MOUNT PLEASANT — The Chippewa River District Library System’s Veterans Memorial Library in Michigan will reopen on Jan. 22 after a bed bug was found on a computer workstation.
After the lab was closed to patrons on Jan. 13 after the discovery, pest extermination was called in to search the entire library and annex for additional evidence of bed bugs. Additional evidence was found on the chairs in the adult computer lab, and one bed bug was located on a chair on the lower level.
The entire library and annex were treated and remained closed until all areas could be rechecked to ensure the treatment worked. The library reopened for normal hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 22.
“We are unsure how the bed bugs got into the library,” library Director Corey Friedrich said. “We have a quarterly inspection done, and the last inspection was negative for bed bugs. Since bed bugs will remain an ongoing issue for all public spaces until science develops a way to eradicate them entirely, we will have to be judicial in examining all returned media and shift to monthly inspections.”
The closure also affected several events, including a local author visit with Dominic Thrasher. Thrasher’s visit is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb 2, when he will present his book The Adventures of Cece and the Sheriff.
Return dates have been extended for materials, and no past-due fines on books will be accrued. Any books that are on hold for patrons will also be extended for pickup. Materials can be returned in the drop box or at any other CRDL location.
Events will continue as regular and canceled events have been rescheduled or will soon be. Upcoming events can be found at crdl.org/events.
“We want to ensure the public that the library is safe to enter, check out materials, and enjoy events,” Friedrich said. “We will continue to monitor the library and our materials and stay up on any ways to keep any infestations at bay.”