Teens find the perfect look at local library prom dress giveaway in Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
A host of teenage students and their families gathered at the local library Saturday in search of the perfect dress for their next school dance.

Each year, the Sylvan Oaks Library holds a free formalwear drive, allowing girls and boys 13 to 19 to pick out a dress or suit, plus shoes and accessories, all for free, thanks to the Sacramento Public Library’s annual Prom Dress Drive.

Donations of formalwear for teenage boys and girls, along with accessories, are collected each January and February and then distributed during multiple prom dress giveaways throughout the spring season. The free events are held at various library locations from March through April, and the schedule is decided based upon the neighboring schools’ prom and dance schedules, Sylvan Oaks Library Branch Manager Susan Clerkin said.

Sylvan Oaks Library held their prom dress giveaway on Saturday, April 5, and saw a steady stream of families and teens cycle through the community room-turned-dress showroom as they browsed dresses, suits, and other accessories.

Dresses ranged in size from small to large and tea-length to long and flowing, with most hung on racks. Overflow items were placed in boxes that families could also browse through. Articles like ties, shawls, hair accessories, jewelry, and shoes were set out on tables for easy browsing.

One rack of suit jackets was also set up on display. Clerkin said that yes, boys do come to the event looking for formalwear. Clerkin also added that having suits available allowed those who identified as non-binary to be able to have the option of choosing something non-feminine to wear.

Students were allotted two full outfits, Clerkin said, explaining that one full outfit consisted of a dress or suit, shoes, and another accessory such as jewelry or a tie to accompany the outfit.

The free formalwear giveaway was more than just the average charitable event held annually. Pop music in the background, a sparkling photo backdrop, and faux-champagne drinks added a feeling of excitement to the atmosphere of the three-hour formalwear drive, allowing students to relax and enjoy the shopping experience as they picked out their next favorite dress.

The last formalwear giveaway is scheduled for April 19 at Arcade Library. For more information about the library’s annual prom dress drive and giveaway, visit the library’s website.