Sacramento Public Library Helps Teens Dress For Prom

Teenagers who can't afford to spend money on a gown or tuxedo for prom have another option — getting free formal wear from the Sacramento Public Library. 

The library is holding nine events this spring to give away prom dresses and other attire. Library Executive Director Rivkah Saas says the gently-used formal wear has been donated by the public."

"It's like shopping," says Sass, "only you're shopping at the library." 

"The average cost of going to prom is around $600," Sass says. "So one of our librarians came up with the idea of making gently used prom dresses available for people to take and reduce the cost of going to prom."

Sass says the giveaway events are part of the library's larger role of proving a "level playing field" for everyone.

"We want people to have the same opportunities for education and enjoying life's experiences," Sass says. "So we see it as one more thing that we can do to facilitate that."

The range of things, other than books, that you can check out at the library has been expanding over the last couple of years. Under the Library of Things program, you can also check out musical instruments, sewing machines, GoPro cameras and board games.

The library will give away more formal wear this Friday at the Arcade library and Saturday at the McKinley library.  

*Formal wear donations can be dropped off at any Sacramento Public Library locations.