New York City library lets job seekers check out purses, ties, and other accessories for interviews

You can check out more than books at the New York Public Library's Riverside branch on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Through a new program proposed in August by young adult librarian Michelle Lee, the library is lending out purses, briefcases, and neckties to people looking for work who might not be able to afford the items necessary for job interviews. Lee came up with the idea after a girl attending one of her employment workshops told her she didn't have any nice clothes to wear to an interview.

While the program is targeted to young people, anyone with a library card can stop by and borrow a purse or tie, for up to three weeks. Community members have been dropping off donations in droves, and Lee said she wants to see more job seekers use the service, telling The New York Times that "this hopefully gets them started on their career, first job, or first internship."

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