Community Cabinet/Hygiene Products

[Arnold, Taylor]

Hi all, 

I wanted to reach out and gather information from other libraries that host anything similar to a community cabinet/hygiene cabinet. Over the summer our library made hygiene kits that we handed out on our Bike Library. The kits were supported by community donations and overall they seemed to be appreciated. Currently we are in the process of creating a permanent cabinet that will be stocked with hygiene products, socks and other comfort items. Our Childrens and Teens department have similar cabinets in place so this one will be geared towards adults but available for all. 

I am curious if any folks here have instituted something similar in their libraries, perhaps with a focus on adult patrons. I would love to hear about any roadblocks you faced, appropriate signage and items you made available. 

Of course, projects like these will differ across libraries but I think it would be valuable to gather any insight! 

Thank you,

Taylor  

	Taylor Arnold Library Services Specialist II arn...@billingsmt.gov
billingslibrary.org	510 N Broadway Billings, MT 59101 P 406.657.8258

[Sheri Miklaski]

We have plastic tubs in all our public restrooms with menstruation pads, baby diapers, and adult diapers. We put adult diapers for “men” in the Men’s restrooms and ones for “women” in the Women’s restrooms. There is a gender neutral restroom in our café and one in our kids room, but neither one of those are stocked with supplies. We do have diapers at the kids desk which we can give to folks if they ask.

 

No roadblocks! Signage is pretty simple – saying what is included in the bins. I will try to remember to take a photo of the bin signage later today or tomorrow.

 

Be well,

 

Sheri Miklaski

Community Outreach Librarian

Georgetown Public Library

512-819-3106

TALL Texans Class of 2021

“Change is the only constant in life.” - Heraclitus

 

 

 

From: abos-o...@googlegroups.com <abos-o...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Arnold, Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 12:53 PM
To: abos-o...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [ABOS-Outreach] Community Cabinet/Hygiene Products

 

[EXTERNAL EMAIL]

Hi all, 

 

I wanted to reach out and gather information from other libraries that host anything similar to a community cabinet/hygiene cabinet. Over the summer our library made hygiene kits that we handed out on our Bike Library. The kits were supported by community donations and overall they seemed to be appreciated. Currently we are in the process of creating a permanent cabinet that will be stocked with hygiene products, socks and other comfort items. Our Childrens and Teens department have similar cabinets in place so this one will be geared towards adults but available for all. 

 

I am curious if any folks here have instituted something similar in their libraries, perhaps with a focus on adult patrons. I would love to hear about any roadblocks you faced, appropriate signage and items you made available. 

Of course, projects like these will differ across libraries but I think it would be valuable to gather any insight! 

 

Thank you,

Taylor  

Taylor Arnold Library Services Specialist II arn...@billingsmt.gov

billingslibrary.org

510 N Broadway Billings, MT 59101 P 406.657.8258

 

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[Johnson, Alyssa]

Taylor,

We’re similarly looking into this. We have a small pilot existing in our Teen Space—the Teen Advisory Board took this on as their service project so we have a “comfort cabinet” of hygiene items that’s exclusively for teens, by teens. Once those grant-funded items are gone though we do not have a continuation plan. Given the orientation of our teen department there hasn’t been issues with abuse of the system or adults/children helping themselves.

 

For the greater group: I did have conversations with local health insurance reps who regularly hand out hygiene/ first aid bags as part of their outreach swag and there is some level of interest in being a funder since it gives them free advertising.  

 

Alyssa Johnson (she/her)

Outreach Services Manager

Erie County Public Library

160 E. Front Street | Erie, PA 16507

P: (814) 451-6959

ajoh...@eriecountypa.gov

Meet with Me

 

 

 

 

From: abos-o...@googlegroups.com [mailto:abos-o...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Arnold, Taylor

Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 1:53 PM
To: abos-o...@googlegroups.com

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[Teresa Lanford]

Our library system partners with The Period Project to provide menstrual supplies in our public restrooms. Our local chapter has been very good to work with.

 

Teresa Lanford, Access Manager

Greenville County Library System

25 Heritage Green Place

Greenville, SC  29601

864-527-9254 | tlan...@greenvillelibrary.org

greenvillelibrary.org

 

From: abos-o...@googlegroups.com [mailto:abos-o...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Johnson, Alyssa
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 2:05 PM
To: 'Arnold, Taylor' <arn...@billingsmt.gov>; abos-o...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [ABOS-Outreach] RE: Community Cabinet/Hygiene Products

 

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[Marthey, Diana]

Our library system just started this in July of this year for our buildings. From the email:

A period should end a sentence, not a customer’s access to the public library. Over the next few weeks, ASCPL, working with Ohio’s Aunt Flow (https://goauntflow.com/), will be installing (thanks, John Hughes!) dispensers of free menstrual product in women’s and family restrooms in your locations. Library Access. Period. is part of a growing movement to support equity of opportunity and menstrual dignity as a basic human right. Libraries in Ohio have been engaged in this effort, including the University of Akron’s Bierce Library, Columbus Metro Library, and Marysville Public Library.

 

The vast majority of women in the US report that they have started their period unexpectedly in public without the supplies they needed. With the installation of dispensers of free product, the Library will address the menstrual inequity experienced by girls, women, and gender non-binary customers that all-too-often means the difference between remaining at the Library—for job searching and work skill development, the filing of aid applications, microbusiness development, school-related research and assignment completion, participation in personal enrichment events, attendance at after-school snack programs, and more--and a quick departure.

 

The community response to menstrual equity is growing (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/11/30/akron-law-free-feminine-hygiene-products-city-bathrooms-tara-mosley-pink-tax-cleveland-ann-arbor/8793936002/ ) but is as yet insufficient to meet the need. Organizations serving the homeless and those addressing food insecurity offer free menstrual product as it is available. (It is important to note that government grocery-assistance programs do not provide for menstrual product.) But the recognition that menstrual product is as necessary in public restrooms as toilet paper, soap, and a means to dry one’s hands is far from universal. Although the Library’s installation of dispensers does not entirely eliminate the inequity that results, it does make it possible to ensure that all of the Library’s customers have an equal opportunity to use Library resources.

Diana Marthey

dmar...@akronlibrary.org

Early Childhood Librarian

Mobile Services

Akron-Summit County Public Library

60 S. High St.

Akron, Ohio 44326

330.643.9061

 

 

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From: abos-o...@googlegroups.com <abos-o...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Teresa Lanford <tlan...@greenvillelibrary.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 2:09 PM
To: 'Johnson, Alyssa' <AJoh...@eriecountypa.gov>; 'Arnold, Taylor' <arn...@billingsmt.gov>; abos-o...@googlegroups.com <abos-o...@googlegroups.com>

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[Morgan Rondinelli]

A co-worker and I applied for a grant to put period products in the library bathrooms. All of our bathrooms are single-stall and gender-neutral. We were going to go through the company Aunt Flow. 

https://goauntflow.com/

Unfortunately, we didn't get the grant this round, but they encouraged us to apply again in spring.

Of note, on our grant application we consciously chose to use terms like "period products," "menstrual products," or frankly "pads and tampons," rather than saying "feminine hygiene products." This is because not all menstruators are female; some are trans males or nonbinary. And moreover, periods are not dirty!

Thanks all,

Morgan

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[Kaylee Stanfield]

I love this concept but I really want to explore more eco-friendly options.  Has anyone created period kits using period undies or period cups?  I think reusable period products would greatly benefit people experiencing period poverty.  Plus, they are more environmentally friendly.  I switched a few years ago and will never go back to disposable products.  I tried an expensive designer brand and cheaper versions from Amazon. Honestly, I prefer the cheaper ones.  I have thought about ordering some in various sizes to make period started kits that include info on where to order more and how to care for them.

Thanks,

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[Kelsey Wicker]

Kaylee,

You might try looking for eco-friendly disposable products but reusable menstrual products are often discouraged to give to individuals in the at-risk and homeless communities because they often don't have reliable places to clean those products.  Using soiled menstrual cups and the like creates a huge issue for someone who might already be in a precarious living situation.  I understand your desire to pursue these types of products but in this instance, it's necessary to pick just one battle to wage.

Sincerely,

Kelsey Wicker

Assistant Director

Cardington-Lincoln Public Library

419-864-8181 ext. 111

kwi...@cardlinc.org

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From: abos-o...@googlegroups.com <abos-o...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Kaylee Stanfield <kaylee.s...@seolibraries.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2022 11:11 AM
To: Morgan Rondinelli <mor...@normalpl.org>
Cc: Sheri Miklaski <Sheri.M...@georgetown.org>; Arnold, Taylor <arn...@billingsmt.gov>; abos-o...@googlegroups.com <abos-o...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] [ABOS-Outreach] Community Cabinet/Hygiene Products

 

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[Kaylee Stanfield]

Thank you for the insight.  I had not considered the lack of access to wash stations but once you pointed it out, it makes sense.  

 

[Karla Umland]

Kudos for creating a way to fill this need!
One of our staff members spearheaded the effort here. We are a small public library, so we simply put a basket in the restroom and keep disposable pads and tampons in the basket--about a half dozen of each.

We just did it--without fanfare--and the supply does get used, so we feel it meets a need.

Yours sincerely,

Karla

Karla Boeddinghaus Umland

Assistant Director

 

20 High St., P.O. Box 232

Stonington, CT 06378

860-535-0658
www.stoningtonfreelibrary.org

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