Podcast Summary: All Of It — “Public Libraries & the Public Song Project”

Host: Kusha Navadar, filling in for Alison Stewart
Date: April 3, 2024
Episode Focus: How public libraries are supporting creativity and accessibility for musicians participating in WNYC’s Public Song Project, highlighting their unique resources, recording studios, instrument lending, and educational support.

Main Theme

This episode dives into the myriad ways public libraries in and around New York City empower the community—especially aspiring musicians—by providing free or low-barrier access to musical instruments, recording studios, educational programs, and collaborative spaces. The conversation aims to inspire listeners to participate in the 2024 Public Song Project using these library resources, reminding everyone of the powerful role libraries play in fostering local creativity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Public Song Project & Library Resources (01:39)

• Encouragement to Participate: The submission deadline for the Public Song Project is six weeks away. Host Kusha Navadar emphasizes that entries can be as simple as a phone recording, but libraries can help people “step things up” if they wish ([01:39]).
• Highlight: Last year’s winner, Alice Lee, borrowed a banjo from the Brooklyn Public Library for her entry, showcasing library impact on creative work.

2. Brooklyn Public Library: Instrument Lending & Inspiration

Guest: Christine Schoenhart, Director, Central Library, BPL ([03:15])

• Musical Instrument Lending Library:

  • Over 100 instruments available (bass guitars, keyboards, steel drum, etc.)
  • “There is a bit of a wait list on things. So get on the wait list so that you can get your song recorded.” — Christine Schoenhart ([03:31])
  • Anyone in NY State can get a Brooklyn library card and borrow instruments for three weeks ([04:08])
  • Online system (bklynlibrary.org) allows holds; pick up at third floor arts department ([04:15])

• Sheet Music & Vinyl Collections:

  • Library provides thousands of books full of sheet music for inspiration
  • Recently launched a vinyl collection (400 records across genres), with in-library record players available; vinyls also loaned for three weeks ([04:43])
  • “We also have books here that can teach you how to play. So if you're new and need some of that, we can hook you up with that as well.” — Christine Schoenhart ([03:31])

3. New York Public Library: Recording Studios & Education

Guest: Jenna Lee, Lead Media Lab Specialist, NYPL ([05:21])

• Studio Locations & Access:

  • Main facility: Studio 40, Mid-Manhattan branch on 40th St & 5th Ave
  • Additional studios in the Bronx (Allerton Multimedia Studio, Tremont Sound Lab) for adults; several teen recording studios in various branches ([05:35])
  • Collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library: “We have a couple of our students coming in with musical instruments that they've rented from Brooklyn Public Library and they're using them on projects over here.” — Jenna Lee ([06:19])

• Technology & Equipment:

  • Studios equipped with “industry quality gear,” including professional microphones (U87, TLM102), outboard gear (LA2A, 1176), patch bays, workstation software (Avid ProTools, Ableton, Logic Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, DaVinci Resolve), and MIDI keyboards ([06:52])
  • Differentiated spaces and equipment for adults and teens; “a really well stocked set of spaces” ([08:04])

• Education, Support, and Community:

  • Staff provide orientations, equipment training, and run classes—both in-person and online—on everything from basic sound checks to advanced mixing and editing ([08:19])
  • “We also have creative media open labs. … You can talk to us and consult with us. … We have trained up a cohort of volunteers … They are helping, helping facilitate studio sessions alongside us.” — Jenna Lee ([09:44])
  • Volunteer program includes 25- to 72-year-olds supporting a multi-generational creative space ([10:35])
  • Online resources:
    • Adults: nypl.org/computers
    • Teens: nypl.org/spotlight/teen-center

4. Westport Public Library (Connecticut): Verso Studios

Guest: Brendan Tolar, Marketing Manager, Verso Studios ([12:04])

• Verso Studios Overview & Facilities:

  • “Here at the Westport Library, it's like a spaceship. We have Verso Studios really as our production resource and media hub.” — Brendan Tolar ([12:22])
  • Offers concert/film venue, post-production stations (audio, video, design), and a professional recording studio featuring an SSL board by Rob Verboni (designer for Keith Richards, Bob Dylan) ([12:22])
  • No residency/library card requirement; open to all interested ([13:28])

• Support for Users:

  • “Me and two other professionals are kind of roaming the building during certain hours to assist.” — Brendan Tolar ([13:15])
  • Direct assistance with recording, editing, and mixing is available

• Upcoming Event — Verso Fest:

  • Five days (April 3–7) of events: talks (Chuck D), concerts (The Lemon Twigs, Spin Doctors), conference, record fair, Bowie exhibit
  • “There really is something for everyone.” — Brendan Tolar ([13:48])
  • Event details: westportlibrary.org/versofest; Verso Studios info: westportlibrary.org/verso

5. Shout-Outs to Other Regional Libraries (14:31)

• East Brunswick Public Library (NJ): Offers a recording studio with editing software. Info at ilove.ebpl.org ([14:31])
• Newark Public Library: Their Makerspace features an audio booth and editing suites. More at made.npl.com ([14:31])
• All resource links and Public Song Project info available at: wnyc.org/publicsongproject

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Get on the wait list so that you can get your song recorded.”
  — Christine Schoenhart, on Brooklyn Public Library’s instrument lending ([03:31])

• “We have a couple of our students coming in with musical instruments that they've rented from Brooklyn Public Library and they're using them on projects over here.”
  — Jenna Lee, illustrating inter-library collaboration ([06:19])

• “Our volunteer program, we have students ages 25 to 72 who are volunteering and giving back to their Community. It's a really beautiful, multi generational creative space.”
  — Jenna Lee, on NYPL’s creative labs ethos ([10:35])

• “Here at the Westport Library, it's like a spaceship. We have Verso Studios really as our production resource and media hub.”
  — Brendan Tolar ([12:22])

• “You don't even need to have a library card necessarily. And I don't think you need to be a Connecticut resident. I think we'll kind of accept anyone that comes in that is interested.”
  — Brendan Tolar, on Verso Studios’ inclusive access ([13:28])

Important Timestamps

• 01:39 — Introduction to the Public Song Project, encouragement and practical tips
• 03:15 — Christine Schoenhart on Brooklyn’s instrument lending and sheet music resources
• 05:21 — Jenna Lee on NYPL’s recording studios, equipment, and educational support
• 12:04 — Brendan Tolar introduces Verso Studios in Connecticut
• 13:48 — Details on Verso Fest and its diverse programming
• 14:31 — Additional library studio shout-outs and redirects to resources
• 15:00 — Public Song Project submission reminder and website info

Final Message & How to Get Involved

Listeners are urged to take advantage of these robust, accessible library resources to participate in this year’s Public Song Project and possibly be featured on WNYC alongside renowned artists. As the host says, “Now is your time to get involved for a chance to be featured on WNYC and alongside artists like the ones you've heard so far, plus Rhiannon Giddens, Bella Fleck, Roseanne Cash and many more. This is a party. We want you to be a part of it.” ([15:00])

Submissions deadline: May 12th
Central Resource: wnyc.org/publicsongproject

This episode showcases the invaluable, often underappreciated role libraries play in democratizing arts, equipping creators of any background or age to make and share their music—and providing a vibrant, welcoming community for every creative New Yorker (and beyond).