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Sonoma County Library Sound Studios

Reserve a sound studio at Central or Rincon Valley Library branches to create, edit, and publish audio and video projects like:

The studios and editing stations are available to library cardholders by reservation. Patrons should have a basic working knowledge of audio equipment and editing software and must comply with copyright law.

  • Podcasts
  • Songs
  • Albums
  • Audiobooks
  • Voiceovers
  • Movies

To make a sound studio reservation call the branch or stop by the reference desk.

  • Patrons must complete an agreement at the reference desk to use the studio.
  • Patrons must comply by copyright law.

Sound Studios

E Street Studios – Central Library

To make a reservation call: (707) 308-3020

  • 2 sound studios
  • 2 editing stations

Sonoma County Library cardholders in good standing, without any overdue camera equipment, and aged 13 and up can make a sound studio reservation or use the editing stations. Patrons must complete a use agreement at the reference desk when they arrive for their reservation.

Montecito Studio – Rincon Valley Library

To make a reservation call: (707) 537-0162

  • 1 sound studio
  • 1 editing station

SCL does not provide one-on-one assistance on demand in the recording studio. Some working knowledge of audio equipment, editing software, and computer proficiency is required to use the studio. Patrons must comply with copyright law.

FAQs:

  • Who can use the studio?
    Sonoma County Library cardholders in good standing, without any overdue camera equipment, and aged 13 and up can make a sound studio reservation or use the editing stations.
  • Are reservations required?
    Yes. A patron can make reservations by going to the reference desk or calling the library.
    Rincon Valley Library call (707) 537-0162
    Central Library call (707) 308-3020
  • How long can I reserve a studio and editing station?
    The studio and the editing station can be reserved for one up to a 3.5-hour block per day.
  • What are the studio's hours?
    Rincon Valley: Tue-Sat 10:00-5:30
    Central: Mon-Fri 10:00-5:30
  • How many microphones and seats does the studio have?
    The studio has a variety of microphones. There are a minimum of two seats in each sound studio and one seat at each editing station.
  • Does the studio allow for video recording?
    Patrons can do screen capture recording and editing in the studio or at the editing station. Patrons may bring in cameras into the sound studio for video recording or check them out in advance from SCL’s Camera Library.
  • Does the studio allow for live music recording?
    Yes. If the sound outside the sound studio disrupts other patrons, library staff reserves the right to ask you to turn the volume down.
  • What type of equipment does the studio offer?
    • 27" iMac
    • Logic, GarageBand, Final Cut, iMovie
    • Focusrite Clarett 8Pre Interface
    • Microphones: A variety of condenser, dynamic, and USBmics
    • Korg 88-Key Krome keyboard w/pedal (Central big studio only)
    • PreSonus Eris Series monitors
    • Headphones
    • Acoustic treatment
  • Is food or drink allowed in the studio?
    No, food and drink are not allowed. Please leave water bottles outside the studio door.
  • Will someone from the library be available to assist in the recording process?
    No. SCL does not provide one-on-one assistance on demand in the recording studio. Some proficiency in using computers and recording devices is necessary to use the studio.

    To work toward making audio or video projects independently, all are welcome to:

    • Use the Quick Start Guide found in the sound studio
    • Access free GarageBand or LogicPro software tutorials on Lynda.com or YouTube
    • Attend one of our Sound Studio Basics classes (Mondays @ Central, Thursdays @ Rincon)
    • Make a tech help appointment
  • What storage device is recommended to save the finished audio project?
    A USB drive, SD card, or cloud service.
  • Can my audio project be saved to the studio computer?
    No. Projects saved to the computer are deleted after each session, to protect patron privacy. Projects should be saved to a USB drive, SD card, or cloud service.
  • Can I make digital files of analog media?
    No, patrons cannot digitize files in the sound studios or at editing stations. Patrons can make a Playback Memory Lab reservation to digitize their materials.
  • Can the library studio make CD or DVD copies?
    Yes, the computer in the studio is equipped to burn an individual CD or DVD. Patrons must bring their own blank CD or DVD’s.

Media Maker Meetups

Join our virtual Media Maker Meetup on the last Wednesday of the month from 6-7 pm in Central’s Forum Room.

Connect with other videographers, photographers, podcasters, designers, sound artists, and media makers. Find out what projects people are working on, learn about camera/audio equipment, and collaborate or network. Ask questions and get answers!

No registration necessary. Email estreet@sonomalibrary.org for more information.

Camera Basics

Stop by to ask general audio, video, editing, and equipment questions every Monday from 2:30-3:30 in Central’s Forum Room.

No registration necessary. Email estreet@sonomalibrary.org for more information.