New Lenox Library Launches Care Cabinet, Offers Free Essentials

The New Lenox Public Library has introduced a care cabinet that provides essential items and Narcan without requiring individuals to ask for assistance. Officially opened on December 4, 2023, this initiative aims to support community members who may feel hesitant to seek help directly. The care cabinet is stocked with personal hygiene products, first-aid supplies, and emergency medication, reflecting the library’s commitment to meeting broader community needs.

Michelle Krooswyk, the library’s executive director, emphasized that the care cabinet is part of the library’s mission to serve as a resource beyond books. Funded by a $1,000 grant from the Friends of The New Lenox Library, this effort was initially set to launch in January 2026. However, with recent cuts to federal assistance programs affecting lower-income residents, Melissa Seaberg, the library’s administrative coordinator, advocated for an earlier opening.

Krooswyk highlighted the library’s unique role in the community, stating, “There’s 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 to you and we want to support you.” The care cabinet allows individuals to access support in a non-judgmental environment, making it easier for those in need to obtain crucial items.

Already, the cabinet has seen significant use. Seaberg noted that many items, including lip balm, gloves, deodorant, and toothbrushes, have been quickly depleted, indicating a strong community demand. The library has also partnered with the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization to provide Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This partnership ensures that the community has access to life-saving resources.

The library’s initiative has not only attracted community support but has also inspired residents to contribute. Krooswyk mentioned that some community members have started donating supplies, prompting the library to regulate donations to maintain hygiene standards. “We want to ensure that the items are hygienic,” she explained, adding that donations should ideally be made through monetary contributions or an Amazon wish list to ensure quality.

The concept for the care cabinet was inspired by a presentation from the Rock Island Public Library during a meeting for PrairieCat, a shared library technology consortium. Krooswyk remarked on the collaborative nature of libraries, stating, “We just like to find and share ways to support the community.”

As the library looks ahead, it plans to maintain the care cabinet indefinitely during regular hours. The library has also initiated a unique fundraising effort involving crocheted holiday cat figurines created by Seaberg. This initiative not only raises funds for the care cabinet but also engages the community in a lighthearted manner.

In addition to the care cabinet, the New Lenox Library offers various non-literary resources, including tech support for older adults, a warm space for unhoused residents, and assistance for job seekers. The library continues to evolve, having recently approved a 7-cent increase to the library district’s tax rate to ensure sustainable operations after a successful referendum in 2020.

As the library prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, Krooswyk expressed enthusiasm for future projects, including the opening of a new café space in January and a winter reading program. The library remains committed to being a hub of support and resources for the community, reinforcing its role as a vital institution in New Lenox.