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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.
A great idea.
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.
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
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
this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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Showerthoughts
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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The most popular seem to be lighthearted clever little truths, hidden in daily life.
Here are some examples to inspire your own showerthoughts:
- Both “200” and “160” are 2 minutes in microwave math
- When you’re a kid, you don’t realize you’re also watching your mom and dad grow up.
- More dreams have been destroyed by alarm clocks than anything else
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