[Publib] Weather to Close (?)

[James Casey]

Back on February 1st --- that snowy Friday in the Chicago area where
those of us in the South Suburbs had nearly a dozen inches of snow and
"more on the way" - I awoke at 5 AM and shoveled my drive way with the
determination that at about 6 AM I would begin the process of calling
Department Heads and starting the 
"telephone tree" to announce that the Library would be closed on that
day.   I even tried to drive into the Library (1.5 miles away) at about
6 AM to see how conditions were on the main streets and in the areas
surrounding the Library.   To me, it was clear that conditions strongly
indicated "snow day".

 

However, the local website for school closings indicated that both of
the public high schools in the Village of Oak Lawn were NOT listed as
closing and the Chicago Public Schools had announced that they were
determined to stay open.   The Oak Lawn High Schools finally announced
that they were closing, but not until about 7:30 AM.   The Chicago
Public Schools stayed open --- which I understand means that the Chicago
Public Library stayed open --- and Homewood-Flossmoor Public Schools
also stayed open all day albeit with far fewer than normal students and
teachers around.   In the past, it seemed sensible to me that the
schools would likely close due to bus transportation issues, but I
suppose that this is changing.

 

Are some schools and libraries under political pressure to remain open
despite the severe weather conditions in order to provide "day care" for
youngsters?  

 

Do some public libraries determine not to close if the schools remain
open?

 

James B. Casey --- My own views and questions

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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