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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
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.
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Embroidery machine... Cool.
Already a thing in Finnish libraries. You can also borrow powertools for home fixing.
That's very cool. How is the selection?
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Omg the tools would be dope. We have so much shit in our house that's been used once and then stored away forever.
At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.
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.
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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.
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
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.
most schools offer this for kids.
and a lot of music places offer rentals.
A great idea.
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
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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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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.
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