Article Source: Enjoy East Ren
Last Updated: 24 March 2026 9:39
Local libraries in the area have partnered with We Make Music Project to establish a musical instrument lending library, with plans to run tutor-supported 'come and try' sessions and workshops in future.
As part of the project's first phase, East Renfrewshire libraries are appealing for donations of musical instruments including guitars, ukuleles, stringed instruments, percussion instruments and midi keyboards.
Scott Simpson, Head of Library and Information Services at Enjoy East Ren, explained: “We are pleased to add another string to our bow at East Renfrewshire's libraries as part of our We Make Music Project, introducing a brand-new musical lending library to make instruments accessible to all and support those who would like to learn a new skill.
“We look forward to receiving musical instrument donations across our libraries and continuing to support learning, development and wellbeing in our local community.”
Neilston Library will be the central base of East Renfrewshire's musical lending library, although donations can be received at any local library in the area. The library team plans to loan out instruments to customers in the same way as other resources. Customers can visit Neilston Library to collect or reserve an instrument to collect from a nominated library.
Hannah McCooke, National Instrument Libraries Co-ordinator from We Make Music Scotland, added: “We are delighted to support East Ren in joining the nationwide musical instrument libraries project which this year will spread to over half of Scotland. In restoring donated instruments and making them available for free, alongside education opportunities, we are moving closer to true equality of access to music-making. The initiative keeps instruments out of landfill and brings the cognitive, social and wellbeing benefits of music making to local communities in their own community spaces. If you have an instrument gathering dust please consider donating it in your local library, we promise it will be well used!”
East Renfrewshire libraries host a variety of free events for adults and children, from children's activities, weekly Bookbug sessions and themed learning sessions to author visits, singing, memory and knitting groups that bring the community together. East Renfrewshire libraries also host Halloween costume and welly boot swaps as part of its Root Cause sustainability project.
For full details on the We Make Music Project at East Renfrewshire libraries, including a list of the musical instruments and accessories that can be donated, please visit: www.enjoyeastren.org
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