Like most libraries, the inside of the Dowagiac District Library is usually a pretty quiet place, with visitors reading, browsing or typing in relative silence.

For the past month, though, the library’s upstairs has been alive with the dulcet tones from some of the world’s most popular musical instruments every Tuesday evening.

The downtown library has recently begun hosting weekly “slow jam” sessions inside its children’s area, from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. The unstructured music sessions are open to any guitar, banjo or other stringed instrument player, be they a novice or expert, said library director Matt Weston.

“It’s basically a way for people who want to practice with others in a low pressure environment,” Weston said. “It’s a good way for them to learn more about their instrument as well.”

Each session starts with the musicians getting their instruments in tune with one another. After that, it’s a rather freeform affair, with one of the visitors strumming the strings of a familiar song while others start to join in themselves.

“They start playing the same chords, while others randomly jump in and out as they get more comfortable with the song,” Weston said. “Once the song stops, someone else starts another one.”

Weston, a longtime guitar player, introduced the sessions near the beginning of March, as a way of introducing more evening activities on days where the library is open late. With several patrons mentioning they have recently begun playing guitar, the director felt like there was enough potential interest there to make the program succeed, he said.

So far, four people have begun attending the sessions on a regular basis, with several others dropping in every once in a while, Weston said. Though he and a few of his staff members also play along, the patrons dictate the pace of the jam.

So far, a nice mix of experts and novices has been showing up every week, Weston said.

“It’s a great way to learn, because the people there to participate are also willing teach,” he said.

Anyone with basic chord knowledge (D-E-C-G) is encouraged to participate, and it is open to any age group.

“The hardest part is just trying out what you know in front of others,” Weston said. “Once you try it, it will be a lot easier than you thought.”

For more information call the Dowagiac District Library at 269-782-3826.