Library tackles emergency planning

Disasters beware, the Gibson Memorial Library board is preparing to tackle every situation head-on as they review their disaster response plan and emergency procedures policy.

The library currently uses a one-page policy for emergencies, last updates in 2011. The policy encourages staff and patrons to call 911 in case of emergency, whether it be a bomb threat, fire, medical emergency or disruption in which someone feels unsafe. There is also a two-paragraph description of what to do in case of a tornado, as well as the phone number to contact in case of a gas leak. While 911 stays the same, much of this other information is out of date.

"For a public-facing document, I think it’s a good start, but I would love for us to take a look and see if there’s anything else that we’re leaving out or maybe could reword," Library Director Danielle Dickinson Thaden said. However, a larger emergency plan would take more time. “I think this one is going to be following us for several meetings.”

In terms of the policy, Dickinson Thaden said an updated phone number for gas leaks was needed. She also suggested changing the section on bomb threats.

“Bomb threats, I know they were very common when I was in school in the ’90s growing up, but I think now we’re more apt to threats of violence, threats of terrorism, that kind of thing,” Dickinson Thaden said. “Same general idea in terms of probable response, but maybe would need to be reworded.”

Regarding tornadoes, Dickinson Thaden said a new plan for seeking shelter is likely needed. While the current location of the downstairs restrooms works on regular library days, events can bring hundreds of people to the pavilion. Board members brought up going to the nearby churches, but no decision has been made on that front.

Moving away from the policy to the disaster response plan, there were various suggestions. Staff will soon get fire drill training, as well possibly taking courses in CPR, bloodborne pathogens, crisis prevention/intervention and more. Board member Melissa Levine also suggested the library look into getting a hazard vulnerability assessment.

“These are the list of hazards that the library could have and these are the frequencies at which they happen, so this is how prepared we actually need to be for specific things,” Levine said.

While there is still lots of work to do, the library board is planning to work with various local agencies to put together a complete and throughout disaster response plan.

In other library news…

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is set to launch in Union County in August. This program mails free books to children from birth to 5 once signed up online.