Anne Frame wrote this feature.
Last year, in November 2021, Odell Public Library Friends addressed envelopes and wrote notes, kindly asking for a donation to the “Fund Our Floor” campaign. Friends Treasurer Barb Peterson, left, presented Library Director Meridith Layne with the first donation–a $5000.
In December, Barb Kophamer, below center, of RE/Max Sauk Valley Realty, received the Mark Twain plaque for her $1000 donation to the Fund Our Floor drive. She is flanked by Friends of Odell Public Library Lorna Temple, left, and Marcia Renkes. When asked about her donation, Kophamer answered, ”I like to support my community.”
Katie Ryder is Odell Storytime Lady and Children’s Area Director. “I am so excited for the flexibility the new flooring will offer, especially to the children’s area. The carpet will keep things cozy, while the vinyl flooring will make arts and crafts clean up so much easier. I can’t wait, to see how the new flooring will transform
our space!”
After careful planning and enthusiastic discussion, in 2021, the Odell Public Library Friends launched “Fund Our Floor,” a campaign to raise money for new flooring in the 26-year-old building. The cost of the project is estimated at $80,000. It will include materials, removal of old flooring, floor preparation, installation of new carpet tiles and vinyl, and a service to move our many books and shelving.
The Friends initiated this undertaking with a donation of $5000. To our surprise, a generous, anonymous donor has added a matching grant of $10,000. This means that your gift will be matched, doubling the impact of your donation!
As a new year begins, we hope that many supporters will join us, to improve the functionality, space, and appearance of this vital community resource. In the words of the esteemed Albert Einstein, “The only thing you have to know is the location of the library.”
Libraries preserve not only our history, but help build our futures. May Odell Public Library continue to be both a source of pride and value to the Morrison area!
Please consider supporting your local library this month with a gift to Odell. Donations may be made to the GoFundMe site at gofundme.com/f/fund-our-floor; directly to the library by mail (307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL 61270); in person to the Odell Public Library. Checks should be made payable to Odell Public Library. Thank you for your continued support.