London Public Library (LPL) is expanding access to free menstrual products through a new partnership with the Period Equity Project, a community-led initiative focused on dignity, equity, and choice.
What started as a Facebook poll during COVID has grown into a community-wide effort to reduce period poverty. After posting the poll, Londoner Stevie Brocksom was shocked to discover that one in three respondents did not have access to menstrual products. Stevie immediately began collecting donations.
That moment sparked what would become the Period Equity Project, a grassroots effort that began without funding, infrastructure, or formal status. Donations arrived through an Amazon wish list. Stevie’s dining room quickly filled with boxes of pads and tampons. People reached out quietly, often urgently, asking for help.
Five years later, the Period Equity Project is partnering with London Public Library to meet people where they are at, providing free menstrual products in every LPL washroom, no questions asked.
A natural fit for access and dignity
For Kristen, a librarian and Supervisor at LPL, the need for ready access to menstrual products was very apparent.
This idea of providing menstrual products at London Public Library has driven me since the day that a patron came to the desk urgently asking for a period product and we didn’t have one to give them,” she says. “That stuck with me.
Elizabeth Sutter, a librarian and Manager at London Public Library recalls a moment when a young visitor unexpectedly got their first period during an event.
We were running through staff spaces asking if anyone had a pad,” she says. “That should not happen in a public space.
Through a pilot project which began in July, 2024, funded by Library donors, LPL tested providing free menstrual products in washrooms. The project was well-received and has had a positive impact in the community. Sustaining the program long-term required a partner, and the connection with Period Equity Project made immediate sense.
Libraries are trusted, non-judgmental spaces,” Kristen explains. “Anyone can come in. You don’t have to explain yourself. Sometimes even having to plan ahead or coordinate a pickup is too much of a barrier. If people know they can come here and menstrual products will be available, that creates community comfort and safety.
Menstrual products (both pads and tampons) are always available in all washrooms at all LPL locations, allowing people to simply take what they need when they need it.
A shared commitment
For Stevie, bringing products into the library means privacy, independence, and peace of mind.
Nobody wants to get stuck somewhere without access,” they say. “This is about one less thing people have to worry about.
That access is especially important for people who are unhoused, living on tight budgets, or navigating stigma.
We don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed asking for help,” Stevie says. “We want people to have dignity and independence. These products should already be free.
For both organizations, the goal is simple. Remove a basic barrier and make daily life a little easier.
People shouldn’t have to choose between food and period products,” Kristen says. “And they shouldn’t have to feel shame asking for something that is essential.
How to support the Period Equity Project
Community support continues to play an important role in helping the Period Equity Project meet growing need.
Those who would like to donate menstrual products (the greatest need is for menstrual pads) or make a financial contribution to the Period Equity Project should contact the organization directly:
- Email: stevie@fairygodparentslondon.com
- Facebook: periodequityprojectlondon
- Website: fairygodparentslondon.com
London Public Library is not able to accept donations of products or funds for this project. Please donate directly to the Period Equity Project.