A public library in Michigan was forced to close temporarily over the weekend after insects were discovered crawling in a return bin. The Royal Oak Public Library announced the incident on Facebook, stating that the bugs were found in a DVD case and appeared to be several different species. The library closed to allow pest control to inspect the premises and remove the insects.
A public library in Michigan was forced to close temporarily over the weekend after insects were discovered crawling in a return bin.
Bugs Invade Michigan Library, Prompting Temporary Closure
The Royal Oak Public Library announced the incident on Facebook, stating that the bugs were found in a DVD case and appeared to be several different species. The library closed to allow pest control to inspect the premises and remove the insects.
"The bugs were discovered in a DVD case when it was opened and the bugs came out," the library described. "It appeared to be multiple species of bugs, but we aren't sure."
Bugs Invade Michigan Library, Prompting Temporary Closure
"The DVD was returned sometime after we closed on Friday and before we opened on Saturday, so nothing prior to that would have been affected."
On Monday morning, the library announced that it was officially opening again later that afternoon – and revealed what type of bugs made their way into the book drop.
Bugs Invade Michigan Library, Prompting Temporary Closure
"Our pest control company inspected all of the items that had been returned, the book drops, and the building," the Facebook post read. "No insects were found."
"The photos we shared showed that it was a cockroach."
Bugs Invade Michigan Library, Prompting Temporary Closure
Royal Oak Public Library noted its premises were thoroughly inspected and that patrons had no reason to worry about pest concerns going forward.
"We receive monthly pest inspections of the building, so you should not have any worries about coming to the library."
The post was met with positive reactions from members of the Royal Oak community, who applauded the library for being so transparent about the incident.
"Thank you for the information and the precaution to keep everyone bug free," one local resident wrote.
"Thank you for taking this so seriously for the protection of the library and all who visit!" another said.
The Royal Oak Public Library is not the first library to experience an insect infestation. In 2018, the Omaha Public Library in Nebraska received a children's picture book that was due in 1985. The book had been returned by a patron who had found it in their basement. The library staff was surprised to discover that the book was in good condition, despite being overdue for more than 30 years.
In 2016, the New York Public Library discovered a rare first edition of "The Catcher in the Rye" that had been stolen from the library in 1988. The book was found in a used bookstore in California and was returned to the library after being authenticated.
Despite these occasional incidents, libraries remain a safe and welcoming place for people of all ages to enjoy books and other resources.
