This is such a neat idea!!! We link to the entire article about a library checking out dresses for formal events.

This is a program we can consider as a multitype system, for our school libraries. It would be tough for any one school or library to set up a program to check out dresses to students who may want to borrow one for prom or other formal events – but this is something we could do as a group!

If you think you have some students who could benefit from a program where they could borrow a dress for events, let me know. We could work together as a group to solicit donations, as this library did, and then make them available to your students

Ponder this. Talk with people around your school. Let’s see if some students might get some help through their school library to have successful formal events!

Check out the excerpt from the article below, and let’s talk!

33 San Diego County library branches collecting ball gowns to help teens’ dreams come true

“For many teenage girls, the prom, the quinceanera, the big night out – it’s all about the dress. But special occasion dresses are pricy. That’s why the County Library is playing fairy godmother.

All 33 County library branches are collecting gently used gowns now through April 15.

The dresses must be dry-cleaned, no more than five years old and come on a hanger. The apparel can be any style, size and length but must be stylish and appropriate for young women. Accessories like jewelry, evening clutches and bags are welcome, too. Shoes, however, aren’t being accepted.

The County Library works with the nonprofit organization The Princess Project to collect the gowns. Teens can sign up to attend the giveaway events by visiting the Princess Project website.

The Library’s giveaways take place at the El Cajon and Vista library branches but teens from any high school in the county can sign up. For hundreds of teens, these giveaway events help make their dreams come true.

They pick and choose from racks of gowns, try them on and twirl in front of full-length mirrors to see which dreamy confection is “the one.”

Many teens bring along a friend or their mother for second opinions on what looks best. For some moms, seeing their little girls try on gowns and transform into young women can be quite emotional.

Library staff members have seen it again and again in the seven years since the giveaways began.

“It’s not a true gown giveaway until Mom cries,” said El Cajon Youth Services Librarian Fumiko Osada. “We’ve had a lot of moms cry and thank us through their tears.” “