Free prom dresses at the Dallas Public Library

South Dallas and Pleasant Grove high school students can do more than just check out a book from the Dallas Public Library. They can also get a free prom dress.
“Last year’s event served 100 girls, but the demand was so great that the closet expanded to Pleasant Grove this year,” said Library Youth Services Administrator Melissa Dease. “I was a little nervous we wouldn’t collect enough dresses for two events, but I’ve been blown away by the generosity of people in Dallas. Instead of not enough dresses, I don’t have enough racks to hold them.”
Hundreds of gowns in various sizes and styles will be available from the library’s Fairy Tale Closet, as well as a small selection of shoes and accessories. Makeup artists will be also be on hand to give advice for the big night. Dallas teens who want to pick out a free dress have two chances to raid the closet, but to guarantee a spot; they should register in advance by contacting the MLK or Pleasant Grove Branch at these numbers:

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday March 21
MLK Jr. Branch
(214) 670-0344

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28
Pleasant Grove Branch
(214) 670-0965

The library started the Fairy Tale Closet at the MLK Jr. Branch last year with individual donations and a hefty collection from St. Luke Community United Methodist Church. To refill the closet this year, women from across the city raided their closets for a good cause. The Wylie Women’s League also contributed hundreds of dresses and Dallas’ Bella Bridesmaids provided more than 300 never-worn gowns.
The Dallas Public Library operates the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library and 28 branch locations. A library card is free for any Dallas resident. For information on the many free programs and services available at the Dallas Public Library visit www.dallaslibrary.org.