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Jun 26, 2025

Odell Public Library receives grant to improve security system | wqad.com

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MORRISON, Ill. — The Odell Public Library serves a little over 4,000 residents in Morrison. When so many people come in and out of the building, safety becomes a concern. And when the security system is just about a decade old, improvements are a top priority.

Reading sections changes depending on your age, but the basic safety needs for everyone at the Odell are still the same. The public library is enhancing its technology with a $12,500 grant from the state of Illinois. Every single dollar will be spent on its security system, according to Library Director Christina Snyder.

"It's been kind of on our radar as it is, and this was just a good opportunity for us to jump at this grant," Snyder said.

When its eight cameras were set up, they were placed in key spots throughout the 12,000 square foot facility. Workers want to create even more studying spaces for visitors, hoping to add and improve cameras to compliment their vision.

"The security cameras help provide a safe and comfortable environment for both our staff and patrons," Snyder said. "[It allows] us to have eyes in areas that we don't otherwise have in the front desk or back room. In case something does happen, we can always reference that in the future."

The incoming camera models have not been selected yet, though the library director says they'll start work with the building's IT department.

"Hopefully it makes the patrons of our library and those in our community feel safer," Snyder said.

The library has two years to spend these funds and complete its project.