Multi-talented singer, songwriter, rapper, instrumentalist, and superstar(!) Lizzo was recently tagged on Twitter by the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. The tweet invited Lizzo to come and try out some of the flutes in the world’s largest flute collection which is housed at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., the largest library in the world.
Books by and about Carla Hayden at HCPL, opens a new window
Book by and about Lizzo at HCPL, opens a new window
This included a crystal flute owned by former President James Madison. I don’t know about you, but I had no idea that the Library of Congress had so many interesting collections, not just of books and archival papers, but of things! It was fun to see a popular musician playing such an interesting instrument.
Watch Lizzo play James Madison's flute at Library of Congress, opens a new window
Did you know that Lizzo was born and raised in Houston? “A self-described nerd, Lizzo learned how to play the flute in fifth grade. In high school, she was in the marching band and trained with the Houston Ballet Orchestra.” Lizzo plays her flute, named Sasha Flute, during concerts. In addition to her many other accomplishments, Lizzo is also an icon of the body positivity movement and recently won an Emmy for her reality TV show Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.
NPR article about the show Watch Out for the Big Grrls, opens a new window
Books about body positivity at HCPL, opens a new window
Check out the Library of Congress blog, opens a new window for more details about Lizzo’s time at the Library of Congress and the crystal flute. You can also check out their digital collections, specifically sheet music.
LOC Digital Collections, opens a new window
LOC Sheet Music, opens a new window
When a library offers equipment and materials that are not "traditional", meaning not books, we call it a Library of Things. Though the Harris County Public Library doesn't have a large collection of musical instruments, like the Library of Congress, the Freeman Branch and the La Porte Branch, have pianos you can use in-branch!
Hours, Location, and Resources for the Freeman Branch at HCPL, opens a new window
Hours, Location, and Resources for the La Porte Branch at HCPL, opens a new window
Explore the HCPL website to see all of our non-traditional library collections.
Maker equipment available for use at HCPL, opens a new window
Gardening equipment available at the Baldwin Boettcher Library at HCPL, opens a new window
And check out these books to learn more!
SHEELER, JASON. “Lizzo Has Put in the Work.” People, vol. 97, no. 11, Mar. 2022, pp. 38–45. EBSCOhost
This blog was written by Sarah G. and first appeared in September 2022.
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