Music library

Our valuable resource centre is primarily for use by peripatetic and school-based music staff.  It was created in the 1960s to support school and youth groups and has grown to meet the demand for musical activities in the County.  The library houses a wealth of music for all abilities, from beginner ensemble to professional standard.  There is no charge to Bedfordshire schools to borrow music from the library.

The stock includes material for classroom groups, recorder ensembles, woodwind groups, brass ensembles, percussion groups and string ensembles; we also have ‘flexible’ arrangements for those schools that cannot run individual ensembles and standard choral sets, some with orchestral accompaniment are also available. 

Our largest areas are for wind band, string orchestra and full orchestra, again supporting the full ability range: we have most of the standard repertoire, from Albinoni and Abba to John Williams and Wagner.  Other music authorities, non-LEA schools, local amateur and professional groups may hire our sets at modest rates: all income generated from such hire charges is used to support the operation and development of the library and its resources. A charge is made for the late return and replacement cost of lost/damaged parts: this cost must be paid by the borrower. 

Borrowers may come in person to browse, phone in with specific requests or ask for suggestions. Sets may be borrowed for up to six months, and reserved up to one year in advance; sets may be sent (hire period begins on the day sets are posted) or they can be collected in person. The schools courier service offers an efficient delivery service to all schools in Bedfordshire and Luton via County Hall and Luton Town Hall. 

At present the library is open every day, 10.00am - 5.30pm, in the same premises as the Music Service at the Arena Building, Bedford College Campus. There are lots of interesting ideas here for you; come with an open mind and we promise that you won’t leave empty-handed!

Carole Oliver
Librarian

Tel: (01234) 276518 
Email: carole.oliver@bedscc.gov.uk|