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 Brooklyn Heights!
Take a look at our period pantry located both on the Teen Floor and Adult floor or ask someone at the front desk.
Our period pantry is in alliance with ‘Cycle Alliance’ here at Brooklyn Public Library.
Our pantry contains pads, tampons and both male and female condoms. …
The Cycle Alliance's Period Pantry at Gerritsen Beach!
Take a look at our period pantry located both on the Teen Section or ask someone at the front desk.
Our period pantry is in alliance with ‘Cycle Alliance’ here at Brooklyn Public Library.
Our pantry contains pads, and tampons.
Patrons are encouraged to donate to our…
Take and Create: D.I.Y. Zine Kit
Stop by our Teen Space and pick up our free D.I.Y. Zine Kit and make your very own zine--it's like a magazine, but tiny!
While supplies last.
Teen Time with a TEEN Intern
PLEASE NOTE: this program is run by a TEENAGE Intern. Teens ages 13-19, stop by the Teen Zone to hang out with our Librarian of Tomorrow Teen Intern!
Our Librarian of Tomorrow will be helping with some high school or college prep, talking about:
College or high school lifeAdvice…
Teen Time: Spring Creek Library
Are you looking for a place to unwind after a long week? Join us at the Spring Creek Library Friday afternoons for Teen Time! All tweens and young adults are invited to attend. Some of the activities will include:
Board Games Arts & Crafts Video GamesListening to MusicBring…
Game On: Board Games
Play board, card, and tabletop games at Dyker Library! Come grab one from the information desk and bring back all pieces in their box when you're done.
Teen Time: Summer Craft
Teen Time: Come to the Stone Ave Library to create some fun summer crafts.
All materials and supplies provided. No need to register. Just come in.
Teen Tech Time
Join us at Ryder Library for video games, board games, and good vibes. Designed for ages 13-17.
Teen Gaming Time
Relax, de-stress, eat some snacks, and play video games in our community room!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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