Los Angeles Public Library Air Sensor Loan Program
Although air quality around Los Angeles has improved notably over the past four decades, the region still faces ongoing air quality challenges. Mobile sources of emissions are a significant concern, particularly for the 1.2 million people living within 500 feet of a freeway in Southern California. Citizen groups want increased access to air quality information that will help them make informed choices and improve health outcomes. With its 72 branches serving 4 million residents, the Los Angeles library system is one of the largest in the country and an ideal partner for a pilot program that allows residents to check out air sensor equipment just as they would check out a book. This project will distribute air sensor equipment to select branches within the library system and train staff on their use and how to implement a related environmental education curriculum. Equipment can then be loaned out with the goal of increasing communities' understanding of their local air quality and providing a model of best practices for other communities.
Ryder Freed; Eric Canteenwala; Ken Davidson; Priyanka Pathak; Katie Stewart; Andrea Clements