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The Von Freeman Memorial Lending Library

On July 1, 2012, the “We Always Swing”® Jazz Series opened its recording and book collection to the public. A year later the collection was dubbed the Von Freeman Memorial Lending Library in honor of the legendary, iconic Chicago tenor saxophonist [b. 10/3/23–d. 8/11/12] and NEA Jazz Master. In March 2018, Freeman’s son, saxophonist Chico Freeman, formally dedicated the collection, which is intended to be a community resource, open to all.

The library’s titles run from jazz’s turn-of-the-20th-century earlier beginnings right up to the present. No matter what style(s) of jazz piques your interest, visitors will find fitting titles within the Freeman Memorial Lending Library.

The Library, housed at the Jazz Series offices, 21 N. Tenth St., is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The public can listen to selections and/or peruse jazz-related literature on site. For people’s convenience, the Jazz Series established an Annual Membership Program — $25 and up for students; $60 and up for the public. When people become members, they may borrow titles on a weekly basis.

Spearheaded by Chief Librarian Brock Jones, a complete online catalog is available for all to view, with content organized not simply alphabetically by artist or ensemble, but also by release dates, song titles, individual musicians’ names and other additional detail. To peruse the catalog, simply go to wealwaysswing.org/library. The Freeman Library is a one-of-a-kind project; certainly, it’s the only such public collection located in Columbia, mid-Missouri and perhaps the entire state and beyond.

Library Membership Cards Now Available

Those who become members receive a laminated wallet-size membership card. The card validates membership and identifies contributor-type. To secure your membership card, please email the Jazz Series — Request Freeman Library Membership Card, or call, 573/449-3009, or simply stop in and register in person. Please let us know how you would like your library card to read. We will contact you when your card is ready to be picked up. Membership cards are nontransferable. When you become a Lending Library Member, you may borrow titles on a weekly basis — and you have also made an annual investment in the Jazz Series and in making the Freeman Memorial Lending Library a success. Memberships are tax-deductible to the extent the law permits. Thank you for your support.

How to Use the Lending Library Catalog

The entire library is now digitally available via a searchable database. The Library’s catalog is now available online to peruse. Simply go to www.wealwaysswing.org/library. People can conduct searches by Album Title or (Main) Artist Name. Simply click on a letter in the alphabet, and all the artists whose names begin with that letter become accessible.

There are three ways to look at the catalog:

  • Block View, which shows Album Title, Album Cover (when in database), and Main Artist.
  • List View, which provides further searchable data, including Artist, Title, Genre, Release Date, number of tracks and Label, when that information is in the database.
  • Cover View, which only shows the cover, but can be clicked on, to see all tunes by title and length, if that information is in the database.

    • For an even more detailed search, donors can also visit the Jazz Series offices, 21 N. Tenth St., and search the actual database in Music Collector, which is available only through the Jazz Series server computer. When monitored by Jazz Series personnel, patrons can use the more developed search engine, which has the ability to show every musician on every recording, as well as individual song titles if information has been entered into the database. Such searches are available in addition to those visited via the website link mentioned above.

    Annual Student/Public Membership Levels & Perks*

    [*In Addition To Any Other Premiums Offered At Time of Donation.]

    Lending Library membership made simple. Anyone making a contribution at these or higher levels is automatically a Jazz Series Member. Please note the following Lending Library Support Levels and Perks*:

    Student Memberships $25+

  • Check out up to 2 CDs/LPs per week
  • Access library’s in-depth catalog at the Jazz Series
  • Half-price tickets to select concerts [Subject To Availability]
  • Priority volunteer opportunity for Jazz Series Concerts/Events
  • Invitations to select member-only events and receptions

    • Basic Annual Public Library Membership $60+

  • Check out up to 2 CDs/LPs per week
  • Access library’s in-depth catalog at the Jazz Series

    • Sustainable Family Library Membership $350+

  • Entire Family Becomes Members
  • Check out up to 5 CDs/LPs per week
  • Access through the Jazz Series to library’s in-depth catalog.
  • Receive Best of Von Freeman 2 CD/DVD Box Set
  • Invitations to member-only events
  • Receive personalized name plate placed on Lending Library shelf.

    • Lifetime Individual Membership $2,500+ Annually for 4 years/$10,000+ Accrued Contribution.

  • Check out up to 10 CDs/LPs for two (2) weeks
  • Access through the Jazz Series to library’s in-depth catalog.
  • Receive Best of Von Freeman 2 CD/DVD Box Set
  • Invitations to member-only events
  • Receive personalized name plate placed on Lending Library shelf.


    • All performances/personnel, dates are subject to Pandemic Developments. We adhere to Boone Co./Columbia Health Dept. & CDC Guidelines.

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    The "We Always Swing”® Jazz Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation administered by “We Always Swing,” Inc. The Jazz Series is supported by: concert revenue; federal, state and local grants and contracts; corporate sponsorships; underwriting and advertising-derived income; and by the generosity of individuals who make tax-deductible contributions. “We Always Swing”® and “The Swinging Saxophonist”™ logo are registered trademarks of “We Always Swing,”® Inc./National Pastimes Productions™ and may not be reproduced in print or digital format without prior consent.