Comments on: Emergency Closing (Friday, February 24) http://blog.kdl.org/?p=10954 The blog of the Kent District Library, with 18 branch locations serving Kent County, Michigan Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Lance Werner http://blog.kdl.org/?p=10954#comment-17988 Lance Werner Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:22:55 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=10954#comment-17988 Mr. Groenveld:

Thank you for sharing your concerns. Patron and employee safety is our top priority. As the KDL Library Director, I make a decision to close the library when, in my judgment, and after reviewing available data, severe weather conditions threaten to jeopardize the safety of our customers and staff. Since KDL has 18 branches, I must also consider conditions around Kent County. It is not uncommon to have challenging conditions in one municipality and dangerous conditions in another.

I know that unscheduled closings may inconvenience our users and this decision is not taken lightly. We also extend every effort to ensure our customers aren’t penalized with extra fines for the days we are closed. We certainly appreciate the feedback, as it lets us know we are an important part of the communities we serve and we plan to continue doing so to the best of our abilities.

Best Regards,

Lance M. Werner, Director
Kent District Library

]]> By: Dan Groenveld http://blog.kdl.org/?p=10954#comment-17806 Dan Groenveld Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:18:49 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=10954#comment-17806 I am very disappointed by your decision to close the entire library system today due to “severe weather conditions”. As a taxpayer supported service, I believe you have a responsibility to serve your customers even on days of inclement weather. Also, for the record, I hardly feel today’s weather qualifies a “severe” or warrants an “emergency closing”.

Clearly, the leadership at the Kent District Library needs to carefully consider its responsibility to serve its customers. Your actions today communicate to me the KDL System would prefer to close than serve its customers.

Finally, I was able to go about my duties and responsibilities today without any difficulties as a result of the recent snow fall. I recommend the KDL Library work more diligently to meet its mission to serve its customers. I will remember this when the next KDL Library renewal vote occurs.

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