Weather Closing
Because the Hiawatha Public Library serves the citizens of the community, the library will remain open whenever possible. There are certain times of the year, especially during the winter, when severe weather may require closing the library or delaying its opening. When the Director or his/her designee judges that weather conditions threaten the safety of the staff or public, the library will not open. The decision to close will be made by the Director.
Criteria to be considered for closing
If the library is closed due to weather, then regular full-time and regular part-time employees will be paid for hours lost due to closing of the library.
In case of a severe snowstorm (defined as blizzard conditions as determined by the National Weather Service), or other severe weather conditions, such as a tornado or flooding conditions, the following policy will be in effect:
Criteria to be considered for closing
- City Hall closes
- Schools are closed/ closing
- Bus system is shutting down
- Severe weather has blocked or seriously impeded access to the parking lot or Library
- Weather forecast is indicating a continuing deterioration of conditions.
If the library is closed due to weather, then regular full-time and regular part-time employees will be paid for hours lost due to closing of the library.
In case of a severe snowstorm (defined as blizzard conditions as determined by the National Weather Service), or other severe weather conditions, such as a tornado or flooding conditions, the following policy will be in effect:
- If an employee is unable to get to work, he/she will be allowed to charge such an absence to vacation, personal time off, or compensatory time provided he/she has the time accumulated. If no time off is available, the employee may choose to take the time off without pay with Library Director’s approval.
- In the event a severe snow storm or other severe weather conditions should occur the day before or on the day after one of the observed holidays, holiday pay should be paid to all eligible employees.
- An employee may request to leave work early because of a severe snowstorm or other severe weather conditions. If the request is approved, the employee may use accumulated compensatory time, personal time off, or vacation. If no paid time off is available, the employee may choose to take time off without pay with Department Head approval.
- If City Official determines the need to close City Hall or other public facilities the employee will be paid at regular hours and will not need to designate paid time off (vacation, personal or compensatory time).