Library is collecting ball gowns for wannabe Cinderellas

For many teenage girls, their prom, their quinceanera or their big night out – it's all about the dress. But special occasion dresses are expensive, so the County Library is playing fairy godmother.

All 33 county library branches are collecting gently used gowns now through April 15.

The dresses must be dry-cleaned, no more than 5 years old and come on a hanger. The apparel can be any style, size and length but must be stylish and appropriate for young women.

Accessories like jewelry, evening clutches and bags are welcome, too. Shoes, however, are not being accepted.

The County Library works with the nonprofit organization The Princess Project to collect the gowns. Teens can sign up to attend the giveaway events by visiting http://www.princessprojectsd.org.

In North County, the library's giveaway will take place at the Vista library branch, but teens from any high school in the county can sign up. For hundreds of teens, these giveaway events help make their dreams come true.

They pick and choose from racks of gowns, try them on and twirl in front of full-length mirrors to see which dreamy confection is "the one."

The giveaway is set for Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Vista Library Branch, 700 Eucalyptus Ave., in Vista. Contact the library at (760) 643-5100.