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GLIL
Get It Loud In Libraries
Many library services across the country see the value of contemporary music as a way of promoting creativity and literacy in young people and the Get It Loud In Libraries team in Lancashire Libraries is one of the best at encouraging new young visitors into libraries through popular music events.
This toolkit gives a step-by-step guide to staging live music events in public libraries.
It has been produced by Stewart Parsons, of the Lancashire Library Service, who has run the Get It Loud in Libraries (GILIL) project since 2005 and welcomed many new acts that have gone on to chart success. Adele played Lancaster Library a year before her debut album came out while recent acts include Florence and the Machine and Bat For Lashes.
The aim of the shows is to give young people a great time in a library and re-set their perceptions about what libraries do and what they stand for. It's a route back in for those people who have lost the library habit, or never had it to begin with.
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council chair Sir Andrew Motion added his support: "It's great to see libraries reach out to engage with young people and show them the riches that lie in their local libraries. This project in Lancashire will undoubtedly encourage them to try a wide range of services from books, to reference materials, to the internet."
Photo credit: Frances Ross
Are rock 'n' roll libraries right for your library service?
If you feel your library is a genuine champion and advocate of giving people what they want most in the place they visit least, then staging live music within your traditional library premises will position it perfectly.
> Read more about IntroductionThe aims, context and criteria for staging live music in libraries
Setting out the five main principles of Get It Loud In Libraries and its cultural potential, ability to develop an audience and make young people better disposed to libraries.
> Read more about Basic questionsFinding a flexible in the library environment to stage a show
A finely maintained balance of expectations and ambition is the key to identifying the right space and visualizing it filled with 50-200 people having the time of their lives in your library.
> Read more about Your venueAdvice on making approaches to bands, agents and the industry in general
GLIL's reputation and ticket sales rest squarely on the ability to pinpoint bands and artists who will make a difference to the community and how they feel towards the library. Will your gig give the town a lift?
> Read more about Finding ArtistsHow to make a booking, maintain contact and deal with administrative issues.
Getting down to the nitty gritty. How much do you pay your band? Where can you get funding? When should you apply for an events license?
> Read more about Licensing, FundingMaking Get It Loud In Libraries front page news
Understanding your audience is vital, so plan a campaign to target the media, schools and colleges and set up some basic marketing.
> Read more about MarketingUsing the library space properly and hiring professionals
A good, polished, professional sound is crucial - advice on hiring the PA and setting up the show.
> Read more about Staging eventsWelcoming your artist - a little hospitality goes a long way
The dos and don'ts of making your artist feel comfortable, including a checklist of things to provide them on their arrival.
> Read more about HospitalityPutting together a team and gig organisation
Choosing the right team of people to run the GILIL project is very important. The team reflects the project and is a good chance to get non-library users involved as well.
> Read more about StaffingImportant aspects of making your gig safe, well-organised and successful
Booking security, establishing house rules, getting advice and support on health and safety issues - some essential tips.
> Read more about SecurityDelivering rock and pop is one option, but you may want to consider other audiences.
All genres and styles of music, art and literature can be promoted and delivered via the Get It Loud in Libraries format.
> Read more about Other formatsA record of some of GILIL's achievements so far
Some information on the impact of the Lancashire Libraries project, quotes, useful websites, video clips and media cuttings plus a glossary of useful music business terms.
> Read more about OutcomesMLA contacts for additional information on the GLIL project
If your are interested in staging a Get It Loud In Libraries event at a public library or want more details or advice from the MLA click here.
> Read more about Contacts