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San Mateo County Libraries will begin providing free menstrual products to any patron who needs them to assist those struggling with period poverty.
“San Mateo County Libraries is proud to join a growing number of public organizations that are joining this national movement,” said Anne-Marie Despain, director of library services.
Menstrual products like pads and tampons are not always readily available or affordable.
Studies have shown that one-in-five teens struggle to afford period supplies. This can be stressful and interrupt daily life.
“No one should have to leave the library where they are studying, reading or exploring because they don’t have the simple supplies they need. With free period products, patrons can get what they need comfortably and continue their library visit,” said Sara McDowell, library JPA governing board chair.
To help meet this basic need, all 13 community library locations in San Mateo County will now offer period products at no cost.
“We hope that providing these essential supplies in our libraries will help support and alleviate stress for those individuals experiencing a lack of access to menstrual products,” said Despain.
To mark the launch of this new project, the library will host Power Up Afternoons on March 27 with special guest authors Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann.
The event will feature a special behind-the-scenes look at how the authors created their graphic novel Go With the Flow. The book is a dive into friendship, periods, puberty, menstrual equity and what it means to be an activist.
For more information, click here.
