We all know libraries have all sorts of great materials for patrons. No matter what kind of library you have, adding materials that would be interesting or useful to patrons – especially things that would be challenging for them to obtain themselves.

So it was very cool to read about the collection of musical instruments available to circulate at the Halifax public library!

You can read through this article excerpt below, and read the entire article here.

Library’s instrument borrowing program a hit with Halifax-area musicians

by Aly Thomson

“The Halifax Public Libraries instrument-lending program is hitting a high note with novice and seasoned musicians alike.

The program that allows library card holders to borrow instruments like guitars and banjos started just over one year ago.

Cynthia Gatto, the collection development manager for Halifax Public Libraries, said instruments have been checked out about 2,100 times over the last year.

“The response from the public has been tremendous,” Gatto said in an interview at Alderney Gate Public Library in Dartmouth, where the collection is housed.

“We’ve had lots of feedback from people saying how they’ve really enjoyed having a chance to try something they’ve never tried before, or a chance to try an instrument before they buy it.”

Gatto noted the library has a collection of about 200 donated instruments, which means every instrument has been checked out many times.

“It’s above expectation, although we did expect that people would really respond well to this program,” she said.

“It’s a chance for people to try something creative without any monetary risk … and it’s just novel and kind of interesting.”

Gatto said the program’s clientele includes people young and old, and players of all skill levels.

“I was just reading something today where someone said they were depressed and were advised to try something new,” said Gatto. “They got a violin from the library. They just loved it and it really helped, and were so thankful for that opportunity.”

She said a few professional musicians even recently checked out instruments for a wedding gig.”