Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Guide to staging library gigs

The Get It Loud In Libraries (GILIL) toolkit, sponsored by the MLA and produced by Lancashire Libraries, sets out the nuts and bolts of GILIL, a project that stages live rock and pop gigs among the bookshelves. Over the last four years GILIL has welcomed over 3,500 new users through library doors with acts including recent Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle, Florence and the Machine, Adele, the Wombats and Mr Hudson.

A step-by-step guide to staging live music events for young people in public libraries is now available to library services across the country.

The Get It Loud In Libraries (GILIL) toolkit, sponsored by the MLA and produced by Lancashire Libraries, sets out the nuts and bolts of GILIL, a project that stages live rock and pop gigs among the bookshelves.

The aim has been to encourage young people into libraries who may have lost the library habit, or never had it to begin with and re-set their perceptions about what libraries do and what they stand for.

Over the last four years GILIL has welcomed over 3,500 new users through library doors and featured some of the best new music talent, including recent Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle, Florence and the Machine, Adele, the Wombats and Mr Hudson.

Many contemporary musicians are gifted lyricists, and their music exposes young people to the energy of pop music combined with the power of the written word.

MLA chief executive Roy Clare said: “Get It Loud In Libraries has literally brought in a whole new audience and shown many young people that libraries are contemporary and relevant and have even more to offer in terms of books and other sources of information and learning.

"The success of GILIL is down to the leadership and imagination of Stewart Parsons, and the backing of the Lancashire Library Authority; I offer them warm congratulations on their entrepreneurial approach."

The toolkit covers every aspect of staging a show from identifying a venue and finding artists, to getting volunteers involved, marketing and health and safety.

Stewart Parsons, author of the toolkit, said: “Get It Loud In Libraries offers young people a route back into libraries that is naturally cool and identifiable but also one that entertains, allows a clear undertow of youth involvement and opportunity, and achieves positive publicity for libraries as a modern brand.”

Notes to editors:

1. The MLA is the government's agency for museums, libraries and archives. Leading strategically, we promote best practice to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all. Visit www.mla.gov.uk

2. Stewart Parsons will be talking about Get It Loud In Libraries at Online Information 2009 conference on Friday, 27 November, at Olympia Grand Hall, London www.online-information.co.uk

 

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story