Here’s what Shawnee Library did to reopen after its bed bug infestation

The Shawnee Library on Johnson Drive reopens for business at 9 a.m. Tuesday following a comprehensive cleaning and treatment for bed bugs.

The library at 13811 Johnson Drive closed Sept. 28 after staff had noticed bed bugs in a book and then realized the infestation had spread to the furniture.

The cleaning took longer than expected while the library system waited for delivery of specialty equipment.

Treating the problem involved sealing, “baking” and removing infested materials, including books, CDs and DVDs. A large tent was used for heating larger objects, like furnishings and carts of books.

More than 12,000 items were handled by professionals, who removed items to inspect them and wipe down shelves.

Other branches and library vehicles have also been inspected, as a precaution, but no problems have been reported.

Library officials said that if patrons are concerned about any materials, those items can be placed in a resealable bag and returned to any library location.

This story was originally published October 8, 2018 at 2:54 PM.