Diaper & Menstrual Hygiene Kits at Libraries
LA County Library
Innovation Synopsis
LA County Library partnered with LA County’s Chief Executive Office and First Supervisorial District to create a pilot program to distribute free diapers, baby wipes, and menstrual hygiene products at 5 high-need libraries to offset financial impacts of the pandemic. LA-based nonprofit, Baby2Baby, funded the project and provided the supplies.
Challenge/Opportunity
Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products is a struggle in LA County. Costly menstrual products create a financial burden for those who menstruate. In a 2021 national survey of menstruating teens, 1 in 4 reported struggling to afford period products. The rising costs of diapers make it difficult for families to purchase diapers for their children. According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, low-income families were spending roughly $1,000 a year on diapers, or around 14% of their after-tax income.
Key Elements of Innovation
- A collaborative public-private partnership between the Library, County, and Baby2Baby, increasing opportunity for reach and funding.
- Provides free care products directly to high-need communities in a time of economic distress.
- A Press Conference at Baldwin Park Library publicized the new program.
- Kits were labeled with diaper size and product type to simplify distribution and add branding.
- Kits are distributed during Storytime, encouraging parents and guardians to support their kids’ educational needs.
Achieved Outcomes
- Distributed 2,951 kits (1,860 diapers, 733 pads, 358 tampons) at 5 libraries since Oct 2022.
- Helps offset financial impacts of the pandemic by providing essential products for free.
- A strong private-public partnership that improves communities’ wellbeing.Offering giveaways during Storytime supports kids’ educational readiness.
- “"I was laid off. My family is thankful for any assistance…This will be a huge help."
- “Will you have more? They’re really helpful."
- "Oh my God! When did this begin? This is great!"
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![](https://www.urbanlibraries.org/assets/_fitSmall/DiaperPickup_Toone.jpg 150w, https://www.urbanlibraries.org/assets/_fitMedium/DiaperPickup_Toone.jpg 191w)
![](https://www.urbanlibraries.org/assets/_fitSmall/DiaperPickup_Villanueva.jpg 150w, https://www.urbanlibraries.org/assets/_fitMedium/DiaperPickup_Villanueva.jpg 191w)