The New Lenox Public Library has opened a care cabinet to provide essential items and Narcan without any questions asked. Launched on December 4, 2023, this initiative aims to support community members who may feel apprehensive about seeking help directly. The cabinet, located in the library lobby, offers free resources including shower products, deodorant, toothpaste, first-aid supplies, and socks, among others.
Michelle Krooswyk, the library’s executive director, emphasized that the library serves more than just literary needs. “We want to be a place where the community can rely on us in times of need,” she said. Originally slated for a January 2026 opening, the cabinet’s launch was moved up after federal program cuts affected lower-income residents in early November.
The care cabinet was funded by a $1,000 grant from the Friends of The New Lenox Library. By offering services with no judgment, the initiative aims to ensure individuals receive assistance in a dignified manner. Melissa Seaberg, the administrative library coordinator, noted that sensitive topics surrounding help-seeking can inhibit people from accessing necessary resources.
Since its opening, the cabinet has seen significant demand. Many items, particularly lip balm, gloves, and deodorant, have already been depleted. This high usage indicates a pressing need within the community. The library has partnered with the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization to distribute Narcan, a medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses.
Krooswyk highlighted the importance of Narcan, urging the community to attend training sessions on its use. The positive response to the care cabinet has been overwhelming, with community members even providing their own supplies. However, to ensure hygiene and proper organization, the library has started regulating donations.
The library staff prefers that donations not be placed directly into the cabinet. Instead, they encourage contributions through monetary donations on the library’s website or via an Amazon wishlist. This approach helps maintain the quality of items given to those in need.
Krooswyk was inspired to start the initiative after learning about a similar care cabinet at the Rock Island Public Library during a meeting for PrairieCat, a library consortium. She noted the collaborative nature of libraries, saying, “We like to share ideas that support the community.”
The cabinet opened after the library’s busiest season, and the swift coordination by Seaberg in arranging supplies and fundraising efforts has been commendable. As part of these fundraising initiatives, Seaberg created a lighthearted campaign featuring crocheted kitten figurines, which has sparked community interest.
Krooswyk stated that resources available at the library extend beyond literature. They offer tech support for older adults, a safe space for unhoused residents, job-seeking assistance, and tutoring for students. The library also serves as a gathering space for homeschool families and remote workers.
In 2020, the New Lenox library received voter approval for a 7-cent increase to its tax rate, which has allowed it to remain fiscally responsible while sustaining its services. Looking ahead, the care cabinet will remain open indefinitely during library hours. The crocheted cat fundraiser ends on December 16, 2023, and the library is set to unveil a new café space in January, along with plans for a winter reading program.
As the library approaches its 25th anniversary next year, Krooswyk mentioned potential renovations to enhance its facilities further. “We are always looking for ways to support and engage with our community,” she said, reflecting the library’s ongoing commitment to serve as a vital resource for all.
