Boston Library Branch Closed After Bed Bug Found

Nymph found at Uphams Corner location

A branch of the Boston Public Library has been temporarily closed because of concerns about bed bugs.

The Uphams Corner Branch in Dorchester will be closed for cleaning until Monday after a bed bug nymph was discovered.

A nymph is not a full-sized adult bed bug and can vary in size from 1.5mm to 4.5mm.

Officials for the library say that while it is pretty difficult for bed bugs to multiply in that type of environment, they wanted to take immediate measures to get rid of the problem.

Library patrons said they found the news concerning.

"I read on it - it's extremely hard to even get rid of that so that is concerning," said Abigail Ayala of Dorchester.

The Boston Public Health Commission says that signs of bed bug exposure are itching, swelling around the neck, arms, shoulders, and hands.

The library says that due to the early detection, there should be no health risk to the public. Still, parents say they would be reluctant to let their kids go to the Uphams Corner Branch.

"It would be quite a while. The city would have to do a lot to assure me that they took care of it," said one mother.

Library officials are encouraging those affected by the closing to visit other library branches around the city or access their online services at bpl.org.

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