Barrie Public Library is committed to reducing period poverty

The Barrie Public Library has recently taken another step in reducing barriers for the community.
To help lessen menstrual poverty, all washrooms at all locations now offer pads and tampons free to the public.
Period poverty, as defined by the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency (UNFA), is "the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products."
"We recognize that period poverty is a real concern for many in our community," said Lauren Jessop, the library's CEO. "The library is proud to support this movement for free menstrual product availability across the country."
Many public institutions, including the Simcoe County District School Board, have undertaken similar initiatives.
Jessop points out library's Strategic Plan prioritizes both inclusion and reducing barriers.
"We're continually taking steps towards this goal, and providing free menstrual products is just one more step," said Jessop.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The library moved to a fine-free book return model in July 2020 in order to offer accessible and equitable service.
It opened on the GO Kiosks at East Bayfield Community Centre and Allandale Recreation Centre last year to increase convenience and accessibility.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING Las Vegas police say suspect dead after reports of university shooting
Las Vegas police on Wednesday said they responded to reports of an active shooter on the local campus of the University of Nevada, where there appeared to be multiple victims, and then reported the suspect was 'deceased.'
'I'm so broken': Grieving family speaks out after B.C. cancer patient awaiting treatment chooses MAID
A devastated family says long waits for cancer treatment led a beloved father and grandfather to choose medically assisted death 13 days ago.
PM pans Poilievre for 'pulling stunts' by threatening to delay MPs' holidays with House tactics
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is threatening to delay MPs' holidays by throwing up thousands of procedural motions seeking to block Liberal legislation until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backs off his carbon tax. It's a move Government House Leader Karina Gould was quick to condemn, warning the Official Opposition leader's 'temper tantrum' tactics will impact Canadians.
Lawsuit accuses Sean Combs, 2 others of raping 17-year-old girl in 2003; Combs denies allegations
A woman sued the hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Wednesday, claiming he and two other men raped her 20 years ago in a New York City recording studio when she was 17.
Director behind bold and controversial TV comedies has died
Norman Lear, the writer, director and producer who revolutionized prime time television with 'All in the Family' and 'Maude,' propelling political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of sitcoms, has died. He was 101.
Accused of improper partisan conduct, MPs expected to vote for probe into Speaker Fergus
Members of Parliament appear poised to pass a Conservative motion calling for a probe into House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus' conduct after days of acrimony in Ottawa over what he says was unintentional participation in a partisan event.
Don Martin: Greg Fergus risks becoming the shortest serving Speaker in our history
House Speaker Greg Fergus could face a parliamentary committee inquisition where his fate might hang on a few supportive NDP votes. But political columnist Don Martin says this NDP support might be shaky, given how one possible replacement is herself a New Democrat.
Facebook parent sued by New Mexico alleging it has failed to shield children from predators
Facebook and Instagram fail to protect underage users from exposure to child sexual abuse material and let adults solicit pornographic imagery from them, New Mexico's attorney general alleges in a lawsuit that follows an undercover online investigation.
Regina man uses 3D printer to transform house into Clark Griswold-inspired Christmas display
A Regina man has made himself the real life Clark Griswold by going beyond the limits of a standard Christmas lights display.