Making Music publishes proposal to save UK music libraries

UK leisure-time music organisation Making Music, in partnership with the Music Libraries Trust, and the UK and Ireland International Association of Music Librarians, has published a proposal for the improvement of access to sheet music.

The public library network, which has so far been the largest and most cost-effective provider of sheet music to music groups, has been impacted by local authority budget cuts. A lack of investment in developments towards financial sustainability has placed the future of this resource in peril.

Sally Groves MBE, chair of the Music Libraries Trust, said: ‘Following our large-scale survey of this community during 2020, we are delighted to be working with our partners to find a sustainable way to support the vibrant musical culture that the UK is celebrated for.’

The Trust’s newly published document sets out the current uncertain position, and outlines how music libraries could function sustainably. Suggestions include a national steering group of interested parties to explore the national integration of services and resources and safeguard material when a local service closes.

Barbara Eifler, Making Music chief executive, said: 'At Making Music, we have been working with individual services, local authorities and providers for seven years, and now know that it is possible to ensure a future for music libraries whilst relieving under-resourced local authorities of all or most of the financial burden.'

Local music library services under threat can email info@makingmusic.org.uk for support from Making Music and its partners.