We Make It Happen…You Can Too!

Whatever interest you want to pursue, or skill you want to develop, library materials are available to help you make it happen. Here’s the scoop on two more library staffers who have advice for you based on personal experience.

Nate Gass is our multi-talented Emerging Technologies Librarian. When not working at Aspen or Cook Park,  podcasting, or chasing after his toddler twin sons, he can often be found making music. Here are his recommendations for would-be guitarists:

I’ve been playing the electric guitar since I was in the 7th grade and it’s taken me to some really cool places. I love the instrument, its versatility, and the creative process of composing new music.

At the library, there are so many great resources for anyone interested in learning the guitar. Even if you already know a little guitar, but want to learn a few songs, we have a great collection of Guitar printed music. I especially like The Great American Songbook because it never hurts to learn some standards so you have a few timeless hits in your guitar arsenal. I also recommend the Great Family Songbook because even if you’re only interested in thrash metal guitar, there’s something special about playing songs for kids that will make even the hardest rocker’s heart melt.

For those getting started, I recommend checking out the library’s videos. It is so much easier to learn when you can see the techniques slowed down and demonstrated. Videos can help you study guitar basics and music theory, and also jump right into a song that you like, because that’s what will prevent you from giving up and burning out. Here’s a link to all of the library’s guitar instructional DVDs, but I recommend The Mechanics of Electric Guitar for learning the basics and 50 Rock Guitar Licks You Must Know! to dive right into some fun stuff.

Marian Clark of our Circulation staff never considered herself a “crafty” person until she visited a jewelry store in Fort Lauderdale in 2008. She admired some bead necklaces, gasped at the price tag, and then started to wonder, “How hard could it be to make those?” It turned out she could “make it happen” and she has been creating custom jewelry ever since. Here are her favorite library sources for those wishing to take up this craft:

 Designing Jewelry with Semiprecious Beads by Kim Gover. I love semiprecious gemstones and this book has exquisite designs that are easy to duplicate. It also has an extensive directory of all the stones and their properties. Highly recommended.

Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewelry by Linda Jones. Projects that incorporate wirework with beading. A great combination!

The impatient beader gets inspired! by Margot Potter:  Good for beginners. Introduction to tools and techniques, as well as illustrated step by step instructions.

Bead Style magazine. Lots of interesting and helpful articles, as well as tons of projects with instructions. A great introduction to the beading community! (Yes, there is such a thing!)