Citizens view the library as a safe haven and may turn to the library in times of emergency. When an emergency arises within the community, careful consideration will be given to determine if continuing library services will help or hinder the response and recovery of the community and its citizens.
Library Staff will post information about reduced hours or closures, status of the book drop, and any changes or reductions in services on the library website, on news and social media sites, and on the exterior library doors.
Warming and Cooling Center Policy
During normal operating hours, the library will be open to the public as a Warming and Cooling Center when normal heating, cooling, and electrical infrastructure in the home are ineffective or unavailable due to extreme temperature/weather conditions.(1) Device charging, Wi-Fi, and drinking water will be available.
Extended Power Outages
The library will commence normal service hours once safe travel and/or environmental conditions are restored.
At the request of Public Safety, the library may extend hours or suspend off-peak hours to accommodate Sunday or evening hours. During these extended hours, the library:
- will only function as a space for charging, warming, cooling, water access, telecommuting, and internet access; and
- will not be staffed for checking in and out books, programming, and reference services outside of connecting affected community members with emergency and recovery services.
Since there are limited staff, restrooms, kitchens and no bathing facilities, the library is not a suitable overnight shelter. It is not day care for children, the elderly, or others who cannot care for themselves. The building will close for a minimum of 8 hours each night unless otherwise requested by the Scarborough public safety officials.
Public Health Emergency
During an infectious disease public health emergency, the library will strive to provide a safe facility in cooperation with public health authorities.
During a declared local public health emergency, the library will continue operations if an adequate number of employees and/or volunteers are available to maintain operations and provide services. Library operations and/or hours may be reduced or restructured to accommodate reduced staffing.
At the discretion of the library director, the library may reduce or limit services for an indefinite period of time. This may include cancelling the library's public programs, special events, and meeting room reservations. The exterior book drop may or may not remain open.
The library will take precautions to help prevent any exposure or infection but cannot guarantee that the library is virus free. Anyone not following established safety policies and protocols may be asked to leave the facility. If public health orders made at the federal, state, or local level apply to the library setting, non-compliance from patrons will result in being asked to leave. If you or members of your household are not feeling well, please remain home for the safety of everyone.
Emergency Closures/Cancellations
The library will close without advanced notice if ordered to do so by public health or emergency management officials or, if in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, the closure is prudent to limit risk to the staff and the public.
Circumstances may arise that require (1) the cancellation or reduction of regular operational hours of the library, such as opening late or closing early, (2) the cancellation of meeting room reservations, and/or (3) completely closing the library facility. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
- Severe weather conditions or natural disasters or any other conditions that make travel exceptionally hazardous, result in an insufficient number of available staff, prevent safe maintenance of library walkways and parking lots, or that otherwise similarly impair safe and responsible operations;
- Building safety issues such as failure of heating or cooling systems, gas leaks, water problems, or other conditions at the library location that impairs safe use and operation of the facility;
- Request for closure by local, county, state, or federal public health, law enforcement, or other government officials;
- Other seriously unsafe or unhealthy conditions that impair the safe and responsible use and operation of the library; and
- Lack of appropriate number of library personnel to perform the duties of the library safely and responsibly.
The Board of Trustees of the Scarborough Public Library delegate the decision to cancel programming and/or close the library for any of the above reasons to the Library Director or their designee.
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(1) A Warming Center is a facility that has been opened for short term operations due to a specific emergency or event. They are normally opened when temperatures or a combination of precipitation, wind chill, wind and temperatures have or may become dangerous. A Cooling Center is a facility that has been opened for short term operations due to a specific emergency or event. They are normally opened when hot temperatures may become dangerous. Source: Maine Emergency Management Agency.
Policy approved 1/21/2010
Policy reviewed and updated 9/18/2025