Library Expands Instrument Lending

Building upon the successful May 2022 launch of instrument lending, the Fort Worth Public Library is now accepting instrument donations to expand the collection available to the public.   Instruments have checked out of the Library 140 times since launch, and the staff hope increasing the number of items will serve more patrons.

Thanks to the financial support from the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation, the Library launched the instrument lending service with acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, a banjo, ukuleles, electronic keyboards, drum pads and various accessories.

“We’ve seen a great response from the community in checking out all of our current instruments,” said music librarian Rita Alfaro, “We were surprised to see demand for certain instruments we weren’t sure there would be a large interest in, like our banjo. We only ordered one to start with and it immediately had a wait list.”

Before patrons bring instruments to the Library to donate, they should submit a form for the staff to review.  The form is available on the Library’s website or at any of the 17 locations across the City.  Alfaro and other library staff will follow up with potential donors and establish a time to evaluate the instrument and finish donation paperwork.

“Many people reached out as soon as we announced lending and wanted to donate,” said Alfaro, “We’re ready now with an organized process and are eager to see what Fort Worth residents want to share for their neighbors to check out.”

Library staff will not provide instrument appraisals, and it is up to donors to substantiate the fair market value of their donation for tax purposes.