By Collection Management Librarian Kathy
It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month! This year’s honorary chair is Laufey, an Icelandic-Chinese composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Fittingly, the theme is music related: A library card hits all the right notes.
And while we do think that a library card can metaphorically hit all the right notes, we also think you might be missing all the literal and delightful music options you can find at the library.
1. Hoopla: Music to stream
You can find SO much music on Hoopla, and it’s all free to stream. What a great way to find new-to-you artists or to listen to some of your favorites. Give it a perusal.
2. CDs: Old & new
Maybe you like to go old school with a CD (compact disc, anyone?). Don’t be ashamed that your car still has a player, embrace it! The library has a wide variety of music in physical format for you to check out.
Check it out: New CDs
3. DVDs: Concerts & musicals
That’s right, you can find concerts and musicals (hello, Hamilton) on DVD. You can sing along as loud as you want when it’s a show just for one.
4. Kanopy: Documentaries & courses
There is an unbelievable amount of music-related documentaries, courses, and movies to stream on Kanopy. If you want a real deep dive, try some of the multi-episode Great Courses videos like Music as a Mirror of History.
5. Books: Bios & the biz
You didn’t think we would forget the books, did you? Read all about famous musicians, find out why you like what you like, or even get started in the music business.
6. Audio Booth: Record & edit tracks
Speaking of the music business, visit the Creative Studio’s Audio Booth to record and edit music. Just make sure to schedule a Learning Lab Appointment to get trained first.
7. Karaoke machine: Sing out
Or maybe you aren’t quite so serious but just want to sing with your friends for fun. Borrow our karaoke machine from the Library of Things!
Also in the Library of Things: a CD player with FM radio.
8. Musical lists: Festivals & more
Want to relive that concert you saw this summer (or missed completely)? Our We Suggest lists featuring music from Ravinia, Lollapalooza, and Riot Fest point you in the right direction.
Plus: Remembering Dolly Parton
9. LinkedIn Learning: Online music lessons
LinkedIn Learning is an online platform that cardholders can use to take lessons on instruments like banjo, piano, and acoustic and electric guitar, as well as courses on music notation and theory, songwriting, copyright, and recording and releasing music.
10. Discovery Kits: Play & learn
Discovery Kits are backpacks full of hands-on activities for kids to learn through play and experimentation, including eight music-themed kits:
- sound kit
- words, musical words kit
- guitar mini kit (ages 3+)
- ukulele kit
- xylophone kit
- lap harp kit
- steel tongue drum kit
- guitar pro kit (ages 8+)
Happy music-making!
About Kathy
Kathy is a Collection Management Librarian who loves reading, sharing, and talking about books. Her missions in life are to: create communities of readers, convince folks that her official title should be “Book Pusher,” and refute that “disco” is a dirty word.