Salisbury's Rowan Public Library (RPL) has officially opened a new podcast studio, empowering local residents to create and share their own audio content. The library, located at 201 W. Fisher Street, unveiled a high-quality podcast production space, equipped with professional audio equipment and available for public use. Funding for the project was sourced from the State Library of North Carolina, the Cannon Foundation, and matched by Rowan County.
Designed to be a hub for digital storytelling, the studio welcomes North Carolina residents 18 and older who are looking to dive into the world of podcasts. To book the space, individuals need to possess a valid state driver's license or ID card and maintain a RPL account in good standing. For 16 and 17-year-olds eager to use the space, they can do so with parental or guardian consent. New users are required to quickly complete onsite orientation before they're set to independently record.
This new studio space isn't just any makeshift setup. Nestled within the library's walls is a five-foot by seven-foot sonically insulated vocal booth, decked out with a Rodecaster II mixer and digital recorder, a Shure SM7-B microphone for broadcast-grade quality, and four additional professional mics. A MacBook Pro loaded with the latest recording and editing software tops off the list of impressive tech, alongside a 61-key M-Audio MIDI keyboard for the musically inclined. According to the announcement by Rowan County Government, they've also got you covered with headphones, mic stands, and studio monitors.
The RPL's podcast studio taps into a growing trend of accessible media production, offering residents the tools to build their podcasting skills through storytelling, education, and conversation. For booking info or to learn more about available one-on-one podcasting workshops, interested parties can reach out to RPL librarian David Lamanno at 704-216-8229 or through email at [email protected], as per the RPL's release. For press inquiries, contact Sydney Smith, RPL East Supervisor and PR Coordinator, at 704-216-7841 or through [email protected].
