Wauconda librarians turning into fairy godmothers
Wauconda Area Library staffers hope to make some teen girls' prom dreams come true this spring by giving away dresses for the big event.
And in true Cinderella fashion, they're proclaiming the library a "Fairy Godmother Shoppe" for the one-day promotion.
"We are opening the Fairy Godmother Shoppe to give all girls in the community an opportunity to look like a princess at their prom this year," librarian Demitra Badino-Berger said.
The giveaway will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 8. Any female high schooler can come in for one free dress as well as shoes and accessories.
Participants don't need to attend Wauconda High School or live within the library district's boundaries.
To stock the shop, the library will collect gently worn dresses and other fashion items between March 13 and April 7. People can make donations at the library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda, during business hours.
"You can clean out your closet and be someone's Fairy Godmother at the same time," Badino-Berger said.
Donors will receive receipts for future income tax deductions.
Badino-Berger was inspired to organize the event after hearing about a similar giveaway at Aurora's Santori Public Library. That facility collected more than 300 gently used dresses for its "Say Yes to the Prom Dress" effort last year.
Badino-Berger thought a prom dress promotion would be a good fit for the Wauconda-area community.
"This event seemed like a great opportunity to offer a low-cost option to teens (who) may be on tight budgets but still want to make the most of an important high school experience," she said.
It's also a chance to bring new patrons - especially teens - to the library, Badino-Berger said.
"We are an active part of our community and strive to engage people in a variety of ways," she said.
Girls intending to pick out dresses April 8 are asked to donate one nonperishable food item when they choose a garment. The goal, Badino-Berger said, is to create a "pay-it-forward mentality."
For more information, visit wauclib.org or call (847) 526-6225.