For the second time in a week, a metro Detroit library is closed due to pest control issues.
The Oak Park Public Library is temporarily closed amid concerns found in an inspection Tuesday, the library announced on Facebook. Staff brought in a pest control company to address the issue, according to the post.
"Given customer concerns and OSHA recommendations on the topic, the City of Oak Park Public Library conducted a thorough inspection of the library facility today," the post read. "During inspection, some concerns were noted, and a professional pest control company has been contacted to evaluate the need for further action."
On Tuesday afternoon, a library patron and staff member saw insects on two chairs in the library's computer lab area, according to information emailed from Oak Park spokeswoman Brittany Toth. The library immediately closed and removed the chairs from the building, according to the email. Pest control later confirmed the insects in question were bedbugs, according to the email.
The library remained closed Wednesday as a pest control company inspected and cleared the building, according to the email. The building will undergo a pest control treatment and cleaning Wednesday before reopening to the public Thursday, the email said.
"Although not required, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to preventively treat and professionally clean the facility prior to reopening," according to the email. "We feel that taking every available action to ensure our public spaces are safe, comfortable and accessible for both our staff and community members goes without question here in the City of Oak Park."
Pests, particularly bedbugs, are not a new issue at libraries in metro Detroit or nationwide. Libraries across metro Detroit have had to deal with this issue over the years, some implementing prevention protocols to help keep the bugs at bay.
Earlier this week, the Royal Oak Public Library reopened after a brief closure amid insect reports.
The library closed Saturday after bugs were reported to have come out of a DVD case returned to the library. Staff then brought in a pest control company for an inspection and the library was cleared to reopen by Monday afternoon. The library later said a cockroach had been found .
More: Educators' Night offers new teaching and learning opportunities in Midtown Detroit
Both Oak Park and Royal Oak libraries are part of a network of metro Detroit libraries called The Library Network , where library cardholders can get reciprocal privileges at member libraries, including checking out books.
The Ferndale Area District Library, which is a member of the network, does quarterly inspections and regularly checks items coming into the library to prevent infestations, Library Director Jordan Wright said Wednesday. The library works with a company using a bedbug-trained dog for the inspections, Wright said.
Berkley Public Library Director Matt Church said Wednesday that staff keep an eye out for potential issues, though the library doesn't conduct formal inspections with a pest control company.
Similarly, the nearby Huntington Woods Library doesn't work with a pest control company for formal inspections but staff are always checking for issues, Library Director Deb Hemmye said Wednesday.
A request for comment was left Wednesday with the Michigan Library Association .
More: Dutch Girl Donuts extends hours, brings back 24-hour service
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oak Park Public Library shuts down after inspection reveals pest control concerns
Local News
