Infestation Policy

Purpose: The Flat River Community Library (FRCL) promotes responsible lifelong use of its materials and facilities, with minimal barriers to facilitate fair and equitable sharing of these resources. This policy aims to ensure that shared collections and facilities remain free of invasive pests which may pose a threat to the health and safety of cardholders, community members, materials and facilities.

1. Preventive Measures: FRCL recognizes that cardholders, community members and staff alike have a role to play in controlling pests in our community.
   1. Education: Staff are trained in basic pest detection, containment, elimination and prevention.
   2. Routine Inspections: Staff will regularly inspect returned materials for signs of infestation.
   3. Cleaning Practices: Library spaces will be cleaned frequently using pest preventive measures.
2. Response to Infestations
   1. Identified Infestations in FRCL Materials:
      1. Items showing signs of infestation will be quarantined and treated. Following treatment and prior to re-shelving, materials are re-inspected to ensure that the potential for damage and/or infestation is sufficiently mitigated.
      2. Materials returned to the Library with detected presence of live or dead pests or pest debris may be discarded at the discretion of the Library. In cases involving a pest-damaged item which requires discarding, the Library will not necessarily charge patrons for the damaged item(s); however, in some extreme and/or repeat cases, the Library does reserve the right to charge for damaged and/or discarded items.
      3. Cardholders who return infested items may be notified and guided on next steps, which may include suspension of visiting the facility and material borrowing privileges until the infestation is resolved.
         1. One (1) occasion of infested materials returned may result in suspended borrowing and facilities privileges for 30 days.
         2. Two (2) occasions of infested materials returned may result in suspended borrowing and facilities privileges for 90 days.
         3. Further occurrences will be dealt with at the discretion of the library director, and may result in longer suspension of privileges
      4. Cardholders may resume privileges upon providing clear proof that the infestation has ceased.
   2. Infestations in Personal Belongings:
      1. If signs of infestation are observed in a cardholder’s belongings within the Library, staff will discreetly notify the individual and request the items be removed from the premises.
      2. During a suspension of borrowing privileges, the cardholder may only use the facility if all personal effects and belongings are free of infestation.
   3. Infestations in Library Spaces:
      1. Upon discovery of pests in the Library, the affected area will be temporarily closed and treated to ensure the infestation is eradicated.
3. Cardholder Responsibilities
   1. Care for Borrowed Materials:
      1. Upon discovery of pests or pest debris, the cardholder will take the following action:
         1. Do not put these items into any book drop.
         2. If the materials are inside the Library, immediately bring the materials to a staff member and inform the staff member of the possible infestation.
         3. If the materials are outside the Library and in possession of the cardholder, place them into a sealable plastic bag and tape the bag closed. Return the materials directly to a staff member and inform them of the possible infestation.
            1. Cardholders are prohibited from self-treating, including heating Library materials that have a possible infestation. Materials damaged by cardholders attempting to self-treat the materials will be considered as damaged items.
4. Community Members Responsibilities
   1. Donors are kindly asked to inspect materials prior to donating them to the Library. Library staff will perform infestation inspections on any and all donated material and items.
5. Staff Responsibilities
   1. 1. Response Procedures: Staff will follow established procedures to address infestations professionally and respectfully.
      2. Suspension of Privileges: Any incident of infestation will be reported to the library director. The library director will formalize or lift any cardholder suspensions as appropriate and in accordance with this policy.

ADOPTED: 12/11/2024

Library Policies