TLDR: The Szeged public library in Hungary is temporarily closed due to a beetle infestation that began with an infested book shipment. Pest control is working to eradicate the pests, while staff aim to salvage books. Community reactions vary, with many advocating for the library's recovery and increased pest prevention.



In a surprising turn of events, the city of Szeged, Hungary, is facing a peculiar challenge as a massive infestation of beetles has taken over its public library. The situation, which began to unfold in early July 2025, has left both library staff and patrons bewildered as these tiny creatures invade the space, causing significant disruption.

The infestation reportedly started when a shipment of books brought in from a remote area was found to be infested with the beetles, which are believed to be a species known for their voracious appetite for paper and organic materials. It didn't take long for the pests to spread, and soon, the library was overrun with them, leading to the temporary closure of the facility.

Local authorities have been quick to respond to the crisis. Pest control experts have been called in to assess the situation and eradicate the beetles. They are utilizing both chemical and non-chemical methods to tackle the infestation, ensuring that the library can be reopened as soon as possible while minimizing harm to the environment. Meanwhile, library staff are working diligently to salvage as many books as they can, with many undergoing treatment to remove any traces of the pests.

The community's reaction has been mixed, with some residents expressing concern over the potential loss of valuable literature while others see it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining public libraries. Many locals have taken to social media to share their thoughts, using hashtags like #SzegedLibraryBeetles and #SaveOurBooks to spread the word and rally support for the library's recovery efforts.

As the situation develops, the Szeged library staff are hopeful for a quick resolution and are already formulating plans to enhance their pest prevention strategies in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by cultural institutions in preserving knowledge and heritage amidst unexpected challenges.





Please consider supporting this site, it would mean a lot to us!