The Essex County Library has closed its 14 branches after finding bedbugs in at least one location.

The Library said the blood-sucking insects were found in its Leamington branch on Friday.

It says the remaining branches have been closed so that they can be inspected and will reopen once they have been cleared.

In a post on its website, the library asks patrons not to return borrowed items during the closure and notes no overdue charges will be incurred.

It says that anyone worried that bedbugs may be in library materials should just put the items in a sealable plastic bag.

Bedbugs are small brownish insects that live off blood. They aren't a health hazard.