Durham, NC – Soon Durham County residents will be able to lounge on a bench outside the South Regional Library and use their smartphones to get real-time air quality data. It’s all part of the Village Green Project, a new effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop next-generation air pollution monitoring systems.

In a partnership with Durham County, the EPA installed a prototype monitoring system in a bench at the library. The new technology will be unveiled at the Village Green Project Celebration on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. South Regional Library is located at 4505 S. Alston Ave.

The kickoff celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting and remarks from EPA and local officials. Afterwards, there will be activities for young and old including storytimes, energy games, interactive booths and a visit from the library mascot, Booker, and EPA’s mascot, Panda Pollution. Patrons will also have a chance to meet EPA scientists as well as staff from the Durham City-County Sustainability Office who will explain ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are the first location to house this new prototype bench, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Tammy Baggett, Durham County Library Director. “We’re looking forward to a day of great fun, where our patrons can ‘dig into science,’ try out the new bench and learn about air quality from the experts.”

The Village Green Project was designed to test lower-cost sustainable technologies for measuring air quality, and to engage the public on environmental issues by providing real-time data on air quality.

“The library is a perfect example of a village green,” said Baggett. “This bench will fit right in with our focus on community, learning, recreation and innovation.”

For more information about the celebration, visit durhamcountylibrary.org/villagegreen.php or call 919-560-7409. EPA Village Green Project website coming soon.