Menstrual products are available at all nine library branches in the Eastern Counties, with the launch of a new initiative.

Eastern Counties Regional Libraries (ECRL) received a one-time grant of $25,000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage, to secure menstrual products, to help support community wellbeing.

“It’s exciting that the provincial government saw how public libraries could help alleviate period poverty and made the funding available for this initiative. Staff and I are glad that the library can care for the community in this new way. Everyone should feel welcome to visit any library location and take what they, or their families need without stress.” said CEO Laura Emery.

Staff at ECRL branches are happy to be part of the initiative.

“This is a great new library service! A library that I previously worked at was able to offer this to their community as well, and it turned out to be greatly appreciated and helpful for the community, even more so in the last couple of years, I’d imagine, as prices for necessities continue to rise” noted one Library Assistant.

Products are available in all public washrooms at ECRL facilities to combat stigma and provide universal access.