Boulder library is testing a vape detection device, the Boulder Daily Camera

The Boulder Public Library District is testing a vape detection device at its flagship library branch at 1001 Arapahoe Ave. this month.

Minutes from an April meeting of the library district’s board of trustees stated that a HALO smart sensor system would be installed in the public restroom at the main branch of the library to “monitor for behavior that violates library policies.”

The system helps collect health and safety information inside buildings by detecting fumes, chemicals, carbon dioxide displacement, motion and tampering. Boulder government officials and local schools also used the device in some rooms.

The library district has installed a system in the main library and may add a new system in the new North Boulder branch. The same system could eventually be implemented in restrooms at other library branches.

Library District Director David Farnan expressed hope that the security team would no longer have to monitor restrooms in the main library, according to minutes of the April meeting.

Asked for comment, Farnan stated in an email that the installation of the device was not directly caused by a methamphetamine contamination episode at the library’s main branch in late 2022. However, he stated that many downtown public bathrooms were closed at that time and he believed that “it is essential to remain vigilant” to prevent contamination from recurring.

“As stated at the time, we are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for everyone,” Farnan said.

He said there is no timetable yet for implementing HALO devices in other library branches.