Inclement Weather and Emergency Closing Policy

During inclement weather, the Orange Public Libraries will make every reasonable effort to open to the public as scheduled, consistent with safe access for the public and staff. As a general rule the Wheeler Memorial Library and Moore Leland Library will maintain their usual scheduled open hours as long as Town Hall is open. If Town Hall delays its own opening or closes due to inclement weather the Orange Public Libraries will do the same.

The library director or their designee is authorized by the Board of Trustees to use their own discretion to close or delay opening the libraries as necessary when conditions warrant. For example, closure or delayed opening may be required due to hazardous weather, lack of heat in the building, lack of water in the building, lack of staff due to illness or emergency, or when other conditions exist that may endanger the public or employees.

In the event of an early emergency closing, all library users must leave the building as quickly as possible at the direction of the library staff. All reasonable attempts will be made to contact the parents or guardians of children who are alone at the library at that time. To ensure their safety the Orange Police Department will be contacted if any children are not picked up.

When the library closes due to emergency conditions, scheduled library programs will be cancelled. In these circumstances, library users should contact the library to find out when or if the program has been rescheduled.

Approved by the Orange Public Libraries’ Board of Trustees, February 24, 2025