As if you needed another reason to visit the Lawrence Public Library’s Sound + Vision studio. In addition to allowing musicians to use the studio (equipped with some impressive instruments) for free, the studio now comes with one of the most well-known engineers in the area.

Ed Rose has been helping bands record across the country since the 80’s, but you may recognize him as the Chief Engineer over at Black Lodge Recording in Eudora. He’s worked with a number of popular bands, including The Get Up Kids, Touche Amore, The Casket Lottery, The Capsules (pictured below with Rose), and more.

One look at the library studio, and Rose was hooked. “Honestly, it’s all I can think about,” says Rose. “When I took a tour… a few weeks back, I was so impressed I went home and wrote up what ended up being my job description.”

At the moment, Rose is throwing himself into the studio 100%. “My hope is to get the studio to a point where it’s utilized every open minute and becomes the hub for music creation in Lawrence,” says Rose, who hopes that the space becomes easily accessible for musicians. “The studio is an incredible gift and I want to set up systems to ensure it stays roaching and inspires other libraries to offer similar arrangements.”

To see the studio and reserve your (free) time slot, stop by the Lawrence Public Library at 7th and Vermont.