A new chapter for libraries as music hubs planned

Libraries in England could be turned into music hubs with recording studios and rehearsal spaces under a new government funding scheme. 

The £12.5m Music in Libraries programme will allow library services to apply for funding to create free spaces for people to record, rehearse and perform music. 

Announced on Monday, the scheme is part of the government’s new strategy, which sets out plans to support local talent and the UK music industry. 

Libraries will be able to use the money for equipment including recording booths, mixing desks and studio technology. 

The programme will be co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation and delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund. 

Government said the plans followed a visit by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Ed Sheeran to Brighten the Corners in Ipswich in 2024, where they discussed the role of community spaces in supporting new artists. 

Overall, the wider strategy includes an additional £15m for the Music Growth package, taking total funding to £45m over three years.

A further £10m will fund a Creative Mentoring programme for care-experienced children and young people.

Ministers are also planning changes to live music licensing rules, including allowing festival organisers to apply for more Temporary Event Notices.

Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: ‘Libraries have been inspiring a love of music for generations – whether that’s shaking maracas at a rhyme time session, borrowing a ukulele, exploring music collections or learning to use the latest music software.

‘Libraries are also well placed to support young people on pathways into the music industry, connecting them with skills, guidance and advice that may otherwise be out of reach.’

Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, added: ‘The Music in Libraries programme is an important step forward for music education. By expanding access to music beyond the classroom, our library network can help ensure that children and young people from communities across England have the opportunity to engage with music, regardless of where they live.’

Image: Metin Ozer/UnSplash 

In related news:

Homelessness to rise by 50,000 without government action, report warns

Curtain rises on race for UK’s first Town of Culture