Library
Our library is an extensive collection of over 55,000 scores and books about music and is a resource open to our members and anyone attending one of our courses.
The collection covers a wide array of styles, genres and music history from chamber music and orchestral parts to piano and instrumental pieces, vocal, choral and opera scores, dance band parts, and study, full and miniature scores. Alongside this, our book collection includes biographies, musical analysis and music history.
You’ll find both popular repertoire and less well known music in the library, including some works that are unique or out of print. We encourage all participants to make use of the library and uncover works that are new to them.
Our library is staffed by a friendly and dedicated team of volunteer librarians who are happy to help you with your search. Librarians are available between 2.00pm and 4.00pm most weekdays. Outside these times you are still welcome to access the library and borrow items.
Borrowing
If you’re attending a course at Benslow Music, you can borrow items from the library to use during your stay.
Benslow Music members are able to use the library throughout the year during campus opening hours (Mon-Sun, 9.00am-5.00pm).
Members are able to:
- Borrow up to six items at a time
- Borrow items for up to three months, renewable twice
- Reserve items for collection for up to ten days
- Request items to be posted (subject to postage fees)
- Borrow scores or sets of parts for personal use, including for ensembles in which they take part
Members must only borrow items for their own use (not on behalf of third parties).
You can find full terms on our Terms & Conditions page.
Donations
Our rich collection has been established over many years, including through generous donations of scores and books.
We continue to welcome donations. Small donations of up to ten scores can be left at reception with the donor’s name and contact details during campus opening hours (Mon-Sun, 9.00am-5.00pm). For donations of more than ten scores, or which include music books, please first contact the librarian.
We are currently only welcoming donations of string and woodwind sheet music. Due to a backlog and limited space, we are temporarily unable to accept new donations of books or music for other instruments.
Donations received will be assessed by the team to determine whether can be used in the collection. If we cannot accept an item due to its age, fragility or duplication with our collection, we will make it available for sale or donation, or if necessary, recycle it. By donating, donors acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Sales
You’ll find surplus and decommissioned scores and books available for sale on the landing by the library. Items are generally priced between £1 and £5. A great opportunity to discover new repertoire to take home with you!
