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Libraries in England could be turned into music hubs with recording studios and rehearsal spaces under a new government funding scheme.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The \u00a312.5m Music in Libraries programme will allow library services to apply for funding to create free spaces for people to record, rehearse and perform music.\u00a0<\/p>\n Announced on Monday, the scheme is part of the government\u2019s new strategy, which sets out plans to support local talent and the UK music industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n Libraries will be able to use the money for equipment including recording booths, mixing desks and studio technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n The programme will be co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation and delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.\u00a0<\/p>\n Government said the plans followed a visit by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Ed Sheeran to Brighten the Corners in Ipswich in 2024, where they discussed the role of community spaces in supporting new artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n Overall, the wider strategy includes an additional \u00a315m for the Music Growth package, taking total funding to \u00a345m over three years.<\/p>\n A further \u00a310m will fund a Creative Mentoring programme for care-experienced children and young people.<\/p>\n Ministers are also planning changes to live music licensing rules, including allowing festival organisers to apply for more Temporary Event Notices.<\/p>\n Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: \u2018Libraries have been inspiring a love of music for generations \u2013 whether that\u2019s shaking maracas at a rhyme time session, borrowing a ukulele, exploring music collections or learning to use the latest music software.<\/p>\n \u2018Libraries are also well placed to support young people on pathways into the music industry, connecting them with skills, guidance and advice that may otherwise be out of reach.\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, added: \u2018The Music in Libraries programme is an important step forward for music education. By expanding access to music beyond the classroom, our library network can help ensure that children and young people from communities across England have the opportunity to engage with music, regardless of where they live.\u2019<\/p>\n Image: Metin Ozer\/UnSplash\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n In related news:<\/strong><\/p>\n Homelessness to rise by 50,000 without government action, report warns<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n