Submitted by Lopez Island Library

Have you ever wanted to play a musical instrument? Have you ever wondered how some instruments work? Have you ever just wanted to make a lot of joyful noise in the library? Come to the Lopez Library’s 5th annual Musical Petting Zoo 2–4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. The library will put out instruments from its collection throughout the library. Come find out what puts the Lopez Library on the national map.

The library’s unique, award-winning musical instrument collection has been featured in the New York Times. Play a flugelhorn in the community room or a cello in the main library salon. Join a mandolin and acoustic guitar trio in the children’s room. Play percussion in the director’s office. Musicians will be on hand to help you get started. This year, the library has asked youth musicians to help – come learn how a violin works from a member of the Lopez School Orchestra!

Try out an instrument – and then take it home to practice after the program ends. This program is for everyone – adult and youth learners alike. Learning an instrument does wonders for the brain at any age, and it’s just plain fun! All of the library’s instruments are donated from local Lopez musicians and displayed in a beautiful case funded by the Friends of the Lopez Island Library.