Ukulele loan scheme launched at Langley Library to strike a chord with locals

Saturday, 10 January 2026 12:03

By David Murphy

Residents in Rochdale can now borrow ukuleles for free as part of a musical wellbeing initiative launched at Langley Library.

A new scheme is giving residents the chance to try their hand at the ukulele without needing to buy one, thanks to a donation from the North West Ukulele Project.

Eleven instruments have been made available for loan through Rochdale Borough Libraries, following a successful community initiative at Langley Library on Windermere Road. The launch will be celebrated with a musical morning on Saturday 24 January from 10am to noon.

The North West Ukulele Project promotes the ukulele’s benefits for mental health, social connection and confidence-building. The group donated the instruments after being approached by Carole Hamer, a member of the library team who introduced ukulele sessions at Langley Library last year.

Carole’s original beginners class has grown into a weekly music group known as ‘The Bookuleles’, with 15 members now meeting every Thursday. The group has performed at community events across the borough, including Manchester Day and Middleton’s Christmas lights switch-on. They also support children’s storytime sessions with live music.

Each loaned ukulele will include an introductory booklet and details of new Friday classes for complete beginners.

“Ukuleles are relatively easy to learn and are so much fun,” said Carole. “They’re lighter and more portable than guitars, and this scheme means anyone can have a go. If you’ve ever wanted to try an instrument, now’s the perfect time.”

Langley Library is inviting anyone curious about the scheme to attend the launch event on 24 January.

The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument originating from Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii in the 19th century. It typically comes in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone.