More people would try playing an instrument if they could borrow one to try it out. I already play several, but I’m running out of money and space for more. It’d also be nice to pop down to the library and check out the one I’m currently obsessing over to see if I want one permanently. Hell, I’d donate ones I hardly ever use to add to the diversity. This wouldn’t replace buying instruments any more than regular libraries ended book stores.
This already exists at some libraries! Example: https://collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/musical-instruments
All the cool libraries are doing it: https://www.spl.org/hours-and-locations/central-library/central-library-highlights/music-practice-rooms
Not a library, but the EMP Museum in Seattle has different soundproof rooms with instruments and recording equipment you can use to produce your own stuff.
That’s pretty damn cool
There’s even a turntable and synth in one of them.
Libraries sometimes have power tools or cooking equipment and all sorts of cool stuff. They are truly the best thing about modern society.
Already a thing in Finnish libraries. You can also borrow powertools for home fixing.
That’s very cool. How is the selection?
That will depend on the library. I never borrowed any instruments, only a power drill.
That’s fair.
Omg the tools would be dope. We have so much shit in our house that’s been used once and then stored away forever.
my Library does that too.
libraries are just books, they have a lot of services, besides being one of the few places you’re allowed to exist without payment.
mine has a maker space with so many tools, cnc, 3d printers, large format printers, sublimation printers, embroidery machines… office spaces, rooms to book, library of things with telescopes board games, repair tools, music instruments…
please go check your local library and get a card
I have a card, but my little rural library is not very impressive. Thankfully I already have more toys than my wife thinks are necessary.
that kinda sucks. hope it’s still a nice place to just hang out and chill
Mine literally has PS5 games. Board games. I rented a huge telescope from my old library. I love libraries.
Embroidery machine… Cool.
I like the idea, however there are some differencea between books and musical instruments. Hygiene is a problem with all woodwind instruments. Strings, sticks, cymbals, cables brake and need to be replaced regularly. Also a whole ass drumset is huge compared to a book. But there are rehearsal rooms that you can rent that also rent out instruments. It is expensive though.
Having dreams, having dreams. You see, I have a whole ass drum set that I really don’t have space for and don’t play really ever. I’d love to turn it into that Goldtone fretless banjo for a month to see if I really like the idea as much as I think I do. I play banjo kind of unconventionally, and I think it would lend to my style, but I don’t really want to spend $400, to find out I’m wrong. So, the library I was wishing for is highly unrealistic anyway. Just dreaming.
With most woodwinds, you probably have to get your own reed for ~3,50€. But the rest can be cleaned well enough.
When my concert band lends out instruments they have to get a professional service at the local music store when you return them. They’ll replace any consumable parts that are missing, if you haven’t already.
Of course that would probably be a bit more difficult in a library setting, where the lease lasts only a very short time.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
or tools too expensive specialized or cumbersome to actually own.
We have a tool library in Vancouver. I don’t think it’s unique?
wish i had those, sounds awesome!
Aren’t those just tool rental shops? Those are pretty common
Thats a thing in Finnish libraries, quite cool.
My concert band does that. You can borrow an instrument and we arrange for cheaper tutoring. You just have to promise to play in our band a year later.
The local music school (the place where you go to get a tutor. Not a school for general education) and the local instrument store also lend out instruments.
Nice!
A great idea.
If I look at how people handle CDs and Blu-Rays in our library I don’t think it’s a good idea. In theory yes, but people can’t have nice things
I’s just having dreams. You’re right, though, most likely.
Libraries can also do that.
My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂
Neat
My ideal “non-book library” would be a public woodshop with a Ron Swanson librarian figure to help people use the tools safely.
Woodworking seems so satisfying as both an art and a craft, but between the cost of materials, tools, and the space needed, I could never take up the hobby in the foreseeable future. But if I could go to a public workshop and use shared tools, just providing my own raw materials, the barrier to entry falls dramatically.
Obviously your mileage may vary based on where you’re located, but look into makerspaces in your area. There’s one about 20 min from me with a fully equipped wood and metal shops, CNCs, pottery wheels and kiln, electronics benches, etc etc etc, as well as like, 4 others within an hour drive. A ton have workshops / knowledgeable staff on hand.
That’s more of a maker space.
I’ve actually been considering doing exactly that in my area.
Couldn’t you just go to a store that sells musical instruments and try them out there? I don’t know enough about musical instruments to know the answer, but I am a hobbyist photographer and we can certainly do that with cameras.
You can do that where I live, but you can also borrow musical instruments in the library here, so no idea, if that’s universal…
You can, but I’m after something a little weird this time.
Then even a well stocked instrument library probably wouldn’t have it
Can’t a guy have a daydream?
