By Brooke Purves

Prom ticket prices notwithstanding, the cost of dressing to impress can prevent some from partaking in one of high school’s quintessential experiences.

Enter the Sacramento Public Library. The library is asking patrons to donate formal wear at the six locations participating in the annual Prom Dress Drive, going on now.

Menswear, jewelry, shoes and other formal wear are also welcome, as is vintage clothing. Never underestimate the sartorial ability of Pinterest-minded teens to reimagine yesteryear’s styles into something fabulous.

Upcoming giveaway events will provide teens ages 13 to 19 an opportunity to try on and take home something special. The price of admission is a school ID.

But the drive is about more than lending, said Bridget Bagne, youth services librarian at the Sylvan Oaks branch. It’s about making formal occasions accessible to everyone. There is “no pressure and presuppositions and such” about body images and beauty standards, Bagne said, meaning that the events are safe spaces for teens of all shapes and sizes, and for LGBT youths and their families.

Giveaways start in early March, with a few locations requiring registration. Locations, dates and registration information—as well as information about what to wear (yoga pants) and what not to wear (makeup) when trying on clothing—can be found at www.saclibrary.org/dressdrive.