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B8

BED BUG POLICY

Approved:  9/25/2019

 

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the responsibility of the Ypsilanti District Library to maintain a healthy and clean environment for all library users and to protect the community’s investment in library collections, equipment, and property. Bed bugs and other pests are an ongoing challenge for all facilities open to the public. This policy outlines YDL’s protocol for the prevention, containment, elimination, and restriction of patron use in response to bed bug incidents in its collections or on its premises.

 

PATRON PROTOCOL

  1. Patrons with known bed bug infestations must immediately cease borrowing tangible materials from all YDL locations.
  2. If a patron finds evidence of bed bugs, nymphs, eggs, feces, or spotting associated with bed bugs, the patron must comply with the following:

A. If the materials are inside of the library, immediately bring the materials to a staff member and inform the staff member of the suspicion.

B. If the materials are outside of the library and in possession of the patron, place them into a sealable plastic bag and tape the bag closed.  Return the materials directly to a staff member and inform them of the incident.

Do NOT put these items into any book drop.

 

LIBRARY PROTOCOL

  • YDL staff is trained to routinely inspect all incoming materials for the presence of bed bugs, including live or dead bugs, eggs, nymphs, feces, and spotting associated with bed bugs.
  • YDL maintains both equipment and supplies used in the detection and decontamination of materials that have come into contact with bed bugs.
  • YDL maintains a working relationship with a licensed pest control company with the ability to contract trained bug sniffing dogs if needed.
  • In an effort to prevent further public exposure, any library material showing evidence of bed bugs will be heat treated before it is discarded.
  • If suspension of a patron’s library privileges is deemed necessary, YDL will provide the patron with contact information for the Washtenaw County Health Department, which provides guidance on bed bug eradication.

 

SUSPENSION AND REINSTATEMENT

So as not to jeopardize the health and cleanliness of library facilities, collections, and users, if a patron returns library materials on two separate occasions or has two or more items on one occasion that show evidence of bed bugs, there shall be an immediate suspension of that patron, as well as all other members of that household.

Suspended patrons and all other household members will have their borrower classification changed so that no checkouts of tangible items are permitted, yet access to digital collections is maintained.

Patrons in the affected residence shall not be permitted to enter any YDL location.

Once the patron is able to provide the library with written proof that their residence has been treated, re-inspected, and that the bug infestation has been eradicated, library privileges will be restored.  The documentation must come from a licensed pest control company or the patron’s landlord.  It must list the address of the residence treated and provide contact information for additional follow-up if needed.

 

RIGHT OF APPEAL

Patrons may appeal a decision to limit or suspend privileges or the conditions placed on reinstatement by sending a written appeal to the Library Board within 10 business days of the suspension notice. This appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board in care of the Library Director.  The decision of the Library Board is final.