West Vancouver, B.C.—The West Vancouver Memorial Library (WVML) has added CO2 monitors and light therapy lamps to its collection for cardholders to borrow. With flu season returning, COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing, and daylight savings time ending soon, these are timely additions.
Monitoring CO2 levels can help minimize risk of airborne infection by warning when air quality deteriorates. The Aranet4 CO2 Monitor light turns green when air quality is less than 599 ppm CO2 (parts per million CO2 concentration), yellow when air quality is 600-999 ppm CO2, and red when air quality is over 1000 ppm CO2. The device also displays the temperature and humidity of the air.
Three of the nine CO2 monitors were donated to the Library by Prescientx.
Light therapy lamps are asked for at this time of year particularly. These lamps mimic daylight by providing full-spectrum light (without harmful UV rays), which may help improve mood and increase energy by triggering the release of serotonin. Studies have shown that a lack of sunlight can have negative effects on wellbeing and can even cause health issues, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
WVML Director Stephanie Hall says, “These were both great suggestions from community members. When our budget and capacity permits, we tend to lend small items of technology that a wide range of people would like to try out. In the case of the CO2 monitors, we’re hearing interest from people who are curious about crowded spaces, events, or even airplanes, and whether they have enough ventilation.”
Cardholders can place a hold on a CO2 monitor or therapy lamp online or find them at the Help Desk at the Library.