Northolt Library is still closed to the public while Ealing Council deals with an outbreak of bed bugs that were discovered in books which were returned to the library on 9 December 2023.
A spokesperson for Ealing Council told EALING.NEWS that arrangements are in place to deal with the issue. They said: “We have booked heat treatment for later this week.”
The library in Church Road is the latest in Ealing to shut and have to call out pest control after Ealing Central Library at Ealing Broadway shopping centre was closed from end of October until the first week of November last month.
In a statement on the situation, an Ealing Council spokesperson previously said last week: “Unfortunately, a small number of bed bugs were found in returned books on Saturday at Northolt Library. Northolt Library staff responded promptly and professionally in dealing with this matter. The library is currently closed, as we finalise arrangements to treat the bugs with our pest control contractor.”
They added: “Bed bugs have been an issue in the UK for many years and are notoriously difficult to prevent in well used amenities such as public transport and public buildings. Regular inspections and vigilance are advised to spot bugs early and treat them, which is exactly what has happened in Northolt Library.”
On 12 December 2023, announcing the news to the public via X (formerly known as Twitter), Ealing Libraries said:
“We are sorry to inform you that we are having to temporarily close Northolt library following sightings of a small number of bed bugs.
“We are contacting professional pest controllers who will advise us on the best way to treat the bugs and we will provide you with regular updates once we have considered their advice.
“In the meantime, you can use Northolt Leisure library, Northolt Leisure Centre, Eastcote Lane North, UB5 4AB which will open at 10am, Monday to Saturday.
“If you would need support from the Community Hub, the nearest Hub is Southall Library, The Dominion Centre, 112 The Green, Southall, UB2 4BQ. You may be able to access support from the other Community Hubs located at Acton Library and Ealing Central Library.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this situation may cause and thank residents and library staff for your understanding.”
