3 libraries close due to fleas - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(09/28/12) - Three library branches have been closed after the discovery of fleas. The Genesee District Library closed its Clio branch first, followed by the McCarty Branch in Flint Township and Baker Park in Burton.

The buildings have been fumigated and have re-opened. The GDL said they are trying figure out how fleas got into those buildings. So far, they haven't found a connection.

Operations manager for Genesee District Library, Kelly Richards, is having a tough time figuring out why three branches have become infested with fleas. "One of the things we found out is fleas survive by biting and blood, and there's no blood in books."

Richards said the staff first discovered the insects at the Clio location. Baker Park in Burton re-opened Friday after being closed the day before for extermination.

"We thought it was just a fluke situation. We've communicated with the MSU extension. What we found out is this year with the early spring it's been really bad with pests, with mosquitoes, fleas and ticks."

The GDL has fumigated the buildings and will continue to evaluate the situation. "We are concerned about our patrons and our staff, we've got children in there and seniors, these are pests that jump on people, and bite, take blood and transfer disease, so once we found out, we jumped right on it," Richards said.