This already exists at some libraries! Example: https://collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/musical-instruments
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.
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.
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.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
We have a tool library in Vancouver. I don't think it's unique?
Aren't those just tool rental shops? Those are pretty common
Thats a thing in Finnish libraries, quite cool.
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.
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!
Libraries can also do that.
My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂
Neat
most schools offer this for kids.
and a lot of music places offer rentals.
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.
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.
I love the concept as well. Perhaps just a bit of a pessimist!
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?
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?
That sure would be nice. But certainly not something that is needed.
Sounds to me like you haven't found your instrument yet. More people making music is definitely something this world needs.
Have you been to primary school? We all got to try out instruments there ... and some people, including me, really shouldn't have access to them.
I dare you to try again some day. That's how people get better at things if you didn't know (;
At 48 I don't think they would be too keen on me rummaging through their band room.
People who can't afford instruments would disagree with you, I'm sure. Imagine all the great music we miss out on because someone couldn't afford an instrument or a lesson. What we need as a society is to provide for each other.
People who can’t afford instruments would disagree with you
Right ... but you could say that about a lot of expensive and niche hobbies.
Imagine all the great music we miss out on because someone couldn’t afford an instrument or a lesson. What we need as a society is to provide for each other.
Imagine all the terrible music we were spared because talentless randoms couldn't just pick up an instrument for free.
Dang your pessimistic rhetoric is wild. Humans being musical isn't just a hobby it's one of our species defining traits.
No it isn't. Whales and birds sing ... it's a hobby.
Ants farm. So farming is a hobby?
Could be, maybe the ant is just doing it recreationally. But it sure as hell isn't a defining trait of theirs.
🤦
Imagine all the terrible music we were spared because talentless randoms couldn't just pick up an instrument for free.
Have you installed bugs at all of your neighbors houses or something?
Probably not, because if you did you'd be more annoyed at people who play their instruments well. That requires hours of boring exercise that don't sound well at all. And even when they practice a piece, they'll usually practice 4 bars on repeat, for an hour.
Self actualization might be at the very top of the pyramid of needs. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't have it.
Nah, that would be food.
Food is at the bottom. With all the other physiological needs that form the foundation for the other, less important, needs.
That's how pyramids work.
Someone needs to read up on their Maslow again.
That sounds nice but do you assume everybody can play a musical instrument?
I'm not sure what you're trying to get at? How is a library having instruments for people to play different from libraries having books to read?
Do you mean "can play a musical instrument" as in "knows how to" or "has the potential to"? Obviously not everyone knows how, especially if they don't own one. But I think basically anyone has the potential. Screwing around with an instrument helps you figure out if if it's a halfway decent fit, and with the Internet it's pretty easy to learn enough of the basics to figure out if it's right for you.
There are also books on how to play instruments, which is something libraries usually also have
No, I assume more people would try if they didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars to find out.