Project Marilyn proudly announces the expansion of their Finding Marilyn program into branches of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.
The program asks local businesses to hold Project Marilyn’s monthly period kits on hand. Anyone in need can visit the businesses and organizations during regular business hours and ask “for the bag Marilyn left” them. Inside each bag are enough supplies for an entire cycle.
The program was initially piloted with the Rainbow Library in November of 2022. It worked so successfully that the program is being expanded to all branches. Visit the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District website https://thelibrarydistrict.org/locations/cc/ to find a branch near you, and call to find out if Project Marilyn is available.
Spring Valley Branch
“My heart is so full that we have been able to work with the Library District to increase access to period supplies for the community,” said Project Marilyn founder, Wendi Schweigart. “Period supplies are a much needed resource and are often overlooked. I’m proud that Project Marilyn adds a unique service to the hashtag #librariesdothat —help people have healthy and dignified periods.”
The Library District operates 25 branches across Clark County, and the program is active in most branches.
“I’ve always believed that libraries are well-positioned to address all kinds of under-recognized needs, and period poverty is definitely one of them. As community hubs in the hearts of neighborhoods, library branches are convenient and discreet places to pick up period supplies,” said Dr. Claire Davies, Rainbow Library branch manager. “Some customers have been quite emotional upon picking up their packets — it means so much to them to not have to go without appropriate period products Since partnering with Project Marilyn on this program, we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from women, teens, trans men and non-binary people who menstruate, and we are so happy to be able to expand Finding Marilyn to more and more branches.”
Nationally, 2 in 5 people cannot afford period supplies due in a given year due to lack of income. State and federal programs (like SNAP and EBT) can NOT be used to purchase period supplies. They are considered “luxury items,” something Schweigart finds hard to believe.
“I know I’ve never felt luxurious on my period,” Schweigart said. “This partnership reaches so many people throughout the areas the branches serve, ensuring those in need don’t miss out on school work or important life events simply because they don’t have period supplies.”
Project Marilyn works alongside many community partners to address the critical need in the Vegas Valley for those without access to period supplies. To donate funds for period supplies, visit http://www.projectmarilyn.com
