Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, is pleased to announce Lori Matlack as its new Director. Matlack replaced Patricia Fuller, who resigned in January 2015 to spend more time with her new grandchild. Matlack, Lisa Boles, and Katie Rider shared Director responsibilities in the interim, before Lori was welcomed as Director in early March.
She brings strong leadership and organizational skills to the library and is eager to help Odell meet the needs of the community.
Born and raised in Morrison, Matlack is the daughter of Larry R. Bush and the late Ruth L. Bush. After traveling with the military, she moved back to the area in 2012 to be closer to family. She began work at Odell as a Library Aide in April 2013. She holds an Associate in Science Degree from Sauk Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Excelsior College. Matlack also earned a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Northern Illinois University.
Matlack served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard from 2002-2012 and presently serves in the Coast Guard Reserve, where she was recently promoted to Chief Petty Officer Information Systems Technician. The logical side of Information Systems and computer technology drew her interest, says Matlack, who grew up learning computers with her father, to help manage his agri-business. As Director, she hopes to bring that whole world of information a bit closer to patrons of Odell. She enjoys helping people find exactly what they are looking for.
Matlack cites diversity as one of the greatest aspects of working at Odell and emphasizes the importance of serving everyone in the community. It’s one of the many reasons she is so glad to have discovered librarianship. Matlack also notes that libraries are changing, to be more than just places to check out books. They are also becoming places to network with people during programs, among other things. She is very much looking forward to being a part of that change.
Recently, Odell introduced an electronic library system, in which patrons can view Odell’s holdings, renew materials, check fine balances, keep track of what they have been reading, and order materials from other libraries–all online. Patrons with a current library card can also check out e-books and audio books online.
It’s a great service for the community and one Matlack hopes even more patrons will utilize. Matlack also hopes to direct more patrons to some of Odell’s underutilized collections and services, such as the genealogy room and numerous free educational programs.
Please join us in welcoming Lori Matlack as Director of Odell Public Library.