Borrow music score sets from the library
The Music Library at Central Library has a large collection of vocal and orchestral sets that can be hired by music groups, societies, and organisations. If we do not hold the music that your group requires, we can try and source sets from another library through the interlibrary loan scheme.
How to request a music set
Only groups that rehearse within the City of Edinburgh Council area can place set requests directly with the Music Library. Groups from outside the City of Edinburgh Council area must place an interlibrary loan request with their local library service for any Music Library sets they wish to borrow.
Each group must register for an Edinburgh Libraries membership at the Music Library. The group must nominate a representative who will be responsible for each set whilst it is on loan.
For more details regarding group membership requirements, please see our terms and conditions document.
What can you borrow?
Each group can borrow a maximum of
- 6 vocal sets per concert, with a maximum of 80 scores per set
- 6 orchestral sets per concert.
Sets of scores can be borrowed for up to 6 months, or longer by negotiation.
Requests should be placed with the Music Library with no less than 6 weeks’ notice, and no more than 6 months in advance.
Charges
£1.10 per vocal score/orchestral part, regardless of the loan period or length of work. Sets with fewer than 10 parts will be charged at the flat rate of £11.00.
Hire charges are payable upon collection of the set.
Groups are liable for any additional charges they may incur from renewal requests, late return of sets, loss and damage.
Please read our care notes to see how to look after borrowed music sets.
Further information
Contact the Music Library with any queries by email at central.music.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131 242 8050.