The recent infestation of bed bugs in returned books has resulted in the temporary closure of the Northolt library in West Ealing, west London. An official statement released on Monday announced the closure, citing the need to fully resolve the issue before reopening to the public.
A notice from the Ealing Libraries X account conveyed the regretful news, stating, “We are sorry to inform you that we are having to temporarily close Northolt library following sightings of a small number of bed bugs. We are contacting professional pest controllers who will advise us on the best way to treat the bugs and we will provide you with regular updates once we have considered their advice.”
A representative from the Ealing council confirmed that the bed bugs were discovered in books returned to the library on Saturday and commended the timely and professional response of the staff in managing the situation effectively.
This closure follows the recent temporary shutdown of the Ealing central library due to the discovery of bedbugs in the furnishings. A public notice during that time informed the community that the soft furnishings had been removed for treatment with pest control chemicals. The library was reopened after a week, following the successful resolution of the issue.
When asked about the common source of the bedbugs in the libraries, the council spokesperson explained that bedbugs have been a persistent issue in the UK, particularly in well-used public spaces such as public transport and buildings. The spokesperson stressed the significance of regular inspections and vigilance to promptly detect and treat bed bugs, as was the case with the Northolt library.
In response to the Northolt library closure, Ealing Libraries have recommended the use of alternative library facilities such as the Northolt Leisure Centre library or the community hub at Southall library. The public has also been thanked for their understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
This incident in London follows bedbug outbreaks reported in Paris in September, as well as concerns over bedbug sightings on the London Underground the following month.
Bedbugs are known to hide in various places such as clothing, mattresses, furniture, books, and magazines. While their bites can cause itchiness, they are not known to cause other health problems.
The discovery of bedbugs in the Northolt Library serves as a timely reminder of the importance of pest control and vigilance in public spaces. It also underlines the necessity of swift and effective measures to address such issues in order to minimize disruption to public services and facilities.
