Free menstrual products will be offered at 19 Salt Lake County libraries

SALT LAKE CITY — Nineteen libraries will offer free period products throughout Salt Lake County.

The county library is partnering with the Murray Library to provide feminine hygiene products in public restrooms. Coinless dispensers will be stocked with tampons and pads at the Murray Library and all 18 library branches across the county.

“The Menstrual Project aims to improve menstrual health by ensuring women and girls have access to menstrual supplies and removing the barrier of ‘period poverty,’” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “It also aims to destigmatize menstruation by making these products available as part of the normative restroom experience in the restrooms of our County Library and Murray Library.”

As a public place for all residents, libraries provide access to many health initiatives.

A release from the county library states: “Having free and easy access to menstrual hygiene products benefits people who are menstruating, incontinent, before or after childbirth and after surgery.

“This historic project helps the library live out its values ​​of utility, welcome and inclusion,” said City of Murray Mayor Brett Hales. “Providing free menstrual products at the library will help women feel safe and comfortable when visiting the library. »

The bill is an expansion of House Bill 162, passed in 2022 by the Utah Legislature, requiring public schools to provide menstrual products to girls and unisex restrooms in school facilities.

Funds to provide the period products were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act and were administered by the Utah State Division of Libraries.