Madison Reporter

Madison Public Library, in partnership with Public Health Madison & Dane County, will offer a series of informational health events focused on menstruation at the Goodman South Madison Library this September. The event, previously held as a single session, has expanded into a multi-session format to provide more comprehensive information for kids, teens, and families.

“This is the third year that the library has hosted a Period Party, and we are so excited to present our new format. The feedback that we received was that more time was needed to go in-depth on some of the topics that were introduced,” said Youth Services Librarian Rachel Lavender. “Youth and families have questions, and we wanted to make sure those questions got answered without feeling overwhelming. It was clear we needed to grow to keep meeting community demand.”

The upcoming Period Party Series includes three topic-based sessions: Puberty & Menstruation 101 on September 2 from 5:30-7pm; Period Products 101 on September 9 from 5:30-7pm; and Menstrual Inequity (an all ages event) on September 16 from 5:30-7pm. All sessions will take place at Goodman South Madison Library. The series concludes with a Period Party celebration at The Atrium at Villager Mall (2300 S Park St) on September 20 from 1-3pm.

Each session features presentations by Public Health staff followed by question-and-answer periods and discussion time. Book displays and snacks will be provided by Madison Public Library, while attendees can also take home giveaways and period products.

“Your period shouldn’t be a mystery to you. Our goal is to address common myths and eliminate stigma from periods. We’ll provide as much information as we can about what it is, why it happens, and how to use period products,” said Sexual & Reproductive Health Coordinator Melissa Her.

The final celebration will include an informal resource fair with several community health organizations such as Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, R’Oujie Wellness, among others. Attendees can participate in activities like photo booths, enjoy snacks commonly associated with menstrual cravings such as pizza and chocolate, assemble decorated "go bags" containing tampons, pads, liners and other items, and receive free menstruation or sexual health products provided by Public Health Madison & Dane County.

“The library has always been a place you can come for trusted, reliable information,” said Lavender. “We hope that this series helps individuals and families feel more knowledgeable about navigating the menstrual cycle for themselves and/or others in their lives.”

Registration is requested for each event in the series; sign up online at madpl.org/periodparty.

The program is part of the Live Well @ Your Library initiative by Madison Public Library with support from WPS Health Solutions.