City Manager Alex D. McIntyre ordered the Menlo Park Library, located at 800 Alma St., closed on Tuesday evening following the discovery of a bedbug in a public seating area. Staff immediately removed the bedbug and affected chair.

While this was an isolated incident in one small area, the entire library will remain closed through at least Wednesday evening, Oct. 7, to allow pest control to inspect, treat and clean the library for any possible remaining bedbugs. Following the treatment, the building will be ventilated throughout the remainder of the day and night. Out of an abundance of caution, a bedbug-sniffing dog will evaluate the entire facility Thursday morning, Oct. 8, before the library would possibly reopen at 10:00 a.m.  

City staff is also arranging for bedbug awareness and identification training for library and facilities staff, as well as ongoing monitoring to help prevent any further occurrences.

Bedbugs are not considered a public health hazard, as they are not known to spread disease. More information about preventing and managing bedbugs is available from the County of San Mateo Health System.

The Belle Haven Branch Library, at 413 Ivy Dr., will remain open Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. according to it’s regular schedule.