FOLLOWUP: Here’s when three local Seattle Public Library branches will reopen, post-bedbug treatment

As reported here on Friday, bedbug sightings led the Seattle Public Library to close its Delridge, High Point, and Southwest branches all weekend. SPL explained that the branches would subsequently receive “chemical treatment” Monday morning and then reopen later Monday. They’ve sent word that the three branches are expected to reopen at noon tomorrow. Back when we reported on a High Point outbreak in May, SPL explained that it has an “integrated pest-management system” for this and other types of pests; Web searches suggest bedbugs have been a recurring problem for libraries nationwide for at least a decade. Meantime, thanks again to the reader who spotted the sign on one branch’s door Friday – that was our first word of the closures.

Sam July 9, 2023 (3:19 pm)

Still haven’t been notified by the library after visiting on Thursday evening. Quite irresponsible of them. It was very crowded that day. Surprised they haven’t reached out via a list of who checked out books or used computers/printers there recently.

Lara July 9, 2023 (6:00 pm)

Oh wow I wonder what chemicals are in those chemical treatments for those bed bugs. DE is what gets them, that and heat.

BloodyDeweyDecimal July 9, 2023 (7:41 pm)

Well the good news is that the lack of full-AC and resulting sweltering indoor temperatures at these locations should eventually cause the bed bugs to burst into flames.

WSB July 9, 2023 (8:56 pm)

Delridge and HP have A/C.
- BloodyDeweyDecimal July 10, 2023 (12:06 am)
  
  Could they just turn off the AC at those locations and let the bugs overheat? Without AC I think those locations could easily reach 200 degrees inside.

BookLover July 13, 2023 (4:57 pm)

Staff have indicated that the initial bed bug incidents at Delridge Branch and subsequently at High Point Branch were first reported to managers at the end of March. These closures were the result of library administration finally being forced to deal with this as an infestation and finally fumigating in response to ongoing issues and wide-spread staff concerns. FYI, traps don’t work on bed bugs.

Sorry, comment time is over.