Bed Bugs In Book Drop Close Library In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, NJ — The Ocean County Library's Lakewood branch will remain closed Friday as the branch continues to undergo a thorough cleaning after bed bugs were found in the book dropoff bins outside the building.

Library director Susan Quinn said the closure, which began Wednesday, was out of an abundance of caution.

The bed bugs were discovered Wednesday in one of the drop boxes outside the building, officials said.

An inspection of the building and grounds found no bed bugs beyond the drop boxes, but library officials decided pre-emptive measures would be taken to ensure safety and security for patrons and staffers, officials said.

Library facilities workers assessed the building’s interior on Thursday and have contracted vendors for cleaning and pest control.

Library users can access the system's online resources, databases, video and audio and digital resources, along with eBooks and eMagazines, through the library website, www.theoceancountylibrary.org.