Free Period

Every day, thousands of Calgarians visit their Calgary Public Library not only to learn, connect, and grow—but also to feel safe, welcomed, and supported. For many, this includes access to something essential, yet often overlooked: free menstrual products. Since 2021, Calgary Public Library has proudly offered Free. Period., a barrier-free service that provides pads and tampons in 21 Library locations. This program is simple, effective, and transformative: a small act of accessibility with an outsized impact on health, dignity, and equity. 

Menstrual equity is a community issue. Not having access to period products can mean: 

• Missing school, work, or community participation. 

• Facing stigma or embarrassment in public spaces. 

• Making impossible choices between basic needs like food and hygiene products. 

No one should be excluded from school, work, or community life simply because they can’t afford or access menstrual products. By providing anonymous, take-what-you-need access, Calgary Public Library removes barriers and reduces stigma, while affirming that menstruation is a normal and respected part of life.

All communities in Calgary are served through this initiative; free period products are available at 21 library locations across the city. This initiative affects those in Calgary who menstruate, especially those who struggle with the increased cost of living. 

Several factors contribute to period poverty: 

-Canadian menstruators spend up to $6,000 in their lifetime on menstrual hygiene products.

-One in four Canadian women who menstruate have been forced to decide between purchasing menstrual products or essentials, like food or rent, within the last year.

-Almost 90% of Canadian women aged 18 to 24 feel menstrual products are too expensive. 

-One in three individuals under the age of 25 indicate that they have not been able to afford period products at some point in their life.

-Poor menstrual hygiene has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections.