The New Lenox Public Library has introduced a new initiative aimed at providing essential support to community members in need. Opened on December 4, 2023, the care cabinet, located in the library lobby, offers free resources such as personal hygiene products and Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This initiative represents a significant step in the library’s efforts to address broader community needs beyond traditional literary services.
Michelle Krooswyk, the executive director of the library, emphasized the importance of this resource, particularly for individuals who may hesitate to seek help directly. The care cabinet was initially scheduled to launch in January 2026, but the timeline was accelerated due to rising challenges faced by lower-income residents, particularly following recent cuts to federal assistance programs.
Krooswyk highlighted that the library aims to be a reliable source of support during difficult times. While the library is not a social service agency, staff members are prepared to connect patrons with additional assistance. “There are people from all walks of life that come here, and no matter who you are, as long as you behave yourself, we want to be welcoming and supportive,” she stated.
The care cabinet not only includes shower products, deodorant, and first-aid supplies but also Narcan, made available in partnership with the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization. This initiative was born from a collaboration where the organization offered Narcan packages at no cost to the library. Krooswyk noted the crucial role of Narcan in potentially saving lives and encouraged community members to participate in training sessions on its use.
The library’s staff has already noted significant demand for items from the cabinet, particularly for lip balm, gloves, and deodorant, indicating a tangible need within the community. Furthermore, the library encourages donations to the care cabinet, although staff prefer that items not be placed directly in the cabinet to ensure hygiene. Donations can be made through monetary contributions or an Amazon wish list.
The inspiration for the care cabinet came from a presentation by the Rock Island Public Library, which shared its own successful experience with similar initiatives. “We are always trying to share ideas that work at our libraries,” Krooswyk remarked, emphasizing the collaborative nature of public library services.
In addition to the care cabinet, the New Lenox Library continues to provide various non-literary resources, including tech support for older adults, a warm space for unhoused residents, job-seeking assistance, and tutoring services. The library has also implemented a fundraising event featuring crocheted holiday cat figurines, a lighthearted initiative that has garnered community interest.
The care cabinet will remain accessible during library hours, and the crocheted cat fundraiser concludes on December 16, 2023. As the library approaches its 25th anniversary next year, plans for further renovations are already underway, marking a continued commitment to enhancing community resources.
Krooswyk reiterated the library’s dedication to fiscal responsibility while actively seeking ways to sustain and improve services for the community. The New Lenox Public Library aims to be a welcoming space where individuals can find not just books, but also essential support and connection.
