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.
Borrowing and returning instruments
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.
Searching the library catalogue for instruments to borrow
You can search the library catalogue to find out what instruments we have.
- Type in the name of the instrument you’re looking for and “We Make Music Scotland” into the search box, e.g. “violin we make music scotland”. This will return the listings for violins.
- Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Search tool. Select ‘Other material’ from the Media Type list. If you’re looking for a specific instrument, type in the instrument you’re looking for in the Keywords field. If you’d like a general list of the instruments available, type “We Make Music Scotland” in the Author field.
Speak to a member of staff at any of our musical instrument libraries if you need help finding an instrument or would like more information about a particular instrument.
Read a helpful guide to finding instruments via the library catalogue in our frequently asked questions.
Reserving instruments
Instruments can’t be reserved on the online catalogue as they can’t be transferred between branches. If you’d like to reserve a particular instrument, please get in touch with the branch that holds it and staff will be able to put the instrument aside for you. If the instrument you’re looking for is currently out on loan, staff from that branch will note your request so the instrument will be set aside for you upon its return and you will be notified.
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.