Ready to experience music the way it was meant to be heard? The City of Charles Sturt is rolling out a brand-new vinyl collection for visitors to borrow – like a book – at the Ngutungka Library in West Lakes.
The nostalgic addition makes Charles Sturt the one of the only public libraries in South Australia with a vinyl record collection!
In a world where CDs are becoming scarce and streaming reigns supreme, vinyl records are making a spectacular comeback. Inspired by patrons’ growing interest in the authentic analog sound of vinyl, Charles Sturt Libraries have embraced this trend with open arms.
Manager of Community Connections at the City of Charles Sturt, Bec Lyons, notes that the shift from CDs to vinyl was driven by customer demand for a richer, more tangible music experience.
“Our creative collections team discovered a resurgence in people wanting the ‘analog’ experience that vinyl records offer,” she explains.
Bec says they can’t keep them on the shelves!
“Currently, a quarter of the collection is already out on loan in only 3 weeks since the launch of the collection,” she said.
The vinyl collection at Ngutungka Library is a treasure trove of musical gems, with over 150 records spanning from the 1960s to today’s hits, there’s something for everyone. From the sultry tones of Elvis Presley and the edgy beats of System of a Down to the latest tracks from Taylor Swift, the collection is as diverse as it is delightful.
Some recent customer favourites include; “Siamese Dream by the Smashing Pumpkins, Endless Summer by Miley Cyrus, Hysteria by Def Leppard, the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks and the Best of Kate Miller-Heidke”, according to Bec.
If you don’t have your own record player, don’t worry, the library has a portable Crosley Cruiser record player available for hire as well. The initial three ‘suitcase’ record players were so popular that the library has now expanded to eight, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy their favourite tunes.
This new collection isn’t just a win for music lovers; it’s also a fantastic way to boost library visits and engagement. With over 61,000 physical loans per month, adding vinyl records provides another compelling reason for locals to drop by their library.
With their new collection, the library is also now offering an immersive, cozy, community-centered space to enjoy their music catalogue.
“Music can be a great way to connect, relax and feel good and we love that we can provide this opportunity for our community,” Bec said.
The library’s commitment to innovation extends beyond vinyl from the Make Bake Decorate collection with cake tins and pasta makers to upcoming resources like a media conversion station and vlogging kits.
Vinyl is more than just a format, it brings music to life in a way that digital formats can’t match, according to Bec.
“Visitors love sharing with our staff their first vinyl and the memories associated with it,” she said.
“The first customers to borrow a record player and records was a mother and her teenage daughter.
“It exciting to see generations connect with each other through the physical medium of records that we have on offer.”
Libraries are more than repositories of books; they’re community hubs that provide free access to a range of resources. By introducing vinyl records, Charles Sturt Libraries are enhancing their role as cultural centers where people can discover, connect, and enjoy music in a unique and engaging way.
So, whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a curious newcomer, spin into the past and experience the joy of vinyl at the Ngutungka Library.
Check out the collection online and plan your visit today: www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/vinylrecords.
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