UPDATE: Library Reopens After Bug-Sniffing Beagle Finds No Bed Bugs

Photo credit: Palatine Public Library Facebook page

The Main Library is expected to reopen Friday.

The library was closed Thursday after staff found two dead bed bugs on Wednesday evening.

Professionals performed an initial evaluation and treated the isolated area where the two bugs were found, according to a Palatine Public Library press release. The affected furniture was removed and discarded.

In addition to a visual inspection, Odie, a certified bug-sniffing dog, was brought in. The beagle searched the entire 90,000 square foot building to ensure that it was clear of pests and ready for public and staff to return, according to the news release.

The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

The above information was updated at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Main Library in Palatine will be closed Thursday after staff found two dead bed bugs on a table Wednesday.

“While only two bugs were found, the library is exercising all due diligence and has scheduled a complete and thorough inspection of the 90,000 square-foot building for Thursday,” according to the library news release.

The library at 700 N. North Court is expected to reopen Friday.

All programs and events scheduled at the Main Library have been canceled for Thursday. The North Hoffman branch, located at 3600 Lexington Dr. in Hoffman Estates, and the Rand Road branch, located at 1585 Rand Rd. in Palatine, will remain open.

Due to Thursday’s closure, no materials will be due until the Main Library reopens.

Signs announcing the closure will be posted at the Main Library. Patrons are encouraged to check the website, Facebook, and Twitter for updates.

Bed bugs can be found anywhere humans live. In recent years, bed bugs have increasingly become a problem pest for all public buildings including hotels, apartments, schools, hospitals, and libraries. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans.

“Palatine Library is taking a strong proactive approach to resolve this incident quickly, and will continue to monitor and mitigate the issue to minimize patron contact,” according to the news release. “No incidents of bites or evidence bug detritus have been reported.”

More information about preventing and managing bed bugs is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health.