New Lenox Library Launches Care Cabinet with Essential Supplies

The New Lenox Public Library has launched a new care cabinet that provides essential supplies to community members in need. Officially opened on December 4, 2023, the initiative aims to assist individuals who may feel hesitant to seek help directly, offering a range of free resources, including shower products, deodorant, toothpaste, gloves, chapstick, first-aid supplies, socks, and Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Michelle Krooswyk, the library’s executive director, explained that the care cabinet was made possible by a $1,000 grant from the Friends of The New Lenox Library. Originally scheduled to debut in January 2026, the opening date was moved up due to increased needs among low-income residents facing cuts to federal assistance programs in early November. “We want the community to rely on the library in times of need,” Krooswyk stated.

Community Support and Judgement-Free Access

This initiative reflects the library’s commitment to serve as a welcoming space for all individuals. Melissa Seaberg, the administrative library coordinator, emphasized the importance of providing assistance without judgement. “Sometimes asking for help can be a sensitive topic,” she said, noting that the cabinet allows individuals to obtain necessary items discreetly.

Since its opening, the care cabinet has already seen a significant demand, particularly for lip balm, gloves, deodorant, and toothbrushes. Seaberg highlighted that the depletion of these supplies underscores the community’s pressing needs. Furthermore, the library has partnered with the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization to distribute Narcan, enhancing the cabinet’s life-saving potential. Krooswyk noted that this partnership emerged when the organization learned about the cabinet and offered Narcan packages at no cost.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents contributing supplies from their own homes. However, Krooswyk mentioned that the library has started to regulate donations to ensure hygiene. Monetary donations can be made through the library’s website or via an Amazon wish list.

Innovative Fundraising and Future Plans

The idea for the care cabinet sprang from a presentation by the Rock Island Public Library at a PrairieCat meeting, where collaborative efforts among libraries are encouraged. The New Lenox library team decided to implement the cabinet shortly after the busy summer season and was impressed by the quick organization accomplished by Seaberg.

In addition to the care cabinet, Seaberg initiated a unique fundraising effort involving crocheted holiday kittens, which have captured the community’s interest. The playful initiative aims to raise funds for the care cabinet while also promoting a light-hearted atmosphere at the library. The fundraiser concludes on December 16, 2023.

Krooswyk noted that the library provides various non-literary resources, including tech support for older adults, job-seeking assistance, and a gathering space for homeschool families. The library recently passed a referendum to increase its tax rate, enabling it to remain fiscally responsible while continuing to expand services.

Looking ahead, the care cabinet will be accessible indefinitely during library hours, and a new café space is expected to open in January 2024. As the library prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, Krooswyk mentioned discussions about further renovations to ensure the building meets the community’s evolving needs.

The New Lenox Public Library continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a supportive environment, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can access the resources they need.