4-50 Pest Control and Response
Purpose
It is the responsibility of the Chatham Area Public Library District to maintain a healthy, clean, and safe environment for all Library users and to protect the District’s investment in Library collections, equipment, and property. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Library may restrict a user’s ability to borrow materials and/or to visit Library facilities when such use may jeopardize the health and cleanliness of library facilities, collections, equipment, property, and/or users.
Regulation
Pests that may present human health or safety hazards to staff and users include, but are not
limited to, roaches, bed bugs, fleas, lice, ants, silverfish, some types of beetles, and rodents. These pests may cause damage to library materials, equipment, and property, and can result in pest introduction or infestation to the Library. Evidence of pest problems or infestation include live or dead pests, eggs, nymphs, feces, and spotting associated with pests.
If a patron returns library material or equipment with pests or signs of pests, the borrowing
privileges of that patron and, if applicable, any other patrons at the same residence will be
suspended. Suspension of borrowing privileges will be lifted after the patron presents proof that
the residence has been successfully treated for and eradicated of pests by a licensed and accredited pest control company based on the discretion of the Library Director.
If a patron uses library facilities with evidence of possession of pests or with clothing that is stained with urine or feces, library use privileges will be suspended. Suspension of library use privileges will be lifted when the patron can return without evidence of pests or stains.
Prevention and Response Protocol
The Chatham Area Public Library District works proactively to reduce risk to staff, users, and property; monitor our detection, testing, and response processes on an ongoing basis; and contract only licensed, accredited, and reputable pest detection and control companies.
Patrons must cease to borrow materials from the Library if they are experiencing pest problems or infestation in their residence. If items found by a patron inside the Library contain live or dead pests or evidence of pests, the patron must give the item directly to a staff member and inform the staff member of the problem. Any items borrowed from the Library that contain live or dead pests or evidence of pests must be returned directly to a staff member in a secured, sealable plastic bag for quarantine and inspection.
Library staff must immediately report any sightings of live or dead pests or evidence of pests to a supervisor. Any item identified by staff as potentially containing live or dead pests or evidence of pests will be immediately quarantined and treated or discarded at the Library’s discretion.
APPROVED: JUNE 18, 2024