The Howard County Library wants everyone to know, you “Toucan” play a ukulele.

On July 1, the library system will reveal its first do-it-yoursef kits starring the four-string instrument, a case and a tuner along with its symbol for the program, a toucan strumming a ukulele.

According to The Howard County Times,

“We’re having some fun with this,” said Valerie Gross, president and CEO of the library system. “Who doesn’t like the ukulele?”

Library patrons 13 years or older can check a kit out for three weeks from either the Miller, Glenwood, Central or Savage branches. Each location has six kits to lend. Online lessons will be available via ArtistWorks, an online premium research tool, according to Gross.

“It is the best and easiest string instrument to learn,” said Jessica Landolt, children’s instructor and research specialist for the library system. “You feel success right off the bat.”

Landolt has been playing the ukulele since she was a child in Guam. When she joined the library system, she used both the ukulele and guitar in her classes and held a program for staff about integrating music into classes using the ukulele.

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In September, several classes will be offered on the ukulele, covering everything from basic chords to the instrument’s history and place in pop culture, Landolt said. One class will end with the participants performing a small concert.

The library’s program launches with a You “Toucan” Uke Showcase July 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Glenwood, Miller and Savage branches; and from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Central Branch. For more information, call 410-313-7750.