A remarkable transformation has taken place at Burnley Central Library, where a historic collection of never-before-seen sheet music and a dedicated performance space have been officially unveiled. The new facility, named the Stocks Massey Music Library, honours the legacy of a local businessman whose generous bequest continues to enrich the community over a century after his death.
A Legacy of Generosity
The library is named after Edward Stocks Massey, a Burnley businessman who passed away in 1909. In his will, he left a substantial fortune of £135,000 specifically to support the arts and education within the town. Adjusted for modern values, this sum equates to more than £20 million in today's money, demonstrating the profound impact of his philanthropic vision.
Revitalising a Hidden Space
For the past three years, a previously underused area of the library has undergone a significant renovation. This space, which was once a children's library but had fallen into disrepair and was inaccessible to the public, has been completely transformed. The project has resulted in a fully accessible, beautifully restored art deco environment that now serves as the Stocks Massey Music Library.
The historic collection of sheet music, which was funded through the Edward Stocks Massey Bequest, had been stored away in the library's basement for years. For the first time, this valuable archive is now available for the public to view, study, and borrow, bringing a piece of Burnley's musical heritage into the light.
A New Hub for Performance and Community
Central to the new library is a purpose-built performance space within the music room. This intimate venue can accommodate audiences of approximately 60 people, providing an ideal setting for concerts, recitals, and community events. The space is also designed to support young people and emerging artists, offering a platform for local talent to develop and showcase their skills.
Meanwhile, the children's library services have been relocated to the ground floor of the building, ensuring continued access to vital resources for younger readers in a more suitable location.
Funding and Collaboration
The ambitious renovation project was made possible through a collaborative funding effort. A significant grant of £165,000 was awarded by Arts Council England, with additional financial support provided by the Edward Stocks Massey Bequest and Lancashire County Council. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering artistic growth within the community.
Community and Official Reactions
Marian Taylor, the Operational Libraries Manager for Burnley and Pendle, expressed her pride in the project's completion. She stated, "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, also shared his enthusiasm, saying, "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."
The unveiling of the Stocks Massey Music Library marks a significant enhancement to Burnley's cultural landscape, blending historical preservation with modern community engagement. It stands as a testament to enduring philanthropy and a renewed focus on accessible arts and education for all residents.
