Last Updated Date
Policy Type
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to authorize the Library Director to quickly respond to rapidly changing circumstances during a pandemic or other health crisis (infectious disease outbreak) and to provide general guidance for action consistent with the Pandemic Response Plan incorporated herein by reference.
Guidelines for Library Closure
- The Library Director will adhere to all State of Michigan Executive Orders and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- The Library Director will consult with the Library Board President, the Chair of the Finance, Facilities, and Services Committee, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Library Association, Member Library directors, and other statewide library directors, as appropriate, when deciding to close the library, but shall have the discretion to close the Library as the Library Director determines necessary for the health and safety of the staff and the public. The Library Director will notify the Trustees in the event of closure.
- Consultation shall not be required in the event a State of Michigan Executive Order or federal, state, or local law, regulation, or directive mandates closure.
- The Library Director will follow procedures in the established Pandemic Response Plan and all applicable Grand Traverse Health Department orders.
- The Library Director, in collaboration with administrative staff, will determine which, if any, services may remain available throughout a closure consistent with the Response Plan and in the interest of Library staff and the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Guidelines for Reopening Library
- The Library Director will consult with the Library Board President, the Chair of the Finance, Facilities, and Services Committee, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Library Association, Member Library directors, and other statewide library directors, as appropriate, when deciding about reopening of the Library, but shall have the discretion to reopen the Library as the Library Director determines necessary for the health and safety of the staff and the public.
- The Library Director may adjust levels of services as indicated by the Pandemic Response Plan based on the pandemic circumstances existing at the time and in the interest of Library staff and the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
- The Library Director may reopen the library when allowed by the relevant governmental entities while ensuring the safety of staff and patrons in the Library.
- The Library Director may adjust staffing levels when necessary.
- The Library Director may cancel or limit Library programs, and/or close or limit hours of operation based on the pandemic circumstances existing at the time.
- The Library Director may adapt and revise the Pandemic Response Plan as new scientific information is available and in response to changes in best practices.
New policy adopted May 21, 2020