In order to fulfill its mission of public service the Merrill Memorial Library will make every reasonable effort to open to the public as scheduled, consistent with safe access for the public and the staff.
However, inclement weather can cause transportation problems or locally hazardous conditions and possible power outages. At times when the weather becomes hazardous to the health and/or safety of the public and/or library staff, the library will close, delay opening or close ahead of schedule.
There are times prior to opening, especially in winter, when the weather could threaten the safety of the public and library staff and would make reasonably safe travel to the library impossible. At such times, it may be necessary not to open the library as scheduled. Furthermore, there may be occasions when these same conditions will arise during operating hours and it may be necessary to close the library early. The decision to close or postpone the opening of the library due to inclement weather is reached after consultation with Library Director and/or Town Manager.
If the Town Offices chooses not to open for the day, the Merrill Memorial Library will not be open. If conditions are improved and roads are accessible the library may open later in the day. National or State weather service advisories concerning travel during storm conditions, or during the clean-up afterwards, will always be followed.
If the building is to close early, library patrons already in the facility will be notified immediately.
If the Library remains closed for an entire day because of an emergency situation, all staff scheduled to work that day will be paid for the number of hours they were scheduled to work. If an emergency closing occurs during hours the library is open, employees will be paid for any remaining hours scheduled. If the Library opens late due to an emergency situation, scheduled staff who report to work will receive credit for regular scheduled hours for that day.
When the Library has decided to open, but extreme weather conditions make it impossible for an employee to arrive at the regular time, reasonable allowances for lateness will be made. If the employee cannot report for work within a reasonable time, he/she can utilize vacation or personal leave equal to their regular work schedule for that day, per the Town of Yarmouth Human Resources Policy Book.
