Music making a vibrant mark in public libraries
Inspiring young people to engage with their public libraries
Chart topping music artists have been storming public libraries in Lancashire as part of the ‘Get It Loud In Libraries’ (GILIL) project – an initiative designed to engage young people in their local libraries. Hugely successful acts have participated in this project including Plan B, Adele, Speech Debelle, The Thrills, Bats for Lashes, Florence and the Machine and Diana Vickers. GILIL has also showcased local bands and rising stars too.
Founder of the project Stewart Parsons, has worked in public libraries for 25 years, and has been encouraged that so many young people in the area have engaged with the project and have further connected with their library service as a result – returning to burrow books and CDs.
Stewart Parsons said “GIGIL is much more than just a series of gigs. Young people are encouraged to be part of the whole process creating a sense of community and ownership. Local kids help out with the marketing, PR and stage management for these events which develops their own skills and expertise in these areas and offers valuable experience for future employers.
I am thrilled that this project has achieved its objective of engaging young people in libraries, fostering and building a passion for music and literature. I believe that GILIL has proved that libraries are inspiring places to be and learn.”
GIGIL won a Love Libraries Award last year awarded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). On the back of which, the MLA has now commissioned a national roll-out – benefiting young people across the UK.