this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The most popular seem to be lighthearted clever little truths, hidden in daily life.

Here are some examples to inspire your own showerthoughts:

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More people would try playing an instrument if they could borrow one to try it out. I already play several, but I'm running out of money and space for more. It'd also be nice to pop down to the library and check out the one I'm currently obsessing over to see if I want one permanently. Hell, I'd donate ones I hardly ever use to add to the diversity. This wouldn't replace buying instruments any more than regular libraries ended book stores.

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[–] HarneyToker@lemmy.world 4 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

As someone who teaches percussion and constantly has to deal with kids that I KNOW breaking publicly used shit, I can’t imagine the instruments would last long out in the wild. Most instruments require care and maintenance from someone who knows how to take care of it. Even on a day-by-day basis. 

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 1 points 7 hours ago

I gave no consideration to such things. I was only craving a large building with as many different instruments as a typical library has books.

[–] TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world 4 points 9 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago)

most schools offer this for kids.

and a lot of music places offer rentals.

[–] IAmNorRealTakeYourMeds@lemmy.world 7 points 10 hours ago (3 children)

my Library does that too.

libraries are just books, they have a lot of services, besides being one of the few places you're allowed to exist without payment.

mine has a maker space with so many tools, cnc, 3d printers, large format printers, sublimation printers, embroidery machines.... office spaces, rooms to book, library of things with telescopes board games, repair tools, music instruments...

please go check your local library and get a card

[–] MedicPigBabySaver@lemmy.world 3 points 10 hours ago

Embroidery machine... Cool.

[–] ivanafterall@lemmy.world 2 points 9 hours ago

Mine literally has PS5 games. Board games. I rented a huge telescope from my old library. I love libraries.

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 2 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

I have a card, but my little rural library is not very impressive. Thankfully I already have more toys than my wife thinks are necessary.

that kinda sucks. hope it's still a nice place to just hang out and chill

[–] roofuskit@lemmy.world 5 points 11 hours ago

Libraries can also do that.

Libraries in blue states in the US do that commonly. I hear, but don't know first hand, that it is less common in red states. I assumed europe did it too, but maybe they don't?

[–] undeffeined@lemmy.ml 12 points 16 hours ago (2 children)

Already a thing in Finnish libraries. You can also borrow powertools for home fixing.

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 3 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

That's very cool. How is the selection?

[–] undeffeined@lemmy.ml 2 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

That will depend on the library. I never borrowed any instruments, only a power drill.

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 1 points 13 hours ago

That's fair.

[–] trashcroissant@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 13 hours ago

Omg the tools would be dope. We have so much shit in our house that's been used once and then stored away forever.

[–] starlinguk@lemmy.world 8 points 15 hours ago

At our library you can borrow instruments, tools, toys and computer games.

[–] Cracks_InTheWalls@sh.itjust.works 40 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago) (1 children)
[–] gigachad@piefed.social 7 points 16 hours ago

If I look at how people handle CDs and Blu-Rays in our library I don't think it's a good idea. In theory yes, but people can't have nice things

[–] phoenixarise@lemmy.world 5 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

My local library lends out cruising bikes 🙂

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 2 points 14 hours ago
[–] Flauschige_Lemmata@lemmy.world 4 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

My concert band does that. You can borrow an instrument and we arrange for cheaper tutoring. You just have to promise to play in our band a year later.

The local music school (the place where you go to get a tutor. Not a school for general education) and the local instrument store also lend out instruments.

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 2 points 13 hours ago
[–] SigmarStern@discuss.tchncs.de 10 points 18 hours ago (2 children)

I like the idea, however there are some differencea between books and musical instruments. Hygiene is a problem with all woodwind instruments. Strings, sticks, cymbals, cables brake and need to be replaced regularly. Also a whole ass drumset is huge compared to a book. But there are rehearsal rooms that you can rent that also rent out instruments. It is expensive though.

[–] Pat_Riot@lemmy.today 3 points 13 hours ago

Having dreams, having dreams. You see, I have a whole ass drum set that I really don't have space for and don't play really ever. I'd love to turn it into that Goldtone fretless banjo for a month to see if I really like the idea as much as I think I do. I play banjo kind of unconventionally, and I think it would lend to my style, but I don't really want to spend $400, to find out I'm wrong. So, the library I was wishing for is highly unrealistic anyway. Just dreaming.

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[–] umbrella@lemmy.ml 7 points 18 hours ago (3 children)

or tools too expensive specialized or cumbersome to actually own.

[–] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 5 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

We have a tool library in Vancouver. I don't think it's unique?

[–] umbrella@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 hours ago

wish i had those, sounds awesome!

[–] Thorry@feddit.org 3 points 17 hours ago

Aren't those just tool rental shops? Those are pretty common

[–] undeffeined@lemmy.ml 2 points 16 hours ago

Thats a thing in Finnish libraries, quite cool.

[–] Zahille7@lemmy.world 15 points 21 hours ago (2 children)

Not a library, but the EMP Museum in Seattle has different soundproof rooms with instruments and recording equipment you can use to produce your own stuff.

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[–] newtraditionalists@kbin.melroy.org 11 points 21 hours ago

Libraries sometimes have power tools or cooking equipment and all sorts of cool stuff. They are truly the best thing about modern society.

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