Musical Instruments Strike a Chord in Kerry!
February 2025

In 2023, the Library Services, Environment Office, Arts Office, and Integration Department of Kerry County Council, along with Music Generation Kerry, invited anyone who was considering donating unused musical instruments to do so through their local library. That call was met with great generosity from the people of Kerry, and Kerry Library continue to welcome dusty keyboards, long-forgotten guitars, violins, and even an electric organ!

If you would like to contribute to this worthy project, check your attics and sheds for unused instruments and bring them to your local library.

Music Generation Kerry evaluates all donated instruments and compiles a comprehensive catalogue. Through this initiative, these instruments are made available for borrowing to all residents of Kerry.

Deirdre Johnson, Music Generation Kerry Coordinator, describes the importance of the project as:  “The Musical Instruments Project is a powerful initiative that gives people the opportunity to borrow instruments from their local library, just like they would a book. This access to music opens doors to creativity, skill-building and performance, helping to boost confidence and self-expression. When everyone has the chance to learn and play music, they gain more than just a new skill – they gain a sense of pride, accomplishment and well-being.”

A parent of an aspiring banjo player highlighted how the project empowers young people to build confidence and a sense of achievement without the burden of cost:

“Without a donated instrument my son would not have been able to learn how to play a new and unfamiliar instrument. As a parent, I would not have been able to invest in a new instrument until I knew whether or not my son enjoyed even playing this new instrument. With the instrument donation, my son has thrived and really enjoyed learning the banjo. Additionally, the commitment from Music Generation to source quality instruments and offer them to students is a superior opportunity and I am so grateful for the Music Generation programme’s investment in my child.”

Libraries have always been places of discovery. The Musical Instruments Project complements Kerry Library’s mission of providing accessible resources to the local community.

Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Breandán Fitzgerald says “This remarkable project shows Kerry at its best with neighbours helping neighbours to discover the joy of music through our library network. It is not just about sharing instruments; it’s about building a more vibrant, creative community where everyone has the opportunity to explore their musical potential.”

To avail of or contribute to the project, please visit your local library. Donations will be accepted at any of the nine Kerry libraries. Details of all library services, including opening hours, are available at www.kerrylibrary.ie.

ABOUT MUSIC GENERATION KERRY:
Music Generation is a national partnership programme that aims to create inspiring experiences for children and young people through music. Music Generation Kerry is led and managed by the Kerry Education and Training Board in partnership with Kerry County Council and Munster Technological University (https://www.musicgeneration.ie)

Media Queries:
Arts Office, Kerry County Council      Tel: 066 7183541       Email: [email protected]