Library partners with Riverfolk on ukulele lending program

Example of a ukulele. The ukulele is a small guitar-like instrument, introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Canary Islands. One of the most important factors in establishing the ukulele in Hawaiian music and culture was the support and promotion of the instrument by King Kalākaua. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century.

submitted by Manchester District Library

Manchester District Library proudly announces a new, limited-time ukulele lending program sponsored by Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization. Riverfolk has provided ten ukuleles to the MDL collection, funded by generous grants from Kiwanis Foundation of Ann Arbor, Arts Midwest US Resiliency Grant, and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Library patrons can borrow the instruments (including a case and tuner) at no cost for one-week loan periods. Ukulele instruction books are also available for checkout.

According to Fender (the world’s largest guitar manufacturer), the ukulele is a great introductory stringed instrument—easy to learn, fun to play, and highly portable. The instrument’s small size and softer strings make it a good fit for young learners.

MDL Youth Librarian Stacia Serafin currently hosts a virtual Toddler Time program, which prominently features her skills as a ukulele player while telling stories and singing songs. Kids and their adults can check out a ukulele from the library and follow along with her songs every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Participants can watch live or explore the video archive anytime at facebook.com/ManchesterDistrictLibrary.

Later this month, Riverfolk plans to release a series of instructional videos featuring Miss Stacia teaching beginner ukulele lessons targeted at ages nine and up. Anyone interested in learning basic chords on the ukulele will be able to view this video series online with new lessons posted weekly. Additional information about their ukulele program, including the availability of private lessons and financial support, will be available soon at riverfolkmusicandarts.org.

Ukuleles are available for checkout from the MDL on a first-come, first served basis January 2021 through May 2021. To reserve a ukulele for curbside pickup:

• Call (734) 428-8045 during business hours to confirm availability; if available, a ukulele can be ready for same-day pickup.

• Email manchesterlibraryrequest@gmail.com; library staff will reply via email when a ukulele is ready for pickup.

• Visit manchesterlibrary.info to place an online hold; when a ukulele is ready for pickup, notification will be sent via email, text, or phone by the automated TLN system.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.