The growing presence of music and arts in Bethlehem took another step forward as the Bethlehem Area Public Library opened its new recording studio for tours Feb. 23. Studio 11 is located in the basement floor of BAPL’s Main Library and during the Saturday open house the studio was filled with eager musicians ready to start learning and collaborating.

Music lovers of all ages gathered to sing lyrics such as, “I can be loud at the library,” with the accompaniment of instrumentalists utilizing the studio’s locally donated equipment. Instruments, including a drum kit, piano, keyboard, acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, and more filled the room, along with microphones, all of which can be used by the public.

Creative projects from live band recording to podcasts are welcome and anyone interested in using the studio can sign up for the library’s regularly offered studio orientation. These orientation sessions allow for new users to learn how to use the recording software and digital mixer in the studio.

Studio 11 was a project which Josh Berk, BAPL executive director, described as a “place for musicians of all ages to visit, create, and just enjoy the space.” Thanks to a great partnership between Lehigh University’s South Side Initiative and Mellon Digital Humanities Initiative, Studio 11 had the ability to develop from an idea to a funded project and operating studio.

Anyone interested in learning more about using Studio 11 the equipment can find info at https://www.bapl.org/studio11/.