Make music at home with an instrument from the Library

Published on April 29, 2022

graphic with pics of musical instruments available for checkout

Want to make some music but don’t know where to start? The Fort Worth Public Library has you covered with instruments for you to check out and take home!

Find out more about instrument lending at a special preview event set for noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Doc’s Records, 2628 Weisenberger St. Instruments will be available to reserve starting on May 1.

From acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars and ukuleles, to keyboards, drums and amps – tune into your interest and reserve an instrument through the library’s online catalog using your Fort Worth Public Library card. When it’s ready for pickup, take the instrument home and play it for up to three weeks.

The program will initially feature:

  • 10 acoustic guitars – four sized for children
  • Four electric guitars and two electric bass guitars
  • Guitar accessories including six amps, two bass amps, four brass slides and four capos
  • Four ukuleles and one banjo
  • Four portable electric keyboards
  • Two drum practice pads with stands
  • A cajone drum
  • Steel tongue drum
  • One portable PA system

There are plans to expand the program, and also to eventually accept donated instruments – but not just yet.

Beginners can find resources to help them learn how to play, from books in the Library’s collection, to lessons on LinkedIn Learning to a video series on guitar basics featuring Amplify 817 artist Jacob Furr. Additionally, each Saturday at the Meadowbrook Branch Library, aspiring and accomplished musicians alike are invited to come together for an All Ages Jam Session.

As a destination for discovery for all ages, your Fort Worth Public Library features several ways to experience many kinds of music. Learn more about music-related programs here. The instrument-lending program is made possible with support from the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation.