Borrow a musical instrument from the library
Edinburgh Libraries are part of a pioneering instrument library service initiated by We Make Music Scotland and partnered with Tinderbox Collective which enables us to loan musical instruments to our members.
We have musical instruments suitable for both adults and children. You can borrow a musical instrument from
Craigmillar Library
Drumbrae Library
Moredun Library
Music Library
Muirhouse Library
Wester Hailes Library.
How it works
There is no charge to borrow a musical instrument. All you need is an Edinburgh Libraries membership card. If you’re not already a member of the library, you can join online or in person at any of our libraries.
Instruments can be borrowed for three weeks and renewed unseen up to three times before they need to be returned to the library. If an instrument hasn’t been requested by another member, you will be able to borrow it again.
Due to the fragile nature of the instruments, they are not transferred between libraries, so must be borrowed from and returned to their home library.
Finding an instrument to borrow
You can search the library catalogue to find out what instruments we have. Read a helpful guide to finding instruments via the library catalogue in our frequently asked questions.
Speak to a member of staff at any of our musical instrument libraries if you need help finding an instrument, would like to reserve an instrument or would like more information about a particular instrument.
Music instrument guides and practise space
The Music Library has a comprehensive collection of stock to help you learn to play, as well as a huge variety of sheet music available to borrow. You can search and reserve items via the library catalogue for collection at your nearest library.
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. The Music Library has another digital piano and digital keyboard that can be booked for playing. Bookings can be made by contacting the Music Library.
Musical instrument donations
Most of the instruments available have been generously donated. If you want to give your old musical instrument a new lease of life by donating it to the service, please contact one of the music instrument libraries.