06/18/2026
Get access to real-time Air Quality information, including alerts to your email or phone!
Ulster County has partnered with Bard College and its Hudson Valley Community Air Network (HVCAN) to install 17 new ground‑level air quality sensors at libraries, town halls, and community centers across the County—including the Olive Free Library!
These sensors provide real‑time information about local air pollution and offer free alerts through JustAir, a platform that can notify you when air quality becomes unhealthy and again when conditions improve.
Ulster County is the first County in New York State to build a community‑based, street‑level air quality network, laying the groundwork for a true regional system.
These sensors measure fine particulate matter—tiny particles from sources like soot, smoke, and vehicle exhaust that are small enough to be inhaled and cause serious health impacts. Wearing a KN95 or N95 mask when the air quality is poor can help protect your health! You can get free masks at the Olive Free Library.
You can sign up for free email or text alerts at JustAir.app, and can learn more—including a short instructional video—at olivefreelibrary.org/airquality or at the link in our Instagram profile. You don't need to download an app to use this service!
“Poor air quality can harm people’s health, especially older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “By building this ground‑level network with Bard College and the Hudson Valley Community Air Network, we’re equipping our residents with real‑time, accessible information to make informed decisions about their exposure to the air outside. Knowledge is power, and I’m proud that Ulster County is leading the way in offering the tools our communities need to best protect their health and the health of loved ones.”
You can find a button on the Library's homepage that lets you check the real-time air quality. Or, you can go to JustAir.app to sign up for free notifications.
