Allegheny County Libraries have undertaken a new initiative to provide essential hygiene supplies to communities in need. The period project makes period products available for free to library patrons at participating libraries. Each public restroom in those libraries now includes a wall-mounted dispenser where library patrons can easily access pads and tampons.

An estimated 2 in 5 people who menstruate struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. Likewise, nearly 1 in 4 students in the US experience period poverty. Menstrual products are not currently covered by food stamps (SNAP) or WIC.

“We’re so excited to be able to offer this to our patrons,” said Megan Zagorski, Projects and Partnerships Manager at the Allegheny County Library Association. “We were really inspired by the work that we saw at other libraries across the nation. We know that this is a national issue, and our communities are no exception. We want to make sure that women and people who have periods in our community have what they need, and they know that the library is a space where they can get all kinds of supplies.”

ACLA also created period kits for young patrons and for those who are having their periods for the first time. The kits contain two pads, two tampons, and informational material in a discreet pouch.

“We wanted to break the stereotype that libraries are just a place that you come and get a book and sit and be quiet,” said Amanda DeKnight, library director at South Park Township Library. “We offer so much more than that. Besides programming and resources for our communities, we also have stuff like [period products].”

South Park Township Library also has a community cabinet stocked by the library’s teen advisory board, which is available to patrons whenever the library is open.

“It has everything you could need,” DeKnight said. “From toothpaste and toothbrushes to toilet paper, more period products, and blankets. So if you’re just going through a hard time, you can go discreetly fill up a drawstring bag and take it with you. Nobody needs to know what you’re doing.”

The period project was made possible through a generous grant from the Jefferson Regional Foundation. Supplies are available at the ten ACLA libraries within the Foundation’s footprint:

• Baldwin Borough Public Library
• Bethel Park Public Library
• Brentwood Library
• Carnegie Library of Homestead
• Carnegie Library of McKeesport
• Clairton Public Library
• Jefferson Hills Public Library
• Pleasant Hills Public Library
• South Park Township Library
• Whitehall Public Library