This already exists at some libraries! Example: https://collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/musical-instruments
this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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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.
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
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
Embroidery machine... Cool.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
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.
My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂
Neat
Libraries can also do that.
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.
most schools offer this for kids.
and a lot of music places offer rentals.
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, 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?
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!
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?
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