Tuesday, June 24, 2025
With prom season approaching, the Baldwin Public Library is helping local teens get ready for the big night — so they could dress to the nines without the burden of high costs.
Throughout May, the library is hosting a prom-clothing giveaway, which will be open to all teens in the community. Participants are invited to browse a wide selection of donated formalwear, try on items, and take home one gown or suit free of charge.
Mariel DePalma, head of the library’s teen services, and Kaitlyn Botsakos, teen services librarian, have led the initiative since its launch in February.
Inspired by similar programs at libraries in East Meadow, Hicksville and Queens, the effort aims to ease the financial strain of prom on some families while ensuring every student has a chance to feel confident and celebrated by wearing elegant attire for the big night.
A section of the library’s Teen Zone has been transformed into a pop-up boutique, complete with racks filled with dresses, suits, shoes and accessories. Donations have come from community members and past prom-goers eager to pass along a little sparkle.
“It was slow at first,” DePalma said. “But once word got around the community, the donations started coming in and haven’t stopped. I’d say it really picked up in March. Especially when you try something new, you never know how people will respond — some teens like picking out a brand-new dress.”
According to Fortune.com, the average American teenager spends about $1,078 on prom-related expenses, including attire, tickets, transportation, and pre- and post-prom activities.
For girls, prom dresses typically range from $100 to $500, with additional costs for shoes, accessories, and professional styling. Boys often rent tuxedos for around $100 to $250, with extra expenses for shoes and accessories.
As of press time, the library has collected more than 40 dresses, a tuxedo, shoes, purses and ties. Teens are welcome to try on items and return them if they don’t fit. A restroom outside the Teen Zone is available for changing.
DePalma said the response has helped foster a sense of community, as many patrons have shared how excited they are to see their donated outfits get a second life.
“Many teens never wear their dresses again — myself included — so I hope the takeaway is that the community is behind them, and that it’s okay to thrift, even for prom,” she said. “You don’t have to go out and buy something new if you find something great to use in a great way.”
The library hopes the giveaway not only helps students prepare for prom, but also encourages them to see the library as a resource for more than just books.
“The library is happy to offer our first prom-clothing giveaway,” Elizabeth Olesh, the library’s director, said. “It benefits teens in the community and is a sustainable way to reuse clothing. This initiative is just one example of the many services we provide that go well beyond books.”
