VCAPCD News

Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme provides protection from smoke

(PORT HUENEME, Calif. — June 24, 2026) Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme has become the first clean air shelter in Ventura County, providing residents with a safe place to seek protection during wildfires or other periods of unhealthy air quality.

With help from a $200,000 grant from the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), the Ventura County Library System upgraded the ventilation system that serves public areas of the building so that it could accommodate MERV 14 high-efficiency filters. These filters are highly effective at removing the fine particles found in wildfire smoke that can harm people’s lungs and hearts.

The library system invested another $200,000 to upgrade the ventilation system for the staff and volunteer areas and is covering the cost of the filters.

“We are proud to partner with the Ventura County Library System on this major investment in community resilience and public health so that residents can protect themselves from wildfire smoke and other pollution,” said VCAPCD Air Pollution Control Officer Ali Ghasemi.

“During wildfire emergencies, this public library serves as more than a place for books—it becomes a vital clean air refuge, providing a safe, welcoming space where community members can find relief, resources, and support,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram.

When local air quality reaches an unhealthy level as measured by the Air Quality Index on AirNow, the national real-time tracking system, residents should stay indoors as much as possible. Lower levels of air pollution can affect children, older adults and people who are pregnant or have respiratory or heart conditions.

VCAPCD funded the grant through the Community Air Protection (CAP) Program, which was developed by the California Air Resources Board in 2018 to implement Assembly Bill 617. CAP is part of California Climate Investments, which uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and with limited access to resources, California Climate Investments helps build a more equitable and sustainable future.

Ray D. Prueter Library, located at 510 Park Ave. in a community identified as disadvantaged and low-income under California’s Priority Populations Mapping Tool, will serve as a clean air shelter during normal operating hours. Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours may be extended during wildfires or other periods of unhealthy air quality.