During prom season, teenagers get dressed up in their best suits, tuxedos and brand-new prom dresses.
The Worcester Public Library is holding a prom this month, too. But instead of black ties and corsages, there will be pajamas and fuzzy animal slippers.
The Worcester Public Library will be holding its first-ever “anti-prom” for people 12-18 years old on April 29, according to a post on the library’s Facebook page.
The event will feature movies, snacks, music, dancing, crafts and henna tattoos provided by the Leominster-based business Wicked Good Henna, according to Susan Elbag, the teen’s service librarian.
Elbag says the purpose of the “anti-prom” is to provide a fun night for teens who may not be able to afford to go to prom or who wish to experience prom in an environment that is calmer.
“We’d figure we’d go the cozy route,” Elbag said. “They can meet new friends, bring their friends along and just have it be a celebration.”
Instead of being named the prom king or queen, the library will crown someone as the “coziest dressed” of the night, according to Elbag.
She encouraged teens wanting to attend to have fun with their costumes, suggesting animal onesies or giant monster slippers as things attendees can wear.
“You could go with a theme and maybe you do a cozy version of a Halloween costume,” she said.
The Worcester Public Library isn’t the only library in the country holding an “anti-prom” this year.
Several New York City public libraries are holding “anti-proms” this year too, with teens 12-18 years old invited.
One of the advantages of going to an “anti-prom,” according to Elbag, is that it’s free.
She said that in addition to spending money on a tuxedo or dress, parents also spend money on tickets for the prom — making the event costly.
With the “anti-prom,” there’s no cost, according to Elbag.
“I think if the teens are really enjoying these types of programs, they are definitely something that we would be able to offer and would want to offer in the future,” Elbag said.
The Worcester Public Library is located at 3 Salem St. in Worcester. The “anti-prom” will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on April 29 at the library.
