the loan of musical instruments is a dazzling success at the Pessac media library

In fact, the instrument library launched on February 12 is a dazzling success. “From the first weekend, three quarters of our 25 guitars, basses or keyboards were gone,” explains Jean-Marc Durand. And the following Wednesday, we had none left. Now you have to register to reserve them. “Waiting several weeks.

A rare service

Unique in the Bordeaux metropolitan area and rare in France – “we only know of a dozen media libraries that offer it” – this instrument loan system works like the loan of any book or DVD. All you have to do is register for free to have it available for three weeks, with the possibility of having an additional three weeks if the instrument has not been reserved.

Without fear of theft? “No more than for any document. The other libraries that offer this service have not reported any such problem to us. It is true that the fall in the price of musical instruments also limits the risk of concealment: 300 euros for a synthesizer, 200 euros for a “very correct” guitar, 70 for a ukulele…

“We are in a logic of self-learning. The instrument loan is the continuation of the provision of instruments in the premises of the media library »

Instruments related only to popular music (rock, reggae, electro, rap…), which excludes classical, even jazz. “We are in a logic of self-learning, justifies Jean-Marc Durand. The loan of an instrument is the continuation of the provision of instruments in the premises of the media library, playing with headphones, and with the advice of a musician. Now people can also have a guitar or a banjo at home. »

“At the time of the loan, he continues, we offer them an hour of accompaniment during which we will explain to them how to play certain chords or obtain certain sounds. We provide them with a sheet and, in March, we will also offer them online tutorials, with the help of Pama (Accompanied artistic and musical practices program led by the City of Pessac, editor’s note). »

Soon trumpets or trombones

And this system does not only affect teenagers or young adults. “We saw a retiree who had played a bit of bass when he was young and who wanted to get back into it. Nor should he touch only Pessacais. “10% of the public of the media library, as a whole, already comes from neighboring municipalities. It should have an impact on the public of the instrument library. »

–