Highgate Library was forced to shut it doors due to a wasp infestation yesterday.

The library in Chester Road closed to the public while pest control officers were called in to deal with the problem.

A message posted on Camden Council’s website informed users and advised them to instead visit Kentish Town or Queen’s Crescent libraries or use online services.

A council spokesman said library staff discovered a large number of wasps in the building, including in the children’s annexe.

A nest was spotted on the outside of the building and the insects were found to have made their way in through an air vent.

The site was considered safe to re-open this morning while pest controllers removed the nest.

The council spokesman said: “It’s always essential that we put our customers’ safety first.

“We acted as quickly as possible so as to minimise the disruption to customers and hope that the temporary closure did not cause any great inconvenience to anyone.”