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:

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

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • What storage device is recommended to save the finished audio project?
    A USB drive, SD card, or cloud service.
  • What type of equipment does the studio offer?
    • 27" iMac
    • Garage Band and LogicPro audio recording software
    • Final Cut Pro and iMovie video editing software
    • 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
  • 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.
  • Are the sound studios ADA accessible?
    All sound studios are wheelchair accessible.
  • Can I bring a guest to my sound studio reservation?
    Yes, you may bring up to 1-3 additional guests and you will be responsible for your guest's activities and compliance with the sound studio use agreement. A guest under the age of 12 is welcome provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who must remain in the studio at all times.

Classes and Meet Ups

We offer a variety of classes and meet ups. View the Events Calendar for a complete list of dates and times.

  • Sound Studio Basics
  • Camera Basics
  • iMovie Editing
  • Create a Digital Story
  • Media Maker Meetup