New 'music library' opens with aim to inspire the next generation of talent
A space to host concerts and events - included from up-and-coming musicians - has been opened at Burnley Central Library.
The Stocks Massey Music Library - which also holds a historic collection of never-before-seen sheet music - is named after a local businessman who left his entire fortune to support the arts and education in the town.
Edward Stocks Massey died in 1909 and left £135,000 in his will, which is the equivalent of more than £20m in today's money.
The collection of sheet music was funded through his bequest fund and for the first time, it is available to the public.
The performance space in the music room will be able to fit in audiences of around 60 people and will also support young people and emerging artists.
A space that used to be a children's library, but was inaccessible to the public because of its poor condition, was transformed over the past three years to create the new facility. The children's library is now on the ground floor of the building.
The work was possible after £165,000 in funding was received from Arts Council England. Additional funding came from the Edward Stocks Massey Bequest and Lancashire County Council.
Marian Taylor, Operational Libraries Manager for Burnley and Pendle, said: "I'm so proud that this historic collection of sheet music is now on display and available for the public to see and borrow, as it was previously tucked away in the basement of the building.
"We are so lucky to have a space for young talent to develop, and I'm looking forward to the events and activities we have planned already."
Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for education and skills, added: "It is great to see this part of the library revitalised as a beautiful art deco space, making the most of the sheet music collection and creating a venue for musical performances and a great community space.
"I'm delighted that we can contribute to Burnley's rich musical history. Thank you to the Arts Council, the Stocks Massey Bequest and to everyone involved in this project for making it happen."