We Make Music Instrument Libraries

We Make Music Instrument Libraries is a new initiative and crowdfunding campaign to get musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland, so people can borrow an instrument for free, just like you would take out a book.

We launched the project in 2022, and the initiative has spread to 12 local authorities and 22 community libraries in Scotland, with more joining every year! As well as loaning instruments, we host music workshops and live performances at these libraries, equip them with music production software & equipment, and develop online resources so people can access learning opportunities from home.

Support the campaign

Donate an Instrument

Donation Form.2

What type of instrument would you like to donate?

If applicable, is the instrument full-sized, half-sized etc?

Is the instrument in need of repair? if so, please let us know details

Does the instrument have a case?

Yes

Name

First Name

Last Name

Postcode (we use this to find your nearest donation point)

Would you like to receive occasional updates about the project?

Yes

Image of the instrument (optional)

Maximum file size: 516MB

If you are human, leave this field blank.

List of Libraries

If you would like to borrow an instrument, you can find a library in the following local authorities around Scotland:

Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee
Edinburgh
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Falkirk
Fife
Glasgow
Scottish Borders
Perth & Kinross

We Make Music Companion & Online Resources

We Make Music Companion: If you are looking for local lessons or music groups, bands or ensembles to join, please click here to explore the We Make Music Companion – an extensive guide to music education opportunities & resources across Scotland.
YouTube Lessons for Beginners: A list of suggested videos on different instruments to help get you started

Live in Libraries

Tinderbox Orchestra ‘Live in Libraries’ Tour

Scotland’s flagship Tinderbox Orchestra are spreading the instrument library campaign further afield with a tour of libraries around the UK & Ireland. In 2024-25 they visited Manchester, Leeds, Belfast, Dublin & Cork, as well as Scottish performances in Glasgow Mitchell & Edinburgh Central libraries.

More info here

Our Team

We are a mix of local authority library services, music services, music groups and organisations.

Convening Partners: Music Education Partnership Group and Tinderbox Collective.
Local Authority Library and Music Services in: Fife, North Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Glasgow, Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, West Lothian, Dundee, Tayside, Angus, Leeds, Manchester.
Music & Youth Organisations: Music Education Partnership Group, Tinderbox Collective, St Andrews Music Participation Group (StAMP), Make Music Tayside, Dumfries Music Collective, Tutti Music, Music Broth, Make/Change Collective.

Crowdfunding Campaign

We have an ongoing crowdfunding campaign if you would like to support. You can contribute in 2 ways:

1 – Donate some money or sponsor an instrument at our Crowdfunder page.
2 – Donate a musical instrument – if you have an old instrument lying around that you’d like to donate, we’d love to hear from you! To get started, please fill out the form above or contact hannah.mccooke@mepgscotland.org.

All money raised will go towards repairing and servicing donated instruments, delivering music workshops, online resources, and getting as many instruments into as many libraries as possible!

make a donation

SCVO Awards 2025

We were ‘highly commended’ in the category of campaign of the year at the 2025 charity awards. Congratulations and thank you to all our community partners on this incredible achievement!