An innovative new guitar-lending project by the aptly named, Licking County Library in Newark, OH has been launched.

Devised and implemented by teen services assistant Barbary Sanderson, with the help of a grant from First Federal Savings and a partnership with Guitar Guys, a local guitar shop in nearby Heath, the library has now bought six guitars that are available to check out and play.

Sanderson, a guitar player herself, said of the program:

“Not every kid can go out and buy a guitar just because they want to try it. Everybody’s got their thing, but maybe they just haven’t discovered what it is yet. This is a chance for people to try something new.”

Each of the guitars will come with a kit that includes a guitar bag, a tuner, a strap, picks, a beginners instructional booklet and a list of additional resources that can be found online. The kits can be checked out for four weeks, with the option of one renewal.

Guitar Guys co-owner, Brandon Noyes, has since stated that in addition to providing a discount on their guitars, they will also provide maintenance for the guitars and are also planning to help set up an guitar tuition program at the library.

“Playing music is such a rewarding endeavour, and it’s something you can do your entire life. It’s also something you can get a lot of enjoyment and relaxation out of.” Noyes said.

“It will be interesting to see how the community responds to it. Hopefully, it creates some excitement to learn guitar and a lot of people want to try it.”

The Licking County Library is situated at 101 W Main St, Newark, OH 43055, USA.