Bed Bugs Force Closure of Palo Alto Library

Palo Alto’s new Mitchell Park Library was closed Thursday following the discovery of bed bugs there.

The library, which officially opened on December 6, 2014, will remain closed until Sunday in order to be treated for the insects.

The City of Palo Alto sent out a press release indicating the discovery and pending closure:

The City was notified today that bed bugs had been found in two chairs within a limited area on the first floor, which has since been cordoned off from the public.

The library will remain closed for the next several days as pest control inspectors treat the furniture and surrounding surfaces. They will return in seven to 10 days to ensure the treatment has been successful.

On Twitter, the library’s official handle tweeted out that it will reopen on Sunday at 2 p.m.:

.@paloaltoweekly We aim to reopen the Mitchell Park Library Sunday 2PM.

— Palo Alto Library (@PaloAltoLibrary) September 24, 2015

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human blood and are most active at night. Their bites cause red bumps on the flesh and can result in itching. It is possible the bugs were transmitted to the library through the sharing of books from households that may have already had the bed bugs in them.

Last month, the location of the annual Burning Man festival became infested with swarms of bugs which included bed bugs. Images and reports of the parasitic invasion did not appear to deter the festival-goers.

Here are some of my faves of #BurningMan2015 Scott London Photography pic.twitter.com/Gggeki2dqE

— Daph Punk (@dbshawn) September 23, 2015

Ok super late #FursuitFriday post! #burningman2015 pic.twitter.com/jiVnD5cmuY

— Leko Light (@lekofoxboy) September 19, 2015

I much rather be at Burning Man rn. #burningman2015pic.twitter.com/INq9Q5L023

— Rosie (@roseprice128) September 18, 2015

Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter @AdelleNaz and on Facebook.