Library hits the right note with ukulele loan launch in Middleton

Sunday, 1 February 2026 19:27

By David Murphy

Dozens gather for musical morning as library scheme puts instruments in the hands of residents.

Langley Library in Middleton has launched a new ukulele loan programme with the help of local musicians and a charity aiming to boost wellbeing through music.

Around 70 people joined a musical celebration at Langley Library on Saturday 24 January to mark the launch of a community ukulele lending scheme.

The event featured live performances by the library’s own group, the Bookuleles, alongside visiting players from Heywood Ukulele Band and Royton Ukulele Group. Attendees joined in with a cheerful singalong as the building was transformed into a pop-up concert space.

The scheme has been made possible by the donation of eleven ukuleles from the North West Ukulele Project, a charity that encourages music-making as a way to reduce isolation and improve confidence.

The idea was sparked by assistant librarian Carole Hamer, who started beginner sessions at the library 12 months ago. That weekly group now meets every Thursday and has performed at major public events including Manchester Day and Middleton’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Carole said the scheme is about making music accessible: “Not everyone has the chance to pick up an instrument, and this loan scheme means anyone can give it a try.”

Each loaned ukulele comes with an introductory booklet, and the library plans to start a new Friday class for beginners in the coming weeks.

Nicola Chambers from the North West Ukulele Project joined local councillors Sue Smith, Terry Smith and June West at the launch. The council praised the project as a strong example of community-led wellbeing.

The ukulele is often seen as an ideal starter instrument, with just four strings and a light, easy-to-handle size. Its roots lie in 19th-century Portugal but the instrument became widely known through Hawaiian music.

Rochdale Borough Libraries said:

“We had a fantastic morning at Langley Library on Saturday launching our brand-new Ukulele Loan Scheme.

Made possible by the generous donations of ukuleles from the North West Ukulele Project the scheme means adult library users can now borrow an instrument and give music a go.

The launch featured uplifting performances from local ukulele bands, including Heywood Ukulele Band, Royton Ukulele Group and our very own Langley Bookuleles , which created a wonderful atmosphere in the library.

We were delighted to be joined by Nicola from the North West Ukulele Project, as well as local councillors Sue Smith, Terry Smith and June West, who came along to support this joyful community initiative.

A huge thank you to everyone who played, visited, and supported the launch, we can’t wait to see (and hear!) where these ukuleles go next.”

Adults interested in borrowing a ukulele or joining a class can contact langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk for more information.