Brooklyn Public Library unveils 400 vinyl records available to check out
NEW YORK -- It's a sight that hasn't been seen in decades at the Brooklyn Public Library: turntables spinning vinyl records.
"The library, many moons ago, had a vinyl collection and we decided it was prime time to bring it back," said Jennifer Thompson, assistant director of Central Library.
On Tuesday morning, the main library hub launched its collection of about 400 albums, available to the public.
"Especially in Brooklyn, vinyl has made a comeback," said Christine Schonhart, director of Central Library.
You can listen to the records on the turntable stations with headphones if you want to try them out, but if you want to bring them home, you can check out a maximum of three albums for three weeks. Library leaders are asking members to return the albums to the same location, and to hand them to a staff member instead of the drop-off box.
Music lovers at the launch said they love it.
"My daughter is a big fan of vinyls," said Valeria Vaughn from Crown Heights.
Some never even used a record player before.
"It's different. I've never seen a record player that actually works," 11-year-old Isabella Smith told CBS2's Hannah Kliger.
And yet, visitors still found something they could jam to.
"'For Sentimental Reasons,' by Sam Cooke," 12-year-old Madison Legrand said at the listening station.
Her friend, Ava Watson, added, "Younger kids that don't have access to these things, it gives them a chance to see how they work."
The launch was marked with musical performances from a local Brooklyn band called "Daisy the Great." The director of this branch said even the music in the collection has a Big Apple flavor.
"A little bit of everything, from the classics to modern music and a focus on New York musicians," Schonhart said.
"We have all different kinds of genres in our collection, from country to pop to new wave to reggae," Thompson explained.
Library leaders said they're testing out this pilot program at their main hub, but don't be surprised if you see the analog albums pop up in your local branch in the future.
The Brooklyn Public Library will also be offering programs on DJing, audio production, sampling, and music coding, starting in the fall.
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