Today's blog comes from Candace Weir, Central Library staff:

My friend Bob, who is a wonderful musician, hangs some of his instruments on the living room wall – and very nice they look there. I think that personal collections have tremendous decorative power because they reveal the passion and interests of the homeowner. Recently, he added a ukulele to his collection of guitars, banjo and violin.

The ukulele is an instrument that I have not always respected. I suppose watching Tiny Tim on television as a younger person prejudiced me somewhat. When Bob plays the ukulele for his mother-in-law in the nursing home, he finds an appreciative audience.

This week we got a brand new book, Make your Own Ukulele by Bill Plant, and it made me think about Bob and the happy music he makes for himself and others.

The Ukulele gallery beginning on page 12 shows shapes of a very cheerful persuasion – hearts and cupcakes – as well as other quirky and unusual models. Who knew that there were four different types of the instrument? Also, who knew that they could be made from recycled materials?

Instructions begin with the basic “boxer” instrument. The last section shows how to construct a professional-grade ukulele. One way or the other, there is the promise of great fun in this little book.

- Candace