Raleigh: Oberlin Regional Library treating after bed bugs found in returned materials, county says

Wake County Public Libraries is treating Oberlin Regional Library in Raleigh after bed bugs were found in returned materials, the county said Friday.

The library is on Clark Avenue in the Village District area. The county's public pages do not use a street number in the statement, and this story does not add one.

Wake County released a statement Friday. It had not posted that statement on its own website as of Friday evening. The same wording was provided to local media, including CBS 17 and WRAL.

"Wake County Public Libraries is aware of an incident involving bed bugs in returned library materials at Oberlin Regional Library," the county said.

The county said its pest-control service is investigating reports at other libraries, and that those reports have not been confirmed.

What the county says it has done

The library system said it removed affected materials from circulation, is doing inspections, and is working with facilities and pest-management professionals to treat areas as needed.

"The health and safety of our patrons and staff remains our top priority," the county said. It said library services continue to operate, and that it will take any additional preventive measures needed to protect collections and facilities.

The county's Oberlin library page still lists regular hours, including 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. That page did not mention bed bugs on Friday evening.

What the county says about bed bugs

Wake County Public Health's bed-bug page says bed bugs do not seem to spread disease. It says they cannot fly or hop and often travel by hitchhiking on clothing, bags, furniture or other items. The page tells people not to spray or use "bug bombs" on their own.

This site is not Wake County. Hours and the county's own guidance are on the pages linked below.