Hayseeds Instrument Library presented by High Mountain Hayfever and West Custer County Library

The Hayseeds Instrument Library (HIL), is a musical education and enrichment program sponsored by the High Mountain Hay Fever Festival (HMHF) and the West Custer County Library District (WCCLD). The program is designed to provide families and individuals in the Wet Mountain Valley with access to a wide range of acoustic instruments and music education resources.

The Hayseeds Instrument Library will allow library members ages 6 and up to check out instruments like ukuleles, guitars, mandolins, fiddles, and banjos – all free of charge. Instrument loans  come with free individual and group lessons, making it easier than ever for community members to dive into music-making.  This fall the HIL is kicking off both Youth and Adult Ukulele clubs which meet in the library community room.  HIL is also offering a 6-week banjo class this fall.

In addition to lending musical instruments, the Hayseeds Instrument Library is hosting year-round musical experiences for the community. First Friday Bluegrass Jams are open to all levels of players who want to gain new skills and have fun making music in a low-pressure setting.  The Bluegrass Jams are also open to anyone who just wants to drop into the library community room and just listen to some tunes!  Monthly Song Swaps are another opportunity for players to come together to share a song, learn a song, and perform in a low-key “open mic” atmosphere.

We are a group of folks with experience on all instruments with a passion for music making and a willingness to share what we know. Collectively, we offer a variety of musical skills and genres. Mostly, we think it is just good fun to play music!