Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA—Everyone deserves access to daily essentials that support health, comfort, and personal dignity. For some of our Reading neighbors, economic realities can mean choosing between obtaining basic hygiene supplies and putting food on the table.
This fall, the Reading Public Library, Town Public Health Department, and Office of Equity and Social Justice have partnered to create the Little Essentials Library cart. The cart will contain personal care items available to anyone who needs them.
Through September, you can help us start the project by donating personal care essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Town staff or volunteers will process donations to make them available in the Little Essentials Library cart by late October. The Little Essentials Library will be located in the Health Nook.
The donation box will be in the library lobby through October 1.
We currently need:
Travel-sized, unopened, and unexpired soap & body wash, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrushes & toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, lotion & sunscreen, lip balm
The Town of Reading Public Health Nurse, Liv Bartolomei, states, “Good hygiene practices are essential behaviors that improve cleanliness, protect individual well-being, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases across communities.”
If you have questions or are interested in partnering with the initiative, please contact rdgref@noblenet.org.
