Updated 5/14/2025

Introduction

Some library locations have Public Announcement (PA) systems installed as part of library bond work, in addition to Central’s existing PA system. These guidelines provide more information about what these systems should and should not be used for. Locations that currently have PA systems are Central (CEN), Holgate (HGT), Midland (MID) and North Portland (NPO). 

These guidelines apply to PA use during open hours. Staff may use the system for other work-related purposes, such as calling for huddles and drills, during closed hours. 

Instructions

To make the announcement, pick up the receiver and 

• Dial 777 (seven, seven, seven)
• Wait for the beeps, then dial 00 (zero, zero)
• After you hear the chime tone, you're “live.” Speak in a "normal" voice.

Please note that volume and sound quality from the PA system may not be consistent throughout the building, and some areas and community rooms may not have speakers. Staff should expect that they will still need to inform individual patrons of information shared through the PA. 

Guidelines

Library locations should use PA systems for: 

• Daily closing announcements
  • Daily closing announcements should be scripted to ensure consistency across different staff and different days. Scripts may be customized for each location’s closing procedures and building features. Here is an announcement script example.
  • Daily closing announcements should include info about wifi and computer shutoff times, restroom closure times, and other relevant information, such as parking garage closure times.
• Emergency building closures
  • Emergency building closures may be caused by inclement weather, facilities issues or other causes, and are approved by the EMT PIC and the county chair.
  • When possible, emergency closure announcements should follow a script that allows flexibility for various reasons for the closure, such as “Central Library is closing in ten minutes due to [inclement weather/facilities issues/other]. Please gather your belongings and exit the building.”
• Urgent operational needs
  • When something needs to be communicated to all building occupants because it’s impacting the library’s ability to operate, it is an urgent operational need.
  • Using the PA system for a potential urgent operational need should be approved by a manager (location leader, regional manager or the EMT PIC).
  • An example of an urgent operational need is a car that needs to be moved out of the delivery zone for a current delivery to be completed.

Library locations should not use PA systems for:

• Locating patrons
  • This includes missing children, or children missing their adults.
• Lost and found items
  • Library staff should follow the Lost articles policy whether or not their location has a PA system.

For other potential uses of the PA system, please consult your location leader.