Lake Bluff Public Library is excited to announce a new service that demonstrates its commitment to access and the health and well-being of the community. The Library is now offering free high quality sustainable period products through a partnership with Aunt Flow. This initiative recognizes that access to menstrual products is not a luxury, but a basic necessity that should be readily available to all.
Library Director Renee Grassi stated, “We are proud to partner with Aunt Flow to support menstrual equity. This service supports patrons visiting the Library for programs, working at a computer, and more without interruption by providing convenient access to period products. The Library already provides tissue, toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer. By offering period products, we expand our reach in providing necessities for hygiene. Our commitment to supporting accessibility and the well-being of our community extends beyond books and information.”
The Library building has six single stall bathrooms for use by Library and Lake Bluff History Museum patrons and staff. Each of these six bathrooms now features one wall-mounted Aunt Flow dispenser unit stocked with 100% organic cotton biodegradable tampons and pads. Dispensers also feature English and Braille labels for added accessibility. In addition, each bathroom also includes a touch-free disposal device for convenience. Lake Bluff Public Library has not previously offered access to period products before.
Eliza Jarvi, Youth Services Manager and leader of this project said, "I'm delighted that the Lake Bluff Public Library is supporting free and equitable access to period products. It is becoming more common to see this offered in schools, airports, public libraries, museums and other public places, and it feels good to bring our Library into alignment with that standard."
This new service supports the Library’s Board-approved Values Statement to “strive to make the Library a safe and welcoming place for all patrons.” By providing Aunt Flow’s quality and sustainable period products, the Library hopes to create an environment that combats stigma and ensures that everyone has access to the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity, convenience, and comfort.
Janie Jerch, Library Board Member and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative saying, “I am so proud that our Library provides this Aunt Flow service to you, our patrons! We hope to ensure your comfort and enhance your experience while visiting our building. I am also proud of our own Youth Services Manager Eliza Jarvi for researching and enacting the installation of the dispensers and products. Another big win-win for all!”
Aunt Flow is a company known for sustainability, as well as generosity, donating one product for every ten purchased. Aunt Flow products are used internationally, and also by several Illinois public libraries, including Glenview Public Library, Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library, Lincolnwood Public Library, Downers Grove Public Library, and New Lenox Public Library. Interested libraries can inquire about pricing through Aunt Flow's online form.