Here in New England, we anticipate that at some point each winter season we will experience weather so severe that the Library will need to close (sometimes, as in the case of Superstorm Sandy, this situation isn’t even restricted to the winter months). Here is what you need to know about our cancellation and closing procedures:

The Library does not automatically follow the lead of the schools or town offices when deciding when or if to close due to severe weather. Our decisions are made based on our own estimations of the severity of the weather and of local travel conditions and are designed to ensure the safety of staff and patrons coming to or departing our premises during our scheduled open hours.

Programs for Children and Teens:

When the school district cancels classes outright because of weather, all scheduled in-person children’s and teen programs for the day are cancelled automatically, regardless of the overall Library closing status.
If the schools announce an early dismissal, afternoon children’s and teen in-person programs are cancelled automatically, regardless of the overall Library closing status.
If the schools announce a late opening, morning children’s in-person programs are cancelled automatically, regardless of the overall Library closing status.

Programs for Adults:

Adult in-person program cancellations are made at the discretion of Library staff on a case-by-case basis.
All virtual programs will continue as scheduled, be postponed or cancelled on a case- by-case basis at the discretion of Library staff.

More information about cancellations and closings is available here.