Starting Jan. 2, the Greenville-Butler Co. Public Library will be lending guitars to its patrons, affording anyone interested in learning to play the guitar a no-cost opportunity to do so.

The guitars come in a kit and include: an acoustic guitar, tuner, beginner’s guide, and gig bag. The guitar kits are available to anyone with a library card in good standing (no fines, lost materials, etc.).  Loan periods are for four weeks and the loan can be extended for an additional four weeks provided the kit is not on reserve for anyone.

“Nearly everyone here in Butler County connects with music in some sort of way and, for many people, they want to learn a musical instrument – like the guitar – but don’t know where to start,” said Library Director Kevin Pearcey. “This is a good place to do that.”

The GCBPL joins a host of other libraries across the nation, including the Sacramento Public Library in California and the Forbes Public Library in Massachusetts, in loaning guitars to patrons. Statewide, the Avondale Library in Birmingham loans ukuleles.

“Libraries across the state are branching out with what materials they offer the public and we’re no different here in that we’re always looking to expand upon the services we currently provide,” said Pearcey.

While the collection is available for everyone, Pearcey said borrowers under the age of 16 will require a parent or guardian to be present to check out an instrument. Borrowers will also be required to pay replacement costs if the guitar, or items included in the kit, are damaged, lost, etc.

The collection currently includes three full-sized dreadnought guitars, but also three smaller sized guitars suitable for children with corresponding beginner’s guides.

“Having this collection allows parents the chance to find out if their child is really committed to learning the guitar without investing hundreds of dollars in an instrument no one is going to use,” said Pearcey.

Pearcey said depending on popularity, the library would look into adding other musical instruments to the collection in the future. More information about the program can be obtained by calling the library or at the Circulation Desk.