A roll-up electronic piano keyboard that comes in a plastic tote is available for Anoka County Library patrons to borrow for up to three weeks, along with a song book.
Lindsay Peterson, one of those patrons, stopped to play the display keyboard, amazed at the options available in terms of synthesized sounds.
“People are really excited about the fact they don’t have to go out and buy a piano or have a chunk of their living room available for having space for a piano so they can practice and play–and see how they like it,” said Branch Manager Janet Kleckner.
Kleckner said the idea for Discover Kits like the piano, or a small loom for weaving, or a bird watching kit, among others, is to encourage patrons to try something new and broaden their horizons.
“(Hobbies) build community. If you’re hearing about a new hobby and you meet somebody else who knows about it gives you something to talk to other people about,” said Kleckner. “It’s also a great way to use your mind. Sometimes you learn new things and develop new skills, it keeps those synapses going and helps prevent memory loss if you’re keeping your mind active and growing.”
The kits are available primarily through Rum River Library, though they can be transferred for patrons to other branches within the county, but Kleckner said all of the kits have a waiting list.
“We are hoping it will attract some attention and people have different ways of learning, so having something to work with, we think, is a great way for people to discover new things and hopefully discover what else the library has available,” she said.
