The Library of Things concept provides people free access to items that are beneficial and can be practically shared. Studies cited by the Peterson Family Foundation and Kent State University’s Hugh A. Glauser School of Music describe the benefits of learning how to play musical instruments; these include confidence, memory, coordination and listening skills. Through this service, MCPL introduces customers to musical instruments that may not otherwise be independently explored or purchased.

The program encourages cultural expression and exploration of instruments first-hand; this helps with personal purchase decision-making. MCPL has 29 instruments and six amplifiers. MCPL provides online instruction for musical instruments; the book and training DVD collection was enlarged to include books on hand-drums and stringed instruments, as well as different music genres. The initiative’s original budget estimate was $100,000; however, the project cost less than $15,000 to implement and required no new staffing.

There are over 170 instrument checkouts, averaging 4.4 checkouts per item during the first three months of implementation. Online instruction had 15% more views when compared to the same period the previous year. Direct correlation between the program’s launch and increased number of relevant checkouts and views cannot be statistically linked; however, the timing should not be ignored. Attention to the program likewise garnered two TV channel segments: a local Cable station and an NBC affiliate, Channel 7.