In early December, an occurrence of bed bugs was found among eight upholstered chairs on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Downtown Eugene Public Library. The chairs were removed.
The entire Downtown Library has been inspected by a licensed pest control professional, who found the occurrence to be isolated and who treated the affected area with pyrethrin. Ongoing inspections have found no further evidence of the problem. We will continue to monitor and treat the facility in accordance with best practices for public buildings.
What You Can Do to Help:
Do not feel overly worried. Keep in mind that bed bugs do not spread disease. This occurrence is a concern that we take very seriously, but it is not a crisis. The steps to address the problem are well-established, and we are taking them.
If possible, do not bring bedding or sleepwear into the Library. If you have these items with you: plastic bags are available at all service desks; please take one and keep those items in the bag while at the Library.
If you see any signs of bed bugs at the Library, please tell a staff member so we can act immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the treatment safe?
Pyrethrin is considered safe by the EPA. For more information about this treatment, ask at any service desk or contact Library Customer Experience Manager LaVena Nohrenberg:
541-682-8314 or lavena.r.nohrenberg@ci.eugene.or.us
How did bed bugs get in?
Public buildings like the Library are not places where bed bugs tend to live, because no one is sleeping here at night. However, bed bugs can be carried in on fabric, especially bedding and sleepwear.
Are there bed bugs in the books?
We have not seen any signs of this.
Additional questions or concerns?
Please contact Library Customer Experience Manager LaVena Nohrenberg:
541-682-8314 or lavena.r.nohrenberg@ci.eugene.or.us