Troy Public Library sees power outage, pest control issues

TROY — Troy Public Library was forced to temporarily close in November due to a power outage that happened to coincide around the same time library staff reportedly experienced issues with cockroaches.

The Troy Public Library’s current location at 510 W. Big Beaver Road officially opened in 1971. It was reported that during the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Troy Public Library circulated over 1 million items. 

The closure occurred on Nov. 20 as the power outage affected a large portion of staff and public spaces within the library building.

“The outage is the result of the failure of an electrical line that runs to the library only, so no other city buildings are impacted,” TPL Director Emily Dumas said in an email.

Troy Public Library was able to reopen on Nov. 23 at noon and has been utilizing a generator while the library staff works with DTE Energy for a more permanent solution for the issue.

“The generator has been pretty consistent though there are occasional one- to two-hour shutdowns,” TPL Assistant Director Phillip Kwik said.

There are hopes for the remaining electrical issues with the library to wrap up during the first week of December.

“Our last report hopes this wraps up next week but there’s no guarantee.” Kwik said.

On top of these power issues, some library staff members say they also saw some pest control issues around the same time, when nymph cockroaches were reportedly found on some of the items that were returned in the library’s drop box.

“The pest issue was completely unrelated to the power outage and closure, but coincidentally happened at the same time,” Dumas said in an email. “Some items were returned to the library drop box and opened by staff that contained what turned out to be a few nymph cockroaches. 

“Staff took quick action to quarantine items and a professional exterminator was called out. Thankfully the issue was easily contained and all impacted areas have been treated.”

A Facebook post from the city of Troy noted that there were no additional pest control concerns and that the materials that are currently checked out are not contaminated and should be safe to use.

“The library conducts routine pest prevention and control each month, and do have a bed bug sniffing dog visit regularly who checks all public and staff areas,” Dumas said in an email. “We also have a custodial crew who works continuously to make sure the library is clean and safe for the patrons.”

For more information, visit troypl.org.