Period.
Cycle.
Monthly.
Aunt Flow.
Special visitor.
Shark Week.
Everyone who sheds their uterine lining has a special name for that time of the month. For some menstruators, getting a period is no big deal. It’s just another few days out of the month, but it’s a big deal for others. Some folks get periods with debilitating pain. For some trans men, it’s a painful reminder that their body and gender don’t align. And, for some people, it means having to stay home from work or school because they cannot afford menstrual hygiene products like maxi pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. There’s also still a stigma surrounding having a period in general. Because of this, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) was born.
MH Day was initiated in 2013 by the German non-profit organization WASH United. Since then, every May 28th has been recognized as Menstrual Hygiene Day where individuals, government agencies, and non-profit companies from around the world join together in advocacy. Besides promoting good menstrual health and hygiene, MH Day also promotes:
- Breaking the silence, raising awareness and changing negative social norms around menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), and
- Engaging decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyze action for MHH at global, national and local levels.
In honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Brooklyn Public Library’s teen period advocacy group, the Cycle Alliance, will be hosting a Period Pantry every Monday through June 13. Menstruators of all genders are encouraged to come to the Central Library to pick up a period kit, which will include 7 tampons, 7 maxi pads, and a reusable period panty (as supplies last). Teens can also pick up Tip Sheets on how to be Cycle Ally and support the ending of period poverty and period stigma.
For More Information:
On Instagram:
- Aunt Flow, @goauntflow
- Her Village, @wearehervillage
- Period, the Menstrual Movement, @periodmovement
- Her Period Dignity, @herperioddignity
Upcoming Events
The Cycle Alliance's Period Pantry at Saratoga
Do you have a uterus or know somebody with one? Are you a teen who would like to learn more about or experiment with unfamiliar menstrual products? Stop by the Period Pantry at Saratoga, and grab a care package, complete with a variety of menstrual hygiene products brought to you by community…
The Cycle Alliance's Period Pantry at Sunset Park!
Do you have a uterus or know somebody with one? Are you a teen who would like to learn more about or experiment with unfamiliar menstrual products? Stop by the Period Pantry at Sunset Park, and grab a care package, complete with a variety of menstrual hygiene products brought to you by community…
The Cycle Alliance's Period Pantry at Paerdegat
Do you have a uterus or know somebody with one? Are you a teen who would like to learn more about or experiment with unfamiliar menstrual products? Stop by the Period Pantry at Paerdegat, and grab a care package, complete with a variety of menstrual hygiene products brought to you by community…
Ping Pong & Board Games
Table-top games, ping pong & board games Improve hand-eye coordination. Play, compete and have fun.
Mosaic Lab Coding Workshop
Looking to develop coding skills? Join us in the meeting room for a free coding workshop for all ages!
Period and Personal Care Pantry at Clarendon
Clarendon has menstrual products for free in the teen zone at Clarendon whenever the library is open. All genders welcomed.
The pantry here runs on a donation basis. If you have items (packaged and unopened) to donate, please drop them off at the library. If you would like to…
Teen Study Time!!
Teens!
Need a quiet place to study!
Look no further have we got the place for you!
Come and study at the Bedford Teen Study Hour!
See you there!
Teen Fun Time: Games, Conversations & Good Vibes
Join us at the library to play UNO, Bingo, Jenga, and more. Connect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy relaxed conversations about sports, fashion, and current trends. A welcoming space to unwind, socialize, and have fun.
Ages 13 - 18
Free Snacks will be provided!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
Post a Comment
While BPL encourages an open forum, posts and comments are moderated by library staff. BPL reserves the right, within its sole discretion, not to post and to remove submissions or comments that are unlawful or violate this policy. While comments will not be edited by BPL personnel, a comment may be deleted if it violates our comment policy.
eNews Signup
Get the latest updates from BPL and be the first to know about new programs, author talks, exciting events and opportunities to support your local library.