Cobb County Public Library submitted the following news release about a donation to its popular ukulele collection:
A generous private donor, partnering with the local nonprofit organization The Gift Of Music, has donated 10 new ukuleles to the Cobb County Public Library. This donation expands an innovative, system-wide music initiative that allows Cobb residents to borrow instruments, learn to play, and participate in free community music programs.
The new instruments were split evenly between two locations, with five ukuleles available for checkout at Switzer Library and five at Gritters Library. Any Cobb County resident with a valid library card can check out a ukulele, offering a risk-free opportunity to try the instrument before deciding to purchase one.
This donation builds upon a highly successful program already thriving at other Cobb libraries. The Sewell Mill Library currently features seven ukuleles provided by the same donor, while the Sweetwater Valley Library in Austell – the original launch site for the initiative – continues to offer ukuleles for public checkout.
“The goal is more than simply putting instruments on library shelves,” organizers said. Instead, these ukuleles are fueling a growing network of music education and community engagement throughout Cobb County.
All four participating libraries host regular ukulele programs with meetings scheduled throughout the month.
The West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble (WGUE), led by Peggy Killian, meets at the Sweetwater Valley Library most Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to noon and at 12:30 p.m. the group hosts free beginner ukulele classes in a welcoming group setting. Registration is required. The library is on the first floor of the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Austell. To register and for more details, call 770-819-3291.
The Sensational Marietta Ukulele Group (SMUG), led by John Thomas, meets six times each month across three Cobb library locations:
· Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta: first and third Mondays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
· Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta: first and third Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
· Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street NE, Marietta: second and fourth Fridays, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Community members can find current Atlanta Ukes schedules and additional resources at www.Atlantaukes.com.
For information on Cobb library musical resources, visit cobbcounty.gov/library.