Three or more employees must be available to work in order for the library to be open full weekday hours. If two employees are available to work, the library will be open no more than five hours. If only one employee is available to work, the library will not be open.

The library may postpone opening, close early, or remain closed when conditions exist that may affect public safety. The primary factor of any decision made will be the safety of the staff and the library patrons. All decisions as to opening or closing will be made by the senior staff member on duty at the time.

While the senior staff member on duty is responsible for final decisions, the following may be taken into account:

• Weather forecasts
• School closings
• Area library closings
• Announcements from the City and County about public safety
• Opinions of others experiencing the weather conditions
• Updates on current conditions from patrons/staff not currently in the library

The staff member responsible for opening the library is responsible for determining if the library grounds are safe for opening. If the grounds are not safe, the library will remain closed until such time as staff have determined that the grounds are safe.

The library custodian is responsible for clearing the sidewalks and stairs. Library professional and clerical staff are not responsible for clearing library grounds of snow, ice, or other debris.

Announcements regarding library closings or changes to library hours will be posted at the library and will be made available on library social media and communicated to local media outlets.

Approved 12/16/2003/Revised 2/19/2019