Women in Broome County in need of menstrual products can now access them for free at the Broome County Public Library. A Period Pantry was recently installed by members of the Broome County Public Defender’s Office inside the Library rotunda to create a barrier-free, no-questions-asked place where women can go to get these essential items.
The idea for the pantry developed through conversations with clients at the Public Defender’s Office in which they frequently brought up barriers to accessing menstrual products. Led by Alexis Bronson and Sarah Seese, research was conducted to find ideas and models to fill this need in the Broome County community. Recognizing the use of the Library as a primary community resource, Bronson and Seese worked with Library Director Josias Bartram to set up the pantry. More than 10,000 products were donated in the first month and the pantry sees daily use from community members.
The Public Defender’s Office is working to expand the pantry to a secure, outdoor location that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as bringing this resource to other parts of the community.
