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SHAWNEE, KS (KCTV) — People were met with closed signs at the front door of Johnson County’s Shawnee Library branch.
The library closed Friday after someone returned books that appeared to be infested with bed bugs.
Christopher Leitch, the library’s spokesperson, says they contacted the person who returned the books then got right to work making sure the problem didn’t spread.
“We realized we may as well visit every item in this branch,” Leitch said.
There are about 10,000 to 12,000 books and other things in the library that need to be “baked,” inspected and wiped down.
Every book goes into a baker set at 120 degrees, for about an hour and a half to kill any bed bugs.
If you have books you want to return, put them in a sealable plastic bag and give them to a librarian at any other Johnson County library.
If you have books on hold, call to change your pickup location.
No fines while charged while they’re closed.
“It’s a big inconvenience for people who love this library,” Leitch said. “So we’re anxious to get this problem solved and reopen but we don’t want to move too quickly. We want to take the time necessary to know it’s solved for good.”
Later this week the library will be get four “bakers” big enough to fit a few carts in at once.
They’re hoping to be open by Monday.
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