Children and young people in Glasgow can now borrow musical instruments from The Mitchell Library.
The free lending service has been launched at the city library and is open to budding musicians up to age 25.
The provision has come about after Glasgow Life, the charity that runs the city's culture and sports facilities, signed up to the We Make Music Instrument Libraries project.
Supported by the Creative Scotland Youth Music Initiative and the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG), the project works to get musical instruments into libraries across Scotland.
Ukuleles
Young people can use their Glasgow Life Library card to loan an instrument just like they would take out a book.
Local organisation Music Broth is helping stock over 30 instruments, ranging from guitars and ukuleles to keyboards and violins.
A six-week block of Tuesday workshops starts at the Mitchell on 20 February when Music Broth tutors will lead two 45-minute sessions from 6pm to help people get to grips with guitar and ukelele.
Spaces at the Tuesday workshops are limited. Anyone who is interested can book their place by visiting the Music Broth website.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The We Make Music Instrument Libraries initiative at The Mitchell Library will help young people experience the joy of music and learning a musical instrument.
“This wonderful project highlights how Glasgow’s libraries are much more than books. They are safe spaces where people can relax, socialise, and learn something new.
Music is one of the glories as well as the glues in our society, and We Make Music Libraries are agents of happiness and cohesion.
John Wallace
“The programme makes music more accessible and gives people the chance to try something new for free. It is also a great example of how culture and sport can improve people’s wellbeing.”
John Wallace, Director of the Music Education Partnership Group, said: “There exists an insatiable demand for music making in every part of our communities.
“We Make Music Libraries lend out musical instruments in exactly the same way as books to children, young people and adults who want to make a joyful noise or express their inner thoughts through their music making.
“Music is one of the glories as well as the glues in our society, and We Make Music Libraries are agents of happiness and cohesion.”
Jen O'Brien, Founding Director of Music Broth, said: “We have always worked to support people across Glasgow since first establishing our library hub in Govanhill in 2017.
“We value and support the creativity and diversity everyone brings, all of our wellbeing through music, and the vibrancy of our communities.
“We are delighted to share our instruments directly through The Mitchell Library system, giving access to more people, and further value to our mutual sharing economy ethos.
“We look forward to extending this partnership working together with The Mitchell Library and Glasgow Life for more instruments provision and more fun creative workshops and events.”
- Anyone who is interested can book their place by visiting the Music Broth website.
