Through a new partnership with Sun Life Financial and Artistworks.com, the Fredericton Public Library will now offer access to musical instrument instruction from world class instructors.
Matt Carter
The Fredericton Public Library continues to up its game. These days, it seems each new season brings some new aspect to the library’s dynamic programming. And so, it only makes sense that we start the year off with more exciting news from this important and vital community hub.
This week the library will be announcing a new initiative to support its Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library, which launched in May of 2018. Deepening this partnership, the library will now make available a wide range of online musical instrument instruction through artistworks.com. Card holders can access instruction in blues, rock and acoustic guitar as well as fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, cello, piano and several others instruments, all taught by award-winning performers like Sierra Hull, Darol Anger, DJ Qubert and John Patitucci.
“With the popularity of our musical instrument collection, this was kind of a no-brainer and a perfect connection,” said Julia Stewart, director of the Fredericton Public Library. “We have hundreds of instruments moving in and out of the library. We have small collections at branches in Oromocto, École St. Anne and Nashwaaksis in addition to the large collection downtown. Plus, it’s all free. Did I mention that?”
Stewart says she believes COVID-19 has decreased the amount of people traveling to seek lessons locally and hopes that by making this service available, more people from the community will have the ability to deepen their appreciation of music and music making at their own pace and convenience.
“Music is a type of literacy and really is a perfect fit for public libraries,” said Stewart. “Music promotes language acquisition, listening skills, memory, and motor skills in any age group.”
Stewart says libraries have become a place where people can try something new for the first time. In Fredericton, the public library system also provides access to snowshoes and skateboards in addition to music, film and of course, books.
“With the huge NB music vibe, in particular the music scene here in Fredericton, this database will help promote the field, engage new audiences, and spark creative minds,” said Stewart. “Books are our core business for sure, but engaging our community in ways where they see themselves is also paramount to our success.”
This new instruction database is available to anyone with a library card (and you can get one of those right here, for free) and there is no limit to access. All you need is a card and a device like a computer or smartphone to stream the lessons. Lessons will also be made available through the Libby app.
“You can log-in as many times as you like,” said Stewart. “It really is a wonderful addition to our library catalogue.”
