The Tamaqua Public Library will open from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday to offer gently used homecoming dresses for sale.

“The Second Chapter” shop will have dresses in all styles, colors and sizes — and all of them will be offered at discounted prices.

Plus, proceeds will benefit the library at 30 S. Railroad St., said Melissa “Missy” Hess, library director.

“I have two girls and I had dresses hanging at home that were worn one time,” Hess said. “I was talking to other moms and they said the same thing.”

Rather than keep the special dresses in storage, never to be worn again, it was decided that the library would take up a collection and offer them for sale.

Community members stepped forward with about 50 dresses.

“Anybody can come and browse (and shop) for two hours this Sunday,” Hess said.

Some of the shorter style dresses originally sold for at least $300, she noted, and the longer styles likely sold for even more.

“There is no need to spend that much on a dress,” Hess said, “especially since you can get one here that has been worn just once. Plus you will be making a donation to the library by purchasing a high-quality dress for a very small price.”

She said that with the price of just about everything rising, not everyone has funds to spend on an outfit that will only be worn once.

Hess is hoping to see folks from the community support the sale.

“We’re hoping it is successful,” she said.

Plans are to offer formal dresses for sale on Oct. 5 at a time to be announced.

Suggested donation for the dresses is between $25 and $45. The library can be reached at 570-668-4660.