Library’s musical-instrument scheme trumpeted

Library’s musical-instrument scheme trumpeted


Áine Ryan

AN innovative musical instrument lending scheme by Mayo County Library has led to its winning of the Best Library Service category at the Excellence in Local Government awards sponsored by Chambers Ireland.
Held in Dublin last week, ‘the Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase best practice in local government and highlight some of the great projects that local authorities are undertaking’.
The Mayo Musical Instrument Lending scheme allows anyone in the county to go into their local library and borrow a musical instrument for six months, explains Austin Vaughan, the County Librarian.  The scheme is run by the library and funded by Music Generation Mayo, a partnership set up by Mayo Arts Office.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday, Mr Vaughan said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Mayo County Library but more importantly on behalf of the people of Mayo who now have access to free musical instruments because of the Musical Instrument Lending scheme.
“I know how important it is for children to get access to books at an early age if they are to become readers. And it is equally important for young people to have access to musical instruments early in life if they are to become musicians or develop a love of music.”
Mr Vaughan praised Anne McCarthy, the Mayo Arts Officer, for her ‘vision in putting the Music Generation Mayo partnership together to create this scheme’. “Without Anne McCarthy’s vision  this scheme would not exist. I also want to thank the staff of the library service who always deliver excellent service to the public,” he added. Running since 2004, the awards are judged each year by a panel of expert judges.