The first verse of the song “Nothing Like a Wall of Ukuleles” by Barbara Johnson goes:
Ukulele music is like a sunny day.
Ukulele music will chase the blues away when
it is gloomy and gray
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries can help chase those blues away with their very own wall of ukuleles available for checkout. A Kala Brand Music Co.’s ukulele was checked out from the Juan Tabo library on Tuesday by an elementary school student who said he knows how to play one song he learned while in music class. A case, tuner and shoulder strap is also included with the ukulele.
The Ukulele Lending Program is available at seven branch libraries in Albuquerque and Tijeras, including the Juan Tabo location. Although there are no upcoming events, the library website says ukulele jam sessions and events are always free. The website does offer one YouTube lesson presented by Brandon with the Albuquerque Public Libraries. The seven-minute lesson goes over the basics of the instrument while also teaching a few chords.
A borrower must have a valid adult library card in good standing to check out a ukulele. The instrument can be checked out for three weeks but cannot be renewed or placed on hold. Once the three weeks are up, the ukulele must be returned to the same location it was checked out from at the checkout desk. A fee of $75 will be charged to the account if the instrument is altered or damaged. A $15 fee will be charged for altered or damaged cases and $20 for damaged tuners.
The Ukulele Lending Program is made possible by a donation from Michael and Judy Muldawer and the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation. Other unique items available for checkout at select libraries include cake pans, bird watching kits and museum passes. Call the branch library of choice for availability and details. For more information on the Ukulele Lending Program, visit abqlibrary.org/ukulele.
