Company:
Dekalb Public Library

Location:
Dekalb, Illinois

Solution:
Security

Objectives
  • Integrate a low-voltage IP based security system
  • Meet the needs of Dekalb Public Library, while still upholding the historic nature of the building
  • Seamlessly integrate a state-of-the-art security system both inside and outside of the library to enforce public safety as well as prevent vandalism
  • Implement Access Control System

Dekalb Public Library

Background:

With a rich history dating back to the 1880s, Dekalb Public Library has been the cornerstone of a growing and dynamic community. The library provides easily accessible information and a welcoming environment to all of its patrons with clubs and programs for both children and adults. Dekalb Public Library has been located at 309 Oak Street inside the Haish Memorial Building since 1931. Over the years this facility has had many facelifts and improvements. Beginning in 2007, an addition was approved to expand the library’s physical space from 19,000 to 60,000 square feet.

Challenge:

Integrating a low-voltage IP based security system into a facility such as the Haish Memorial Building can be quite challenging given its historical longevity. Pentegra’s solution had to meet the needs and wants of Dekalb Public Library, but at the same time also uphold the historical nature of this building. Pentegra’s challenge was to seamlessly integrate a state-of-the-art security system both inside and outside of Dekalb Public Library to enforce public safety as well as prevent vandalism.

Solution:

This project consisted of two separate aspects, the first being the video surveillance system. Twenty-six network IP cameras were installed both internally and externally. The indoor cameras were strategically placed in common areas where there is the most activity both on the first and second floors of Dekalb Public Library including reading areas, activity rooms, hallways, etc. These indoor cameras are vandal-resistant HDTV fixed dome cameras capturing video at 720p quality and have remote focus and zoom. The outdoor cameras mounted on the outer walls are more of the same, yet reinforced and more durable to handle whatever Mother Nature can throw at them.

The indoor and outdoor cameras monitor and protect staff and patrons alike keeping an eye on everyday activities. Pentegra Systems’ surveillance system came in handy during a bank robbery just down the street in Dekalb. The high resolution outdoor network cameras were able to catch a glimpse of the getaway car and license plate of the vehicle and became a critical tool in the subsequent investigation.

The second portion of this project was the access control system. The access control system at Dekalb Public Library helps control what personnel can access specific areas of the library. Access to these specific areas of the library is controlled by card readers both on the wall next to the door or on the door itself. Authorized personnel are given access cards to gain entrance into these restricted areas preventing anyone unauthorized from entering. This portion of the installation consisted of eleven wired card readers and sixty-five wireless readers. Pentegra provided a solution that upholds a necessary level of safety and protection for anyone inside and outside of the library, seamlessly integrating both the surveillace and access control components into one easily managable and efficient security solution.

Results:

Pentegra Systems successfully installed Dekalb Public Library’s video surveillance and access control systems that are used every day to maintain the desired level of safety and protection that one would want both in and around a place of knowledge and learning such as a library. Pentegra’s security integration protects Dekalb Public Library around the clock 24/7.

Main System Components:

  • Avigilon Video Management System
  • Avigilon and AXIS Network Cameras
  • RS2 Access Control System

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