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.
As someone who teaches percussion and constantly has to deal with kids that I KNOW breaking publicly used shit, I can’t imagine the instruments would last long out in the wild. Most instruments require care and maintenance from someone who knows how to take care of it. Even on a day-by-day basis.
I gave no consideration to such things. I was only craving a large building with as many different instruments as a typical library has books.
Libraries in blue states in the US do that commonly. I hear, but don’t know first hand, that it is less common in red states. I assumed europe did it too, but maybe they don’t?
most schools offer this for kids.
and a lot of music places offer rentals.
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
Embroidery machine… Cool.
Mine literally has PS5 games. Board games. I rented a huge telescope from my old library. I love libraries.
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
Libraries can also do that.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
Already a thing in Finnish libraries. You can also borrow powertools for home fixing.
Omg the tools would be dope. We have so much shit in our house that’s been used once and then stored away forever.
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.
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!
My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂
Neat
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Libraries sometimes have power tools or cooking equipment and all sorts of cool stuff. They are truly the best thing about modern society.
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.
