DanceWear Share Library

DanceWear Share Library

The DanceWear Share Library is a resource for free dance apparel, shoes, and supplies for the community. Hosted by Synapse and Loyola Park, our library has new and gently used dance shoes, leotards, and other apparel and accessories available for families in our classes as well as any members of the community in need.The library works on the honor system; community members are invited to take what they need and donate if they have dancewear they can no longer use.

DanceWear Share Library FAQs

Do I have to be registered for a Synapse dance class in order to use the Library?

No! Anyone in the community who is in need of dancewear is welcome to take items.

I have gently used dancewear, can I donate it?

Yes! Anyone is welcome to donate gently used dance shoes or apparel such as leotards and leggings. Any questions on donations please email megan@synapsearts.com.
Please note that we do NOT take used tights and we only accept sets of 5 or more costumes (i.e. 5 or more of the same costume.)

This is awesome! Who is responsible for the Library?

Synapse Arts maintains the DanceWear Share Library in partnership with Loyola Park. We also give a huge thanks to our sponsors, Dance Center Evanston and Allegro Dance Boutique, for providing the resources to get the library started!

To donate, do you have a drop off system?
The best way to donate is to drop your items off directly to the Library at Loyola Park - 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626. The Park building's hours and phone number can be found HERE.

The Library is underneath the stairs to the 2nd floor, and you can simply leave your donation items in one of the bins on the shelves there. One of our staff members visits the library on a weekly basis to sort and organize, so you can leave them in any spot and we'll be able to add them to the correct bin the next time we're there. The Library is meant to have a "leave one, take one" self-service atmosphere.

Is there a limit on how much we are able to donate at a time?No, although if you are going to donate a larger amount (i.e. more than would fit in a medium size moving box) we ask that you notify us when you plan to drop them off so we can schedule our staff to sort through them promptly.

Do you have any pre-written qualifications for quality that would make shoes/dancewear not viable to donate?Items should be gently used and able to be used again - minor scuff marks are acceptable, however large holes or very dirty/stinky items that cannot be worn again are not.

Do you take both children's and adult sizes?
We do take both children and adult sizes, though we are more in need of children's sizes.

Are you in need of certain sizes over others?Ballet shoes for young dancers especially! Particularly children's shoe sizes 8 - 13.

SPONSORS

Thank you to the generous sponsors who make the DanceWear Share Library possible!

Dance Center Evanston

Allegro Dance Boutique