The Burnaby Public Library is taking an aggressive approach to bedbugs, according to chief librarian Edel Toner-Rogala.
The library is continuing inspections of its branches this week, starting with the Bob Prittie Metrotown library on Wednesday morning.
The branch will not open until noon on Wednesday, to allow time to inspect the library and treat it, if necessary, she said.
This inspection is the latest in a series of inspections at the branch, according to Toner-Rogala, after a dead bedbug was found in a library book there on Sept. 19.
A pest control company was brought in and used a sniffer dog, finding more dead bedbugs in the thriller-mystery section. Books from the area were heat-treated, and the area was also steam-cleaned.
"We haven't had any additional hits," she said of the subsequent inspections.
Bedbugs were also detected at the Cameron branch on Oct. 17. The branch was closed, with books in the affected area sent to Metrotown for heat-treating, and the area was steam-cleaned.
This is the first time Burnaby has encountered a bedbug problem at its libraries, according to Toner-Rogala.
"This was new to us," she said.
The library is implementing a plan to ward off the bugs which includes heightened vigilance at the check-in and checkout desks, and asking patrons to inform the library if they have a bedbug infestation or if they suspect they might, so that staff are aware and can have returned items treated, she said.
Toner-Rogala was in the 4-H club as a child, she added, and has adapted the club's motto for this particular situation: "'Learn to do by doing' in the extreme."
Having the support and cooperation of patrons and staff will help the libraries keep a "good handle" on the situation, she added.
The McGill and Tommy Douglas branches are also being inspected this week, according to Toner-Rogala, and will have delayed openings as well on those days to allow for the inspection and possible treatment.
The dates have not been confirmed as of yet, she said, so patrons should check the Burnaby Public Library website at www. bpl.bc.ca for updates. There will also be notices posted at the branches.
The website also has information on bedbugs and how the pests are being handled by the library.
Bedbugs were also found at the New Westminster Public Library on Oct. 24. The branch has since been inspected and treated.
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects, which are oval-shaped with flattened bodies, according to HealthLink B.C. They are usually about the size of a ladybug.
The bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals, and can live up to a year between feedings. They are most active at night and are found primarily in clothing, bedding and furniture.
