Ealing Central Library shuts after ‘bedbug infestation’

A notice has reportedly been put up at the front of Ealing Central Library in West London, stating the site is closed due to a “pest infestation”.

The notice read: “Due to a pest infestation, we have temporarily removed soft furnishings from public use. These seats are currently being treated with pest control chemicals.

“These chemicals will be applied while the library is closed and are safe for children and adults. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

A member of the ‘Around Northolt’ Facebook page shared a picture of the notice on Monday (October 30) morning.

On social media, Ealing Council informed library members that the premises was closed from yesterday (October 31) for “essential maintenance work”.

Ealing Central library is closed today for essential maintenance work. Normal service is expected to resume on Thursday 2nd November. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

— Ealing Libraries (@EalingLibs) October 31, 2023

The post continued: “Normal service is expected to resume on Thursday, November 2. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

Part of the library remained open at one point yesterday, but now the whole building is shut until Thursday.

Ealing Council says that pest control teams have applied the necessary treatments.

A spokesperson told The Independent: “Despite the treatments being safe, the council has decided to temporarily close the library to avoid concerns that library users and library staff might be having.”