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> 1. Do you ever close for Snow?
Yes
Yes
Yes, we do - especially if the parking lot/walkways are not cleared. I
don't want a patron falling.
Not very often, but it can happen
. rarely
Yes
> 2. Do you ever delay opening?
Yes
Yes
We have also done this if we think it will clear early and we will be
plowed out
This happens occasionally
more often
Yes
> 3. If so, how do you decide to close/delay?
Library policy is that if the Town Office next door is open, then we are open. If it is in the evening or on Saturday when they are normally closed, we make the decision based on the forecast, consultation with emergency officials in the Town, and consultation with the chair of our Trustees. (Hampton)
Very unscientifically. I try to base it on a combination of school, town office closings, forecasts (is it getting worse or better?) and even call Dispatch sometimes to get a read on what the snowplow drivers are reporting for the roads. If it seems dangerous for staff & library users, I usually err on the side of safety. it getting worse or better?) and even call Dispatch sometimes to get a read on what the snowplow drivers are reporting for the roads. If it seems dangerous for staff & library users, I usually err on the side of safety. (Stratham)
We have a policy (attached), but the decision is still not clearcut or easy. If the schools are closed, that's a plus. But sometimes the weather improves between when they open and when we do, so it's not always a good guide. I listen to the weather, see who else is closed, talk to staff members living in town and make my best guess. Our
trustees always support my decision, thank goodness. (North Hampton)
The North Hampton Public Library may be closed when inclement weather creates hazardous road conditions and/or the public parking area is unsafe for patrons to use. The decision to close the Library will be made by the Library Director, based on weather reports, school closing announcements and other pertinent information. The Director will notify all staff members scheduled to work, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Part-time staff members will be paid as if they had worked their regular hours for any time the Library is closed due to inclement weather. A sign indicating the duration of the closure, if known, will be placed on the Library's front door, and notification of the closure sent to the New Hampshire television station for public service broadcast.
> 4. Who decides?
The Town Manager decides whether or not to close the Town Office, and we follow suit for the library. When the Town Office is normally closed, as on nights and weekends, the library supervisor of the day - usually the Director - makes the decision, but on Saturdays, it varies. There's always one supervisor on at all times. (Hampton)
Usually the director. If I am away, whoever is left
in charge is left with that duty as well, though
they can call & get a second opinion from someone on
the board if they feel they need it. (Stratham)
My call. (Greenland)
As we are a city department, the city manager makes the decision for the city. At night and on weekends when we & the Rec dept. are open, the 2 dept. heads confer, and decide, letting the city manager know if they will close (Portsmouth)
Director (North Hampton)
Director (Rye)
I make the decision whether to close/open/delay the opening of the Library based on current conditions, school cancellations, common sense, etc. I then notify the staff and the Chair of the Trustees. (Hampton Falls)
Our snow day policy at the library is that we are closed when the school is closed. We only have 1 morning during the week that we are here. If we are open and theweather is really bad I will call one of the trustees and ask to close and it has never been a problem. (Kensington)
