For many people, the goal of learning to play a musical instrument has been ever present. The benefits of playing an instrument – physical, mental, social, and emotional – have been well documented but there may still be barriers stopping individuals from learning. Making music can be an expensive business as the cost of instruments is often high even for entry-level items due to their complexity and upkeep. Tuition, sheet music, and available practice spaces add to this, leaving the dream of learning to play unattainable for many.
Well, times are changing. Edinburgh Libraries are delighted to be part of a pioneering instrument library service initiated by We Make Music Scotland and partnered with Tinderbox Collective, and for the past year we’ve been loaning instruments to our members. If you’ve ever dreamt of learning to play an instrument, if you used to play but had to stop, or if you just don’t have access to your own instrument, the instrument library service will open doors to a musical world.
“How does it work?” I hear you ask. Read on to find out!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to borrow an instrument?
It’s completely free to borrow any of our instruments! There’s no hire charge, no deposits, nothing. All you need is an Edinburgh Libraries membership card and you’re good to go. If you don’t have a library membership, you can join online or in person at any of our libraries.
How long can I borrow an instrument for?
Instruments can be borrowed for 3 weeks, just the same as books. Instruments can be renewed up to 3 times unseen before they need to come back to their branch, just like any other item of stock. If an instrument hasn’t been requested, you will be more than welcome to borrow it again.
Which libraries have instruments?
Currently Craigmillar Library, Drumbrae Library, Moredun Library, Muirhouse Library, Music Library and Wester Hailes Library all have instruments available to loan.
How do I find out what instruments you have?
You can find listings for all our instruments on our library catalogue. There are a couple of ways you can do this.
1. You can type in the name of the instrument you’re looking for and “We Make Music Scotland” into the search box, e.g. “violin we make music scotland”.
This will return the listings for violins.
2. Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Search tool. Select ‘Other material’ from the Media Type list. If you’re looking for a specific instrument, type in the instrument you’re looking for in the Keywords field. If you’d like a general list of the instruments available, type “We Make Music Scotland” in the Author field.
Of course, you’re always welcome to speak to a member of staff at any of the instrument libraries, who will be happy to help you search for any instrument you’re looking for.
How can I find out more about an instrument?
If you’ve found a particular instrument on the catalogue that you’d like to know more about, it’s best to contact the library that holds that instrument as they’ll be able to see it and relay any specifics to you. Each branch may also have a physical listing of the instruments they hold, e.g. the Music Library has a paper catalogue of its instruments for borrowers to consult.
Are any of your instruments for children?
Yes! Whilst there are many instruments that are suitable for children and adults alike, there are smaller versions of certain instruments – such as guitars and string instruments like violins – that are better suited to children and we do have some of these in stock. We also have percussion sets available that are perfect for young, budding musicians. If you’re at all unsure, speak to a member of staff or pop into one of the instrument libraries to have a look at the instruments in person.
Can I return an instrument to any library?
Unfortunately not. Due to the fragile nature of the instruments, they are not transferred between branches so they must be borrowed from and returned to their home branch.
Can I reserve an instrument?
Instruments can’t be reserved on the online catalogue as they can’t be transferred between branches. If you’d like to reserve a particular instrument, please get in touch with the branch that holds it and staff will be able to put the instrument aside for you. If the instrument you’re looking for is currently out on loan, staff from that branch will note your request so the instrument will be set aside for you upon its return and you will be notified.
Can I borrow an instrument if I don’t live in Edinburgh?
Absolutely! As long as you have a Edinburgh Libraries membership card, you’re able to borrow an instrument. The only stipulation is that instruments need to be borrowed from and returned to their home branch directly.
The instrument I’m looking for isn’t listed on the catalogue. Will you be acquiring one soon?
Almost all of the instruments available have been generously donated to the instrument libraries scheme so this determines the range of instruments we have available for loan.
Are the instruments checked and cleaned before they are issued?
Yes. Staff from Tinderbox Collective check over all the instruments before they are added to the library catalogue ready for borrowing. All woodwind and brass instruments have their mouthpieces cleaned before they are next used.
Can I donate an instrument to the libraries?
Of course, we’re very grateful for instrument donations! Please contact one of the instrument libraries for more information.
Do you have any guides for how to play available instruments?
Yes, each instrument library will have a selection of how-to guides very soon. The Music Library has a more comprehensive collection of stock to help you learn to play, as well as a huge variety of sheet music available to borrow.
Do you have any space where I can practise?
Central Library has a Music Room that can be booked free of charge for you to practise in. This space also has an electronic drum kit and digital piano that can be used, whilst the Music Library has another digital piano and digital keyboard that can be booked for playing. If you’d like to make a booking or would like more information on these services, please contact the Music Library.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a musical journey – whether it’s completely new territory or roads well-travelled – and borrow an instrument!
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with one of the music instrument libraries.
Tales of One City 