3-20-2026

Is the library open? That was definitely a question in a few minds on Monday. The answer was no. Here is why.

Many public libraries follow their local school district’s lead in closing. We don’t for a couple of reasons. One being my lack of faith in meteorologists. The ETCSD often announces closures the night before based on weather predictions. This makes sense to them as they send buses out in the early morning to drive on those roads picking up students who are required to attend school. Last minute closures or delays cause problems for parents who need to find child care.

It makes less sense for a public library that opens more than two hours later than the schools and welcomes patrons on a completely voluntary basis.

What tips the scales?

On Monday it began with a text from a staff member who wasn’t comfortable driving to work. In her text, she let me know the schools, Village and Town had all closed for the day. This led me to opening my blinds. I was greeted by the sight of a pick-up truck with plow attachment in the road with its hazard lights on. It remained there for 45 minutes. I live in the Village of Mukwonago. If that truck wasn’t going anywhere, I didn’t think I should either. Nor should my staff as three of us travel backroads.

Technically, there should be notices on the library and social media and our website as well as the Village’s website. The first didn’t happen as if I could make it in, I would have likely opened the library based on the condition of the parking lot. The second and third did happen. The fourth, I forgot to do.

Without access to the social media and website postings, patrons can double check by calling the library. Our answering machine will be overly optimistic in listing our hours as open, but the fact that the answering machine picked up during normal operating hours is a good indication that no one is in the building.

This Monday several people called requesting to renew materials that were due that day. We did so on Tuesday and forgave the fine for that one day. For the rest of the day, we checked items in as though they were returned on Monday. Leaving that renewal request is a good idea for any materials especially if our experience passes had been due that day as they have a hefty late fine.

Here’s hoping this information won’t be needed again for several months. In the meanwhile, stay warm and stay safe.

Reading Now: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Listening to Now: Moby Dick by Herman Melville (Miss Lisa will finish the PBS Great American Read 100 list before me, but I’m going to finish this one before her.)