Emergency Closing Policy

The Shaker Heights Public Library is a public service organization and will make every reasonable effort to remain open during posted hours.  Should a special situation develop which would, in the opinion of the Director, endanger the safety of customers or staff, the Director has the authority to close.  The Board will be informed of any such closing.

If the Director is unavailable, the decision rests with:

  • Deputy Director
  • Branch Manager

If neither the Deputy Director nor Branch Manager is available and the designated building Senior Person is one of the managers below, the decision will rest with that person. If the designated building Senior Person is not one of the managers below, the building senior person will contact one of the managers below for guidance.

  • Adult Services Manager
  • Circulation Services Manager
  • Digital Services Manager
  • Technical Services Manager
  • Youth Services Manager

In the event that it is not possible to contact any of these people, the designated senior person should contact the President of the Board of Trustees (or next senior Trustee) for guidance, unless an instant decision must be made, such as in the event of a fire, flood, natural disaster, etc.

During a public health emergency, such as an outbreak of infectious disease, Shaker Heights Public Library will closely monitor local, state, and federal news channels.  The library will cooperate and coordinate with local, state, and federal authorities, and follow their directives regarding limiting or closing non-essential services.  If indicated, library staff will implement the library’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan.  The purposes of this plan are to:

  • Limit the number of illnesses, slow progress of the outbreak, and reduce loss of life.
  • Identify and protect essential library services, facilities, equipment, materials, and records.
  • Minimize disruption of operations and economic losses.
  • Ensure return to full library operation as quickly as possible.

Approved by the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees 1/1978, 12/14/2010, 5/9/2011, 4/11/2016, 8/17/2020