Harmony and Health: Free Period Products at London Public Library

London Public Library is making waves with a new initiative that’s bound to bring about a change for the better: free period products at all sixteen of their branches. Yes, you heard that right. It's part of a one-year pilot program and it's aimed at achieving menstrual equity for everyone in the community.

The heartwarming $9,000 program, generously funded by library donors, is the brainchild of Kristen Caschera, a dedicated supervisor at the Central Library. Kristen recalls a moment a few years ago when a library patron needed a tampon, and there weren’t any available in the washroom. This led her to share from her own stash. This simple act of kindness sparked a grand vision: making sure no one has to face such an awkward and challenging situation again.

Pads and tampons are now conveniently available in all public washrooms, including women’s, men’s, family, and accessible rooms. It’s more than just a matter of convenience — it's a stride towards breaking down the barriers of stigma and judgment surrounding menstruation. As Kristen puts it, libraries are places where everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their financial situation.

Why does this matter so much? According to data from the Government of Canada, a whopping 61% of menstruators struggle to access these essential products, with financial constraints being the main hurdle for about 90% of them. This pilot program aims to alleviate part of that burden. And the community has responded positively — the washrooms had to be restocked multiple times in the first four weeks alone!

One passionate advocate, Savrup Kaur Saran, a recently graduated student from the Thames Valley District School Board, couldn't be happier. She's been tirelessly working to bring free period products into Ontario schools and sees this library initiative as an essential step toward menstruators seeing themselves reflected in community facilities.

For many, including Saran, access to menstrual products isn’t a mere convenience, it’s a right. She vividly remembers the panic of being caught unprepared without products while out in public, and she’s determined to make sure others don’t face that same predicament. Saran continues to work with local non-profits and organizations, advocating for broader period equity education and more accessible menstrual products.

Kristen Caschera’s commitment doesn’t stop here. She is looking into more funding streams to keep this much-needed program running past its initial pilot stage. This initiative is not only providing a crucial resource but is also fostering a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and equal.

So next time you're in any of the London Public Library branches, know that the shelves stocked with books are not the only resource at your disposal. This small act of making free period products available is a significant leap towards building a more inclusive and equitable community. Here’s to hoping it inspires similar initiatives far and wide!