Jazz in the Library

I just can't seem to behave myself. I am so not a librarian type. Its a wonder I haven't been found out. My colleague mentioned that April is Jazz and Poetry month (who decides these things? I have no clue.) Last month was National Library Week and Women's Rights month. We did a display about women authors. So this month we wanted to do a display for Jazz and Poetry. I helped with the brochure, suggested books and resources we could put on display, but did I stop there? No, not me.

I called the faculty musician in charge of the jazz program and asked him if he would consider having any of his students come and play in the library. He said he'd think about it. I still couldn't leave it alone. I emailed him later to see if he had given it any thought. He responded that he did have a student ensemble that was preparing for a concert, and they could use a trial run. They might consider it. I asked for a time and day commitment. He would get back to me.

I kept pursuing until he agreed to come, and this evening we had the most wonderful music happening in our study cafe. It does, of course, present challenges for studying, and we did have a few students who were none too happy about it. But we also attracted a couple dozen students who had never been in the library, and some faculty who happened to be wandering by.

Pretty soon kids were jumping in to jam with the players, and there was a lot of ee-hah-ing and clapping going on. People were coming in, hearing the music, and their faces lit up with smiles. They all hung a left and headed into the cafe to check it out, and they were definitely dancing as they left. It was so nice. The hour and a half flew by, and the musicians wound down. They stood around talking for a few minutes, then packed up their instruments and left. It seemed ghostly quiet after they left, and perhaps that's good since this is, after all, a library.

Surprisingly, my colleagues agreed that it was something we should repeat, but with more advance notice so people won't be taken by surprise. The jazz faculty person also loved the experience and was very happy at the freedom of students who haven't played in his ensemble to jump in. The musicians were happy with the venue and the experience. The cafe people were happy with the additional sales. The learning center was grateful there was no testing going on (remember that for next time), and security stopped by, smiling that kids were doing something constructive.

It ended well, for the most part. Sometimes my creative juices flow in good directions. Just as long as we don't do it too often. Maybe twice a year. I smile. Twice a year is better than nothing.