Royal Oak Public Library closed indefinitely after "multiple species" of insects discovered in returned item

**UPDATE 9/23: Royal Oak Public Library reopens after bug infestation scare: 'We are clear'**
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ROYAL OAK (WWJ) Maybe the bugs stopped by the library to check out Lord of the Flies , Charlotte’s Web , or Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.

Regardless, an infestation of insects in an item returned to its book drop is forcing the Royal Oak Public Library to shut its doors indefinitely.

In a statement on their Facebook page , library officials said it “will remain closed for the time being for health and safety reasons” after “bugs entered the library in (its) book drop.” They did not give an estimated time for reopening.

For health and safety reasons, we will remain closed for the time being. Sorry for the inconvenience. Update: In...

Posted by Royal Oak Public Library on Saturday, September 21, 2024

The library said workers discovered the infestation in a DVD case when they opened it, and the apparently "multiple species" of bugs came crawling out. However, they are unsure if the bugs originated in that DVD case or migrated from another item.

A library spokesperson said the DVD case in question was returned to the library, on Eleven Mile at Troy Street, after closing time on Friday (9/20) and before opening time the following day. Therefore, no items that patrons had checked out prior to Friday night should be affected.

“The book drops were immediately locked and all items in those book drops were bagged up and isolated in our garage,” the statement read.

The library is waiting on their pest control company to determine the species of the bugs.

“Until we identify and remediate the problem, we will remain closed,” they said in their statement. “Please keep your items at home or return to another The Library Network library.”