Pigeons perching at Little Rock library cause headaches for staff and visitors

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Although distracted thoughts are acceptable at the library, flying guests are not permitted at the Roberts Library of Arkansas History and Art.

Each morning, Darren Dickerson strolls through the River Market district to grab his customary cup of coffee.

One day, the wind began to swirl, and something abruptly passed by Dickerson’s eye.

"I was like 'wow' and glanced upward, 'Ah alright,'" Dickerson stated.

Indian authorities release a suspected Chinese espionage pigeon from custody after eight months in detention.

Doves have begun resting on the steel beams of the structure, resulting in pavements and glass panes being coated with excrement.

So be careful when passing by the library; it's essentially a haven for birds," Dickerson explained. "You may find yourself doing a small dance to avoid getting hit by droppings falling from above.

Glenn Whaley, who manages the Roberts Library, mentioned that the issue started when the library first opened in 2009.

"We get many visitors who come by and observe the structure; it has quite a distinctive appearance, which sparks curiosity about what it might be. Then, upon closer inspection, they often react with 'Yuck, what is this?'" Whaley mentioned.

A year ago, the birds first took flight to rest beneath the nearby Interstate 30 bridge, but they have returned now.

When construction began, they returned and stated, 'Oh yes, we appreciate this neighborhood,' " Whaley explained. He mentioned that they informed their friends about it, and as a result, many more people have shown interest.

By sheer determination and hope, a pigeon receives assistance from a French Open chair umpire amidst an ongoing game.

The library has consistently undergone pressure washing of its sidewalks and windows to keep them clean.

On Thursday, the Central Arkansas Library Board decided to employ Avian Flyaway, a wildlife management firm, to set up nontoxic electrified wires on the beams in an effort to deter pigeons from perching there.

"They aren't going to get rid of them; instead, they will relocate them and move them back to the freeway," Whaley stated.

The project is anticipated to cost around $175,000. Although everyone feels for the birds, their aim is to make sure that the only things gathering at the library are book lovers.

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