Librarian Adele Puccio grew up near a famous bridal shop, and became fascinated with wedding dresses. It was “not because she was dreaming of her wedding day, she says, but because she loved the dress designs inside.” That fascination led to a collection of dresses from thrift stores and vintage shops. Adele now gives “once-loved gowns a second chance at life” by lending them out at the library for free to brides-to-be. After an article in the local paper, she began receiving donations from across the country, and now has over a hundred gowns from which to choose. “Puccio’s ever-growing collection is a welcome lifeline for brides struggling to find a dress within their budget,” and they respond with delight and gratitude. She placed her own gown in the collection. “It should live again," she says. “It’s better than sitting in a closet for all those years.”
