Bed Bug Policy

This policy outlines WLTPL protocols for prevention of, and reaction to, potential bed bug situations in its materials and on its premises. WLTPL actively works toward the prevention and containment of bed bugs and bed bug eggs in all materials, and on library premises. WLTPL ensures its staff is trained in bed bug detection, containment, elimination, and prevention, and regularly examines and updates its procedures according to best practices.

Walkterton-Lincoln Township Public Library works proactively to:

• Reduce risk to staff and patrons.
• Monitor our detection, testing, and response levels on an ongiong basis.
• Contract only licensed, accredited, and reputable pest detection and control companies.

Prevention Protocol and Procedures

WLTPL recognizes all patrons and staff have a role to play in controlling bed bugs in our community. All patrons and staff must immediately report any sighting of live or dead bed bugs to library staff.

Staff Protocol

Staff will routinely inspect all incoming materials, including those returned at the public desks, in the book drops, and through inter-library loan delivery, for signs that bed bugs are or have been present. These signs include live or dead bed bugs, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, and feces and spotting associated with bed bugs.

Materials returned to the WLTPL with detected presence of live or dead bed bugs will be treated or discarded at the discretion of the Library. Discareded items will be considered as damaged items under the Circulation Policy.

All items identified by library staff as potentially containing live or dead bed bugs in any stage will be promptly quarantined. Items with minor or suspected signs will be promptly placed in a specialized heat treatment system that adheres to industry standards and is specifically designed to kill bed bugs. After treatment all materials will be re-inspected.

Any materials returned by a patron that show evidence of live or dead bed bugs will result in immediate suspension of WLTPL privileges for that patron and for any patron in the same residence as original patron. A similar suspension of privileges will apply for the source, if the bed bugs originated in another residence. Suspension will be lifted after the patron and original source patron(s) prove that his or her residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of bed bugs by a licensed and accredited pest control company.

Patron Protocol

Library patrons must cease to borrow materials from WLTPL is they are experiencing a bed bug infestation in their residence. In the event that a ptron discovers a live or dead bed bug, bed bug eggs, bed bug nymphs, or feces or spotting associated with bed bugs in WLTPL materials, the patron must immediately do the following:

• • • • • • If the materials are inside the Library: Bring the materials to a staff member and inform them of the problem.
          • If the materials are outside of the Library and in possession of the patron: Place the materials into a sealable plastic bag. Return the sealed materials directly to a staff member and inform the staff member of the problem. Patrons must not use book drops to return materials suspected or with evidence of bed bugs.
          • Patrons are prohibited from self-treating Library materials that are suspected ton contain bed bugs.
          • Patrons will be held responsible for any damages sustained to Library materials during an attempted self-treatement. Successfully eradicating bed bugs requires professional procedures and equipment contracted by the library.

Public Donation Protocol

Donors must inspect materials for evidence of live or dead bed bugs prior to donating them to WLTPL. WLTPL reserves the rgiht to discard materials with signs of past or present bed bug activity.

Adopted this 11th day of September, 2018 by the Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library Board of Trustees.