Vaping-detection devices coming to more Boulder library restrooms soon – Boulder Daily Camera

The Boulder Public Library continues to install e-cigarette detection devices in the restrooms of several of its branches.

The decision comes after the district initially tested the HALO vape detection system in May at the main library branch at 1001 Arapahoe Ave. District Library Director David Farnan told the Daily Camera that the device detected vapors in the restroom during the month-long trial.

“The HALO system is robust from what we can tell, with a series of positive results for tobacco and one non-tobacco vaporization, without THC,” he wrote in an email.

HALO devices are designed to detect vaping, smoke, movement or tampering, but they cannot identify specific substances, he said. Library and security staff have been instructed to call the police if they suspect any criminal activity, but so far they have not had to do so.

According to Farnan, the district has made progress installing the HALO system at the new North Boulder branch and plans to roll it out to other sites, including the Reynolds and Meadows branches, in 2025.

Each HALO system costs about $2,500 for the device and installation, and there is an annual maintenance fee for the software that comes with the device. Library and security staff receive alerts when HALO detects any type of vapor.

Farnan has previously said the library’s decision to install HALO at the main branch was not directly caused by the methamphetamine contamination incident at the main library branch in late 2022. However, he said many public restrooms in the city center were closed around that time and he believes it is “imperative to remain vigilant” to prevent a recurrence of the contamination.

“As was said at the time, we are trying to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for everyone,” Farnan said.

Originally published: Jul 22, 2024 at 16:43