Diaper and period poverty are issues in our community, exacerbated by the pandemic. Community members who lack basic supplies are often unable to focus on the services and resources available to them through the library, including preparing their children for school. The library helps those community meet those needs while also cross-promoting library cards and other free community resources.

Supplies for the pantry are donated by library customers, community organizations and businesses. Each Saturday morning library staff distribute supplies to those in need, asking that anyone who picks up from the pantry also get a library card. Staff promote library services to pantry customers (including Saturday morning storytime) and also refer to other local partners for additional resources. Partners, like Centro de Ayuda — a local immigrant support organization — are invited to distribution days to support customers.

Library staff offer a feedback form to customers picking up from the pantry, and responses often detail how much of a life-changer a free pack of diapers or tampons can be for a family. There has been a great increase in number of library cards registered at the branch now that library cards are an element of pantry pick up. Health and wellness partners in the community such as the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the local hospital and the state healthcare system have seen the pantry as an opportunity to support families at the pantry.