Burnley Library's £165k boost to host music collection

The revamp see the disused former children's library transformed into a flexible space at Burnley Library

A Lancashire library has been awarded £165,000 to revamp a space to host its "historic" music collection and stage concerts and other cultural activities.

Burnley Library is to turn a disused children's library area into a home for the Stocks Massey Music Collection.

Lancashire County Council said the grant means it can celebrate a "vital" piece of Burnley's musical heritage.

The money is part of the government's £33m cash boost across England from the Cultural Investment Fund.

The music collection was funded by charitable arts trust the Edward Stocks-Massey bequest fund, established in the 20th century by local businessman and philanthropist Edward Stocks-Massey.

Lancashire County Council said following consultation, the revamp will see the disused former children's library transformed into an accessible space which will celebrate the historically-significant sheet music collection, and support young people and emerging artists in Burnley.

The authority's head of cultural services, Steve Lloyd, said: "We welcome this investment in one of our region's most significant cultural collections, as this will ensure that the illustrious nature of the sheet music collection in Burnley will be celebrated and made accessible to all.

"This development will benefit the whole of the town, not just the library, providing exciting activities and cultural support for young people in the town centre now and in future, while also preserving and celebrating a vital and historic part of Burnley's cultural and musical heritage."