luckily, Odell Public Library Friends, a tenacious group of library advocates, recognized the issue and quickly committed to raise funds for newer, safer flooring. Thanks to donations large and small, the Friends raised over $90,000 in just a few months!
New flooring materials include variegated carpet planks and luxury vinyl tile. The updated flooring will beautify the space as well as allow for easy cleanup in the youth areas.
What can Library patrons do in the meantime? Library staff suggests taking a road trip to visit one of the many PrairieCat member libraries in the area.
“I always take my family to visit out-of-town libraries when we go on vacation,” explains Youth Services Coordinator, Katie Rider, “but I kind of forget to do that when we’re home. It’s always fun to see what materials and programs other libraries are offering.”
PrairieCat is a consortium of 136 libraries across Northern Illinois, that work together to share resources efficiently and equitably across the region. Patrons with an up-to-date Odell Public Library card can check out materials from libraries in the consortium, including those in Erie, Fulton, and Prophetstown, IL; the Illinois Quad-Cities; many, many more.
Odell users may also continue to place holds on items through PrairieCat (https://search.prairiecat.inf) and select any of our surrounding area libraries for pickup. For a full list of reciprocal libraries, visit http://prairiecat.org/libraries.
For patrons who wish to stay closer to home, Odell’s online resources are still available 24/7. The Libby app gives users with a valid Odell Public Library card access to more than 83,000 e-books and audio books. Libby holdings include a wide variety of materials for children, young adults, and adults, from classics to current best-sellers. Simply download the Libby app on your electronic device, log-in with your Odell library barcode, and download up-to-five books at once. E-materials are automatically returned after a 2-3 week period, whichever the user selects.
While the Odell Public Library is closed, staff will continue to check the outside book drop and work on tasks in the office. Unfortunately, library materials will not be accessible during the closure. However, staff members are happy to answer questions via phone, 815-772-7323, or email ask.odell.library@gmail.com.
Regular library hours are slated to resume Monday, April 10. The public is invited to enjoy a tour of the new space as well as games and refreshments, during an Open House to be held Sunday, April 30, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The Odell Board of Directors, Friends, and Staff wish to thank the community for their support and patience during this project! Follow Odell Public Library on Facebook for installation updates and announcements, including time-lapse video of the transformation.
