Library Closing Policy

The Platteville Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that an open and accessible building is the best way to serve patrons. Some situations may create a need to close the library. When possible, closures will be scheduled and announced to the community in advance. Any consideration of closure will be preceded by notification of the President of the Library Board and the City Manager by the Library Director, or person assigned in the absence of the Library Director.

If a situation requires immediate closure due to an emergency or safety concern, the Library Director will notify the President of the Library Board and the City Manager as soon as possible.

City of Platteville Holidays

The Library Board of Trustees follows the City of Platteville Holiday schedule and will close the library on days recognized as holidays for other City departments. Because the Library operates outside of normal business hours for other City Departments, the library may be closed on select Saturdays or Sundays adjacent to recognized holidays that fall on a Friday or Monday. These closures will be discussed and approved by the Library Board as needed.

Staff In-Service

The Library Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of staff development time. By offering staff time to review and develop skills, the Library is better able to serve the community. The Library Board will review and approve a schedule for staff in-service closures at the beginning of each fiscal year and as needed or as learning opportunities arise.

Emergency Closures

The Library may need to close on an emergency basis due to inclement weather, acts of nature, emergency maintenance issues, required closures from public safety and/or building safety officials (gas leak, unsafe structure, etc.), or an outbreak of communicable illness.

The library will operate in inclement weather conditions until staff and patron safety outweighs the value of the service provided. Because each weather situation is unique, the Library Director will consider the following factors:

when safe access to the building or the parking lot cannot be maintained
when city government offices close
when there is insufficient staff to maintain services

When a Closure Occurs

Staff should take the following steps once a need to close is identified:

Contact local news organizations (radio, newspaper, etc.) to alert them to any unplanned closure
Place signage indicating the library will be/is closed
Share information about closures on the Library’s social media pages and calendar
Change the automated phone attendant message
Notify all patrons at the library of any early closure
Notify all staff scheduled to work during a closure
Notify patrons with room reservations

Staff Compensation

If the Library is open, employees are expected to report to work on time as scheduled. Employees who are late or choose not to report to work will be expected to use accrued floating holiday or vacation time as approved by the Library Director or Department Manager. In the event of an unexpected closure, affected non-exempt employees shall be paid for actual hours worked, and choose one of the following options below for hours not worked:

Use accrued floating holiday or vacation time
Make up the lost time at a date/time agreeable between the department Manager and the employee
Use remote work options, if available

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on April 2, 2024