Universal Music Group UK and The Reading Agency have partnered with pianist Lang Lang and his International Music Foundation to bring music to UK libraries for the annual Summer Reading Challenge: Read To The Beat.
Manchester Library has received the first smart piano gifted through this programme, which is aimed at ensuring children can read for pleasure in creative new ways, and have access to high quality music instruments.
The Lang Lang International Music Foundation, through its Keys Of Inspiration community programme, will be installing two digital Roland pianos in selected libraries across the country, inviting communities to explore reading and music side by side.
Libraries taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge have been able to apply to be gifted pianos, with further installations in the coming months. The initiative is backed and co-produced by Universal Music Group UK.
At the Manchester launch, Universal artist Victor Ray performed and spoke to 90 local schoolchildren about pursuing a career in music.
The partnership expansion aims to address declining participation and reduced access to music education – particularly among pupils from low-income backgrounds – and respond to the urgent need to support and revitalise music education across the UK.
The initiative will transform libraries into local hubs for community music-making, creativity and connection, building on pilots in the London Borough of Camden. The gifted Roland pianos are each paired with an Android tablet and access to Skoove, a leading piano learning app.
Lang Lang said: “Both music and reading bring people joy and hope. By bringing pianos into libraries, we can open the door for every child to experience creativity, expression, and learning in the most inspiring way possible.
"Our mission has always been about creating opportunities where talent can flourish. When a child can walk into their local library and discover a quality piano waiting for them, we're offering far more than access to an instrument, we're opening doors to confidence, self-expression and creativity that will enrich their lives for years to come."
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “This exciting and innovative partnership is all about helping every child find their rhythm in reading. Music is a universal language that connects us all and libraries are the perfect stage for children and families to discover that joy together.”
Sharlotte Ritchie, senior director, global impact & communications, Universal Music Group, said: “Universal Music Group UK is proud to help make this vision a reality. Read To The Beat! celebrates everything that makes reading and music transformative. Together, they can spark a lifelong love of creativity in children everywhere. We hope this first gift in Manchester will help perpetuate the energy and vibrancy around music this weekend.”
Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council's executive member for skills, employment and leisure, said: "What better place than Manchester Central Library to launch a wonderful initiative bringing together both reading and music for children and their families to enjoy. As a city steeped in both literature and music, we look forward to children enjoying access to music and books as we look ahead to combining them in the Summer Reading Challenge this year."
