DESIGNING LIBRARIES
Music in libraries initiative
A design-led look at how libraries can make space for music, creativity and talent by Ayub Khan, Designing Libraries Director and Head of Warwickshire Libraries.
A NEW £12.5m initiative to improve access to music and creativity offers new opportunities for libraries and their users.
The Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport has released funds from the Dormant Assets scheme to launch the Music in Libraries programme in partnership with the Ed Sheeren Foundation. While the funding will support new musical equipment, workshops and activities, it also signals something important for the future of library design. It provides an opportunity not simply to buy equipment, but to rethink how library spaces can support creativity, self-expression, skills development and community partic- ipation. From adaptable performance areas and acoustical- ly considered studios to makerspaces equipped with digital music technology, library design has an increasingly import- ant role in ensuring that access to music enrichment is open to everyone, regardless of background or income. Every library authority in England will be eligible to apply
for specific investment for cutting-edge musical equipment and to run programmes and activities, creating exciting pos- sibilities for public libraries to further develop their role as centres for creativity, learning and cultural participation.
Design focus: The investment is not only about music pro- vision. It is also an opportunity to design libraries as flexible, inclusive and visible creative infrastructure in the heart of communities.
Designing for music and creativity The success of music activities in libraries is closely linked to the way library buildings are designed, adapted and managed. Across the UK, libraries are increasingly incorporating flexible creative spaces that can support everything from perfor- mances and rehearsals to recording, podcasting and digital music production. This shift reflects a wider transformation in library design. While access to books remains at the heart of the service, today’s libraries must also provide opportunities for learn- ing, collaboration, creativity and making. Flexible furniture, improved acoustics, dedicated makerspaces, performance areas and digital studios are becoming important components of contemporary library design. Designing libraries for music presents challenges, partic- ularly around sound management, shared use and accessi- bility. However, successful projects demonstrate that with thoughtful planning, libraries can accommodate both quiet study and creative expression within the same building. Public libraries have been inspiring a love of music for gen- erations, from shaking maracas at toddlers’ rhyme times, lending out simple musical instruments such as ukeleles, and exploring music collections, to learning how to use the latest
10 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Rugby Library.
production software in makerspaces. Libraries also have a long tradition of supporting music in the community by loan- ing out sheet music and scores to choirs and other musical groups, and even digital music through streaming services like the Naxos Music Library. Modern libraries are designed to be flexible spaces that can create areas for events and performances. Projects such as Get it Loud in Libraries deliver high-quality gigs featur- ing established and emerging artists in libraries across the UK. have included Adele, Sam Fender and Florence + the Machine, many appearing just as their careers took off. The geographical focus is generally on libraries outside the main metropolitan centres, in places with low live music provision. Meanwhile the GILIL Academy supports young people’s par- ticipation and talent development in creative and cultural activities.
From grand pianos to DJ mixing decks In Warwickshire, digital grand pianos have been installed in Rugby and Nuneaton libraries. Equipped with headphone systems for learners and tutors, they allow people to practise privately while making musical opportunities available to the wider community.
Warwickshire has also introduced DJ mixing decks within its makerspaces, recognising that modern music creation increasingly extends beyond traditional instruments. Along- side facilities for digital creativity and making, these spaces provide opportunities for young people and aspiring musi- cians to experiment with music production, mixing and per- formance techniques in an accessible community setting. These examples illustrate how library design is evolving beyond traditional layouts. Increasingly, libraries are incor- porating specialist creative zones that enable users to create content, develop skills and engage with emerging technolo-
August-September 2026
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