Several bed bugs have been discovered at Wichita's Central Library. A customer reported the site of a bug in a chair late Wednesday afternoon. The library removed the chair and contacted experts about the issue. The expert identified the bug as a bed bug.
The library decided to close the building to the public to assess the extent of the situation. So far, bed bugs were discovered on chairs in two reading areas. They include a reading area on the first floor and another on the mezzanine.
Library Director Cynthia Berner Harris says they have no reason to believe that any of the library materials have been infested with beg bugs. However to be on the safe side, the library has suspended the transfer of materials to other branches.
The Central Branch will also cancel all meetings and events for the next week. Berner Harris says they are doing this as a precaution. She says the extent of the problem has not been determined, she hopes they know more by Monday.
The Central Branch lobby will remain open Friday and Saturday. Customers can use the lobby to return materials, place holds and collect items on hold.
Other library locations are unaffected by the closure of the downtown library.
