Minooka library to host costume swap
October 12, 2012 2:34PM
Costumes like these, from a Halloween party four years ago, can be recycled and re-used at Three Rivers Library costume co-op. | file photo
Updated: November 16, 2012 6:07AM
The Three Rivers Library branch in Minooka is planning a costume co-op this coming weekend. The idea, said children’s services librarian Lisa Berger, is to give parents and children some cost-free options for trick or treating and Halloween party outfits.
The way it works is between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Friday, people can drop of their clean, in good condition costumes at the Minooka branch. Bring along any accessories that you have to go with the costume.
Then, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, anyone, whether they donate or not, can come by the Minooka branch and pick out a costume.
Items can be store-bought or hand-made; even dance recital outfits are welcome — anything that can be turned into a costume.
Years ago, before kids, I turned into a punk rocker for a Halloween party (that was “in” at the time). I wore a pair of sparkly leggings, a bedazzled top and a black blazer. Super high heels and kinked hair, along with some bizarre make-up, added to the look.
My husband even made me a guitar so I could really rock out.
Just about anything can transform a child into a favorite character or creature for trick or treating. So be creative about what you bring in and what you can put together.
Since it’s all on a first-come, first-serve basis, those who donate will get a voucher that will let them shop early, starting at 1 p.m.
That way people who donate can get a little something in return, Berger said.
This is the first year Three Rivers Library District is giving it a try, but it won’t be successful unless the community comes out and supports it by bringing in donated costumes.
This is such a great idea. How many costumes do we have hidden in the back of our children’s closets, dresser drawers or stuck in a bag somewhere?
I believe I still have a green dragon and a pirate costume from when my kids were toddlers — now they are both young adults.
Many kids don’t want to wear the same outfit as the previous year (if they even fit into it) or don’t want to use the hand-me-down from a sibling, Berger said.
It’s also a great way to “green out” your closets instead of throwing things in the trash.
To be fair to everyone, there will be a limit of one costume per child, said Berger. There will not be dressing rooms available, but parents are free to help their little ones slip costumes over their clothes to check for sizing.
At the risk of repeating myself, I think this is a fabulous idea whether families are having a hard time during this economy or just want to recycle and re-use. So let’s support the Three Rivers Library District and our community by gathering those costumes and accessories and bringing them out on Friday.
You have the whole week to pull things together.
“In theory, I would love for this to be an annual event if we could get enough community support,” Berger said.
Reach Kris Stadalsky at writestuff56@comcast.net.
