[Publib] Weather to Close (?)

[James Casey]

Jennie:

I quite agree that closing the public library just because the schools
are closed is not a particularly good idea.  The schools have had bus
transportation issues that the public libraries do not and the
opportunity for a public library to serve a latchkey population on a
school closing day is fairly significant. Also, our public library is
also designated as a warming/cooling center for our community.  

I would guess that the political pressure to force schools to stay open
even in a major blizzard will fall prey to the first bus accident and
resulting lawsuit.  

Jim Casey


-----Original Message-----
From: Jennie J. Stoltz [mailto:jstoltz at pewaukee.lib.wi.us] 
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 10:55 AM
To: James Casey
Cc: Publib
Subject: Re: [Publib] Weather to Close (?)


I have to say, I personally would have a difficult time justifying to my
BOT and municipalities closing the library if the schools weren't
closed.  I revised my weather/unscheduled closing policy last year and
at one point someone suggested that we say if the schools are closed the
library is closed but I hate to do that.  If possible I like to be open
if the schools are closed so that they kids have someplace to go.  Also,
last year there was a day when the schools closed because of the cold,
not the snow.  I figured as long as our HVAC system held out that we had
to be open.


Jennie J. Stoltz
Director
Pewaukee Public Library
(262) 691-5670, ext. 20
(262) 691-5673 fax