Merced County approves libraries as temporary clean-air centers during smoke events

The Merced County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize county libraries to serve as temporary clean-air centers providing high-efficiency air filtration and respite during wildfire smoke events.

County Librarian Amy Taylor told the board, "Item 31 before you today will authorize county libraries to become temporary clean air centers. Clean air centers are publicly accessible facility. High efficiency air filtration systems." She said the program aligns with the library system’s strategic plan to provide safe community spaces and described a five-year partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.

The board heard clarifying questions from supervisors about the duration and ownership of the equipment. Supervisor McDaniel asked whether the designation would allow the county to extend hours during severe smoke; Taylor replied, "No. This just provides the portable equipment so that we can have clean air within the libraries." Taylor also said the district will provide operational support for five years and "the equipment becomes ours, but this is the supporting time that they'll provide support for it. They provide all the air filters and different things for the first 5 years." Supervisor Silvera and Supervisor Pereira discussed typical grant time frames and confirmed the district’s time-limited support.

The county will receive portable high-efficiency filtration equipment and filter supplies from the air district for a five-year support period; after that period the equipment remains with the county. The program is intended to give vulnerable residents access to cleaner indoor air during wildfire smoke and similar events and to make libraries available as safe community spaces during those episodes.

Supervisor Pereira moved to approve the item; Supervisor Silvera seconded. The motion "unanimously carries."