The Grafton Public Library is a community hub and welcomes everyone to use the Library and its resources. The Grafton Board of Library Trustees will take appropriate action to slow or avoid the spread of communicable disease. In the event of a local health epidemic (a disease affecting many persons in a specific locality at the same time, and spreading from person to person in an area where the disease is not permanently prevalent) or pandemic (an outbreak of a communicable disease that is prevalent over multiple areas or the world), the Library will follow applicable federal, state, and local orders and guidelines, including those issued by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Grafton Board of Health. The Library may also consult with experts at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and follow guidelines released by the C/W MARS network, the Massachusetts Library Association, the New England Library Association, and the American Library Association.

Regardless of whether there is a declared epidemic or pandemic, to help protect the health of Library patrons and staff, the Library asks that visitors with symptoms of ANY communicable disease (sneezing, coughing, runny nose, vomiting, etc.), including the common cold, flu, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, etc., to voluntarily stay home to reduce risk of exposure, and visit the Library at a later date.

Public Education

The Grafton Public Library is uniquely positioned as a go-to resource for accurate, timely, and unbiased information. As such, the Library is committed to educating the public about epidemics, pandemics and other health matters in the interest of community health and in alignment with the following mission: to provide residents of all ages opportunities to find and use information in many formats as they pursue personal growth and education throughout their lives; to help develop the ability to find and evaluate information used daily and throughout one's life; and to provide materials and programs that are relevant to contemporary issues as well as interests that enlighten, inform, and entertain.

Criteria for Closing the Library

The Library will follow its Minimum Staffing Policy. The Library will be closed if there is a mandate or recommendation for closure issued by federal, state, or local public health or government officials. Library closures will be shared with the town, staff, volunteers, Optima delivery service, the C/W MARS network, and the public through updated phone messaging, website postings, door signage, and social media postings.

Staffing

If any one staff member is presumptive positive for COVID-19 or similarly contagious disease, the Library will follow the Town of Grafton/GPL Return to Work Protocol.

Social Distancing

The Library may implement social distancing based on recommendations from federal, state, or local public health or government officials.

Suspension of Programming

The Library may suspend or limit programs at any point for any duration of time it deems appropriate, based on guidance from government organizations.

Materials Handling

Based on guidelines from federal, state, or local public health or government officials, returned items may be quarantined as needed.

Public Services

Based on guidelines from federal, state, or local public health or government officials, visitors may be asked to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to enter the building. If the visitor is noncompliant, the Library reserves the right to ask the patron to leave or call the Grafton Police Department for assistance. Visitors who cannot comply with PPE requirements may take advantage of home delivery or takeout services. Patrons who exhibit symptoms of communicable disease may be asked to leave or offered alternatives to service, including:

  • Placing barriers, such as book carts, between themselves and staff;
  • Allowing patrons to scan their own cards and materials;
  • Encouraging self-checkout;
  • Encouraging use of digital resources.

Collection Development and Library Resources

The Library will make every effort to continue to make library materials available to patrons throughout an epidemic or pandemic.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

The Library will follow federal, state, or local public health or government officials' requirements for cleaning and disinfecting.

Extended Closure

Should circumstances warrant extended closure, remote operations will continue if possible, and site checks will be conducted weekly by the Library Director or their designee.

Should any patron be dissatisfied with the reasonable accommodations offered, they may follow the appeals process as outlined on the library's website https://graftonlibrary.org.

Adopted: Library Board of Trustees: August 26, 2020
First Revision: July 10, 2024
Second Revision: August 21, 2025 - Approved by Library Board of Trustees - September 24, 2025