The Lunenburg Public Library has established this policy to take effect in the event of a pandemic:

1. The Lunenburg Public Library will close due to a pandemic in the event that there is a mandate or recommendation for closure issued by public health or government officials on the local, county, or state level.

2. At the discretion of the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees, the Lunenburg Public Library may close, reduce its operating hours, or limit services temporarily (e.g. programming) in the event that there is not sufficient staff to maintain basic library service levels. In the event of a closure, items will be checked in in amnesty mode to waive late charges once the library reopens.

3. In the event that any Lunenburg Public School is closed due to confirmed cases of illness, the Lunenburg Public Library will remain open unless one of the aforementioned requirements for closing are also met. Should school be canceled due to a pandemic, the library will also be closed as any reason for closing the school could be circumvented or undermined if large groups of students or families gather at the library instead of at school.

4. The Operational Safety Policy will remain in effect in the event of a pandemic. Library staff sick leave policy, as outlined in the town personnel policies and collective bargaining agreements, shall be followed in the event of a pandemic outbreak. The level of excused absence of library staff will determine the ability to carry out services and maintain open hours. Phases may include: cancellation of all programs, special events, and meeting room reservations; reduction of open hours if number of employees falls below temporary minimum level; and closure of the library for one or more days, if only minimum level can be met for three or more days.

5. In the event of closure necessitated by pandemic, effective communication about any reduction in services or open hours is of the utmost importance. Library staff should immediately post information about closures on the library website, social media sites, and on the doors of the library.

6. Library staff will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment. In the event that shortages are anticipated, appropriate responses to such a shortage will be considered, including and up to closure of the library.

7. If, for any reason, the Library Director is unable or unavailable to perform the responsibilities and decisions outlined in this policy, administrative authority for this policy and all library operations shall follow the Responsibility for Library Operations Policy.

Adapted from Stoughton (WI) Public Library Pandemic Policy and Lawrence Library Pandemic Policy.

Adopted by the Lunenburg Public Library Board of Trustees Pandemic Policy on April 16, 2020.