James Branch Cabell Library staff moved books from one small section of shelving on the third floor due to a sighting of a bed bug on one book. 

On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m., a student reported seeing a live bedbug on a book pulled from the shelf. Within 10 minutes, library staff received advice from VCU’s contracted pest control service, Orkin Pest Control Service, to remove all books within 10 feet of the infested volume on that section of shelving.

The books were immediately moved to a quarantine room away from library users. The books will be stored in isolation and heat treated, per Orkin's recommendation, to kill any bugs and will be fully inspected before they are returned to the shelves. 

Libraries leadership is also working with Orkin and VCU’s Facilities Management Division to determine next steps for a fuller bed bug inspection of Cabell Library.