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Bournemouth Music Library

Bournemouth Music Library is one of the largest public music collections in the south and includes sheet music, scores, books and recordings covering pop, jazz and classical genres. It has extensive music-related resources in a variety of formats, with expert staff to help you find what you’re looking for.

The music library provides information and resources for anyone who wants to:

  • learn to play an instrument, sing or dance
  • find out about music and musicians
  • play in an ensemble, choir or orchestra
  • listen to music and find out what’s on in the local area
  • learn more about Bournemouth’s musical heritage.

Sheet music

Whether you want to play keyboard, guitar, flute or drums, we have music, books and other resources to support you. This includes a large collection of tutorials and sheet music covering most instruments and genres.

The library also holds an impressive collection of miniature, vocal and full scores, as well as chamber sets and some collected editions, all of which are free to borrow. All of the library’s sheet music and scores can be searched using the online sheet music catalogue.

Music sets can also be hired by local orchestras and choirs.

Books and magazines

The music library has books about the music business, performance, the history and theory of music, and the lives and works of musicians and composers. All books are free to borrow and can be found using the online book and magazine catalogue.

The latest copies of certain leading music magazines are available to read in the library, including Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine and Jazzwise.

Music on CD and DVD

A large collection of CDs is available to borrow. Genres include:

  • rock and pop, including classic albums
  • dance and electronic
  • classical, including a large collection of opera sets
  • film and TV
  • easy listening
  • country and western
  • brass and military bands
  • folk and world music
  • jazz

From live performances and operas to musicals and documentaries, the library also has a large collection of music DVDs for hire. Other DVDs are available to help you learn to play an instrument.

You can view our collection of music CDs and DVDs using the online catalogue for music on CD and DVD.

Online resources

Music-related online resources available through the library include the Naxos Music Library and Oxford Music Online, both of which can be accessed from home using a BCP Council library card.

Electronic piano

We have a Yamaha Clavinova electronic piano, with a 7-octave range, which can be booked and used for practise.

The piano is free to use, but users must provide their own headphones. To book a session, email bournemouthmusiclibrary@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 127 000.

What’s on

We advertise concerts and other music-related events in the area and provide a monthly ‘what’s on’ summary of musical events.

See our guide to music events in March 2024.

Dance

The music library features a dance section which includes books, magazines and DVDs covering both classical and contemporary dance. We also hold information on dance classes and performances in the area.

Friends of Bournemouth Music Library

The Friends of Bournemouth Music Library, started in 2014, normally meet on the last Friday of each month. It provides an opportunity for anyone interested in music and the musical heritage of the area to enjoy a coffee, meet friends and listen to recitals and informative talks by local musicians.

Email bournemouthmusiclibrary@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 127 000 for more information.

Find us on Facebook

The music library is now on Facebook and includes posts on a variety of musical topics of both local and general interest.

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