By JANE LATOUR

The women came to the picket line dressed in sandals, denim, or denim-look dresses, and other "inappropriate" attire.

But they were dressed perfectly to protest the arbitrary dress code imposed unilaterally July 1 by management at the Queens Borough Public Library.

While Library Director Gary Strong called the dress code a "clarification," Local 1321 President John Socha labeled it "onerous and draconian, a return to the 1950s and 1960s of 'Ozzie and Harriett', when all female employees were expected to wear heels, hose and dresses."

Banned are sneakers, open-toed and backless shoes, T-shirts, rugby shirts, fleece, skirts 4 inches above the knee and visible body piercings and tattoos.

New York Public Library Local 1930 President Ray Markey addressed the swelling picket line, which included supporters from his local and Brooklyn Public Library Local 1482.

"While men aren't required to wear a jacket, women are told to go out and get a whole new wardrobe," he said. "If they try to do this at the NYPL, we'll stage a 'dress-in,' in 'inappropriate' clothing."

Hector Coto, assistant director of the Professional Division, said the code was like a sign: "Women need not apply."

An irate Jane Smith, Local 1321 secretary and a 16-year employee, noted that "comfortable shoes are a big issue with Librarians. We spend a lot of time on our feet. A lot of the staff find sneakers are the best footwear."

In addition to protests, Mr. Socha is consulting the DC 37 Legal Dept. about filing an unfair labor practice charge over management's failure to negotiate.