This May, Halifax Public Libraries is once again partnering with United Way Halifax, opens a new window to help combat period poverty. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to financial, educational, or geographical barriers.
This issue affects women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Canada, with 17% of Canadians who menstruate having experienced period poverty. When menstrual products are not easily accessible, it can lead to missed work or school days and limited participation in activities.
From May 5-26, 2025, all Halifax Public Libraries locations (with the exception of Dartmouth North Public Library, which is currently closed) will be participating in United Way Halifax’s menstrual product drive.
To take part, simply bring new, unopened menstrual products (tampons, pads in unopened boxes) to any open branch of Halifax Public Libraries. If additional drop-off locations in HRM are added, we will list them here.
100% of products will go to United Way’s 2025 Menstrual May Program, and distributed to their funded agencies and community sites, helping remove barriers for those experiencing period poverty.
Access to education is an important factor in period poverty. To learn more about menstrual health and to equip yourself with resources to help others, browse our staff lists, Menstrual May and Menstrual May: Menstruation Resources for Teens.