NY Library Closes for Bedbugs
RSSBy Lauren Barack
New York's Central Islip Public Library temporarily closed its children's room after staffers discovered three bedbugs on a chair, according to Library Director Paul Facchiano. Not all patrons were happy with his decision. "The exterminator said we should just put cones around the area, but I just didn't want to take the chance so I closed the room," says Facchiano, who adds the exterminator will be a regular visitor to the library going forward. "But you get an equal number of people mad at you for closing as you do for opening." Facchiano has taken a fairly positive approach to the matter, even posting a photo of the exterminator on the front page of the library's website, along with a message explaining that an exterminator aggressively and thoroughly inspected the entire building and didn't find a single bedbug. But the Central Islip Public Library is hardly the first library to be affected by bedbugs. The Denver Public Library closed and fumigated four areas of its main branch in 2009, and the parasitic insects have impacted libraries across the country, forcing library staffers and patrons to keep their eyes open for the hardy bugs known to catch a ride on patrons and books alike. Stores, hotels, and homes also have been affected by the infestation of bedbugs, with 95 percent of pest management specialists having encountered a bedbug infestation in the past year, according to the non-profit National Pest Management Association. Facchiano had posted a note about the discovery on an online group for library directors and was surprised that so few contacted him with follow-up questions. While a small number wanted details, most people didn't ask how he handled the situation. "I almost got the impression that people wanted to avoid it," says Facchiano. "I thought it would have prompted more inquiries." But as for Central Islip, Facchiano is grateful for the eagle eyes of his staff and the knowledge that his library has weathered this storm and is prepared to go forward. "It's just one of those things," he says. "As bad as it was, I'm someone more knowledgeable now for it." This article originally appeared in the newsletter Extra Helping. Go here to subscribe. I like the attitude of facing the issue "head on" and not hiding in the sand, the best way to deal with it! I live in Central Isip! That Library is the cleanest I have ever seen. I am greatful they take every precaution to protect us. Where would we be without our library? The more I hear about bedbugs in the library, the more I freak out! Someday I'd like to see an article about how to recognize and ensure that there are no bedbugs in the books and other items we borrow! I enjoy reading in bed, bu-ut...! Bedbugs are a growing concern not only in the library,
but pretty much everywhere. Although they bite, they do
not transmit diseases. It is just a fact that no public
place is safe from bedbugs, as they can travel on a
person's clothes or materials. The measures taken in
this library show that these issues are taken seriously,
even if it meant closing the children's room temporarily,
which is a tough decision. * = Required information
After exterminators identified the pests, Facchiano closed the children's room and had the entire library treated and checked last weekend before reopening the building on Monday, October 18.
The Central Islip children's room
was temporarily closed.
Reader Comments (4)
Posted by Karen on November 5, 2010 12:22:53AM
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