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 currently have 14 instrument libraries up and running in Fife, North Ayrshire, Edinburgh, West Lothian & the Scottish Borders, with a number of other library services keen to join as well. 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.
Music Workshops in libraries
Callout for “Expressions of Interest”
We are building up a database of people interested in running music workshops in Libraries around Scotland, including:
- Music tutors and community musicians
- Music projects, groups and organisations
- Volunteers interested in supporting music in libraries
- Students and musicians interested in training to become a music tutor
- Libraries interested in hosting music workshops
More info here or complete this online form to express your interest in this project.
List of Libraries
If you would like to borrow an instrument, the full list of instrument libraries involved so far includes:
Edinburgh: Craigmillar, Muirhouse, Granton, Moredun, Wester Hailes, Central Library.
North Ayrshire: Kilwinning, Kilbirnie, Harbour Arts, Saltcoats
Fife: Jennie Lee Library in Lochgelly Centre
West Lothian: Armadale, Blackridge
Scottish Borders: Hawick
Online Learning Resources
If you are looking for some online lessons and guides to get started please check out the following resources from our partners at Tinderbox Collective:
YouTube Lessons for Beginners: A list of suggested videos on different instruments to help get you started
Online Music School: Saturday morning, small group, online lessons for children & young people on different instruments.
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.
Music Partners
Each instrument library is paired up with a local music partner. Currently these include:
Edinburgh: Tinderbox Collective
Fife: StAMP Collective, Fife Music Service
North Ayrshire: N. Ayrshire Music Service
West Lothian: Tutti Music
Scottish Borders: Borders Music Service
National partners: Music Education Partnership Group, Tinderbox Collective, Drake Music Scotland
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! Please contact Mae.Murray@mepgscotland.org and we can organise it from there.
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!
More info
If you would be interested in finding out more about this programme, please contact us at mae.murray@mepgscotland.org
Generously supported by
