While many local council libraries embrace the digital shift to e-books, there is one library that has paid its respects to its folk roots and is lending out ukuleles as well.

Wyong Shire Council, which hosts the popular Central Coast Ukulele Festival every September, has bought ten ukes and is making them available to borrowers at Tuggerah Library.

Library Supervisor Susan Davy said Tuggerah was the first library in the region to tap into the uke craze and lend out the Hawaiian/Portuguese four-stringed instrument.

“Just as you would borrow a book, you can now borrow a ukulele and instructional DVD for up to two weeks,” Ms Davy said.

“Ukuleles are fun, easy to learn and provide residents an opportunity to learn a musical skill they otherwise may not be available to afford.

“The energy ukuleles create is contagious – it’s impossible not to smile and be in a good mood when you hear them being played.”

Alongside the chance to borrow a uke, there will be a free workshop this Saturday for all ages and musical levels at the library led by the President of the Central Coast Ukulele Orchestra Liz Kitney.

The ukuleles are part of Wyong Shire Council Libraries’ commitment to creating active and flexible learning spaces through interesting and stimulating community activities.

Ms Davy said: “The workshop is for all ages and musical skill levels – last year Liz had people who had never picked up a ukulele playing and singing within twenty minutes!”

“This is a great way to meet new people, release that inner musician and create great music,” she said.

She said lending out musical instruments was another way to diversifying the library’s traditional services.

“We’re much more than books – we’re about people and community and providing free services that aren’t available anywhere else,” Ms Davy said. “We’re redesigning our branches to create inspirational spaces where people can get together to perform, and music plays an important part of the story.”

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