Phillipsburg Free Public Library

Emergency Closing

Policy and Procedures

Adopted November 6, 2003

In keeping with the mission of the Library, unscheduled closings due to inclement weather or other public health and safety emergencies will be kept to the minimum number of days consistent with public and staff safety. Emergency closings for reasons other than inclement weather will follow the same policy and procedures.

1. If a state of emergency is declared by the Town, County or State, the Library will close.

2. The Library Director will make the decision of whether to close the library for inclement weather or other emergency according to the Procedures below.

Decision

• The Library Director will gather information such as the decision of the Phillipsburg School District, weather forecasts, or circumstances affecting public health and safety in the Library building and its environs.

• The Library Director will consult with a member of the Library Board and an officer of the Town.

Overdue Items

• Items that become due during any unscheduled closing of the Library will not be subject to fines.

Communication

In the event of an unscheduled closing due to inclement weather or other emergency, all possible means of communication will be used, including but not limited to:

• Staff Phone Tree

• Radio and Television

• PSD television service (if applicable)

• Town and County officials

• Signs at Library entrances (if applicable)

• Announcement on the Library answering machine

Upon adoption or amendment of this policy, and at all times, all possible means will be used to disseminate the Inclement Weather Policy and Procedure, including but not limited to:

• Phillipsburg Free Public Library website, www.pburglib.org

• Library newsletter and other handouts

• PSD newsletter

• Newsletters of surrounding school districts

• Newspapers and newsletters of community organizations

• Signs both inside and visible from the outside of the library

• Signs in Town Hall

Personnel

• Issues affecting personnel are covered by the Work Rules.

• At the discretion of the Director, employees who have lost time due to emergency closings may be given additional time to schedule makeup.