UPDATE: The New Lenox Public Library has just launched a vital new initiative—a care cabinet filled with essential items and Narcan—available to the community with no questions asked. This urgent support system opened on December 4, 2023, in the library lobby, addressing rising needs amid federal program cuts.
Michelle Krooswyk, the library’s executive director, emphasized that the library aims to be a lifeline for residents facing hardships. The care cabinet includes free items such as shower products, deodorant, toothpaste, first-aid supplies, socks, and Narcan, a medication crucial for reversing opioid overdoses. This initiative was made possible by a $1,000 grant from the Friends of the New Lenox Library.
The cabinet’s opening was accelerated from its initial January 2024 date due to urgent community needs highlighted by Melissa Seaberg, the administrative library coordinator. “Lower-income residents have been severely impacted by recent cuts to federal programs,” Krooswyk stated, underscoring the library’s role in supporting those in crisis.
Library staff reported a rapid depletion of many items, especially lip balm and deodorant, illustrating a pressing community need. “We want to provide assistance without judgment,” Seaberg explained, noting the sensitivity surrounding requests for help.
The library has partnered with the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization to distribute Narcan packages at no cost. Krooswyk encourages community members to participate in Narcan training sessions, as the medication can be lifesaving.
Community support has been overwhelming, with residents donating supplies to the cabinet. However, library staff are now regulating donations to ensure hygiene and proper packaging. Donations can be made via monetary contributions on the library’s website or through an Amazon wish list.
The inspiration for the care cabinet came from a presentation by the Rock Island Public Library, which successfully implemented a similar initiative. “We are always sharing ideas that work,” Krooswyk noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of libraries.
Looking ahead, the care cabinet will remain available during library hours, and the crocheted cat fundraiser supporting it ends on December 16, 2023. The library also plans to open a new cafe space in January and launch a winter reading program, all while gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.
Krooswyk affirmed the library’s commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone, stating, “No matter who you are, we want to support you and help you find what you need.”
As the New Lenox Public Library continues to evolve, it aims to remain a critical resource for the community, proving that libraries can be so much more than places for books.
