A Musical Instrument Petting Zoo – Enjoyed By All

The Carnegie Library rocked on Saturday, July 11 as dozens and dozens of people of all ages tried out musical instruments in the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo presented by the Albany Public Library Foundation and the Albany Youth Orchestra with the help of Beacock Music (805 Burkhart St. SE), Albany’s local music store.

A large variety of instruments was spread throughout the library. Violins and violas were to the right as you entered the library, a small and a large dulcimer along with a popular melody harp were in the middle by the door, while acoustical guitars, a banjo, a balalaika, a ukelele (avocado shaped and appropriately colored) and a mandolin were to the left.

Cellos and basses were featured in the movie and computer room.

Downstairs in the teen area, there were three (yes, three) electric guitars (with amplifiers) and two electric keyboards.  A variety of percussion items were in the children’s library downstairs as well.

There were knowledgeable adults (including two Beacock Music employees) in each of the areas to help and instruct.

The instruments were given a good workout and a good (albeit noisy) time was had by all.  Surely Carnegie, who donated organs to churches as well as library buildings to towns, would have approved.