Detroit/ Community & Society
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Published on October 07, 2024
Oak Park Public Library Reopens After Second Battle With Bed Bugs, Introduces New Pest Control MeasuresSource: Google Street View

The ongoing battle against bed bugs at the Oak Park Public Library has prompted a second closure this month, with the library set to reopen today after aggressive treatment, according to statements from the library. Discovered in upholstered chairs on Thursday, the pests led to the immediate removal of the chairs and a closed weekend for the library as precautionary measures were taken.

Despite previous treatments including a K-9 unit inspection on Sept. 25, the problematic bed bugs were found again on Thursday, leading experts to believe in a case of pest reintroduction, as MLive reported. The library, which initially closed on Sept. 24 and reopened two days later after the first pest control treatments, has undergone a comprehensive heat treatment this past Saturday in the latest effort to eradicate the issue.

In response to the infestations, the Oak Park Public Library is implementing a series of precautionary measures and remedial actions. According to the library's Facebook page, staff will respond immediately to pest concerns, city leadership will be notified, public spaces closed for investigation, and necessary actions taken based on professional recommendations. Furniture changes are also on the agenda, with a plan to replace all upholstered computer chairs with hard surface alternatives, and a ramp-up in daily cleaning procedures involving alcohol-based products.

The Oak Park Public Library, in a move to prevent future issues, is increasing pest management inspections and considering adjustments to the use of its computer lab, Fox 2 Detroit reported. Expressing a commitment to public health and safety, the library has apologized for any inconvenience and reassures the community of its diligence in creating safe and comfortable environments for patrons and staff alike.

For more detailed information on the Oak Park Public Library's closure and the measures being taken to address the bed bug problem, readers can find the full statement on the library's official Facebook page.