Music

The Central Library holds a wide range of books on music of all types. These can be borrowed for up to three weeks. Resources include encyclopaedias, dictionaries, directories and periodicals.

CDs

Music CDs can be borrowed from the Central Library and some Community Libraries. CDs are available to borrow from libraries three months after they have been released.

All CDs, including box sets cost £1 per week to hire, then 25p per day, to a maximum of £6.50.

Recent titles added to our collection can be found on our New CDs page. All other titles can be found on the library catalogue.

Advance payment

By paying in advance you will receive 50 per cent extra value credit. £10 will buy £15 credit, £20 will buy £30 credit and so on. The credit can be used for any library transactions such as hire charges, fines, book sales or printing.

Music sets

Local music groups, choirs and societies in Plymouth, Torbay and Devon can borrow music sets, including choral works, shows and librettos, Christmas carols, orchestral sets and partsongs. Loan periods cover rehearsal and performance. Charges are based on the number of copies loaned and the loan period:

Plymouth based groups

• Vocal scores/Libretti per 10 copies - £1.70 per month
• Boxed Vocal/Orchestral sets per box - £1.70 per month
• Playsets - Free for nine weeks then £1.70 for four weeks

Non-Plymouth based groups

• Vocal scores/Libretti per 10 copies - £3 per month
• Boxed Vocal/Orchestral sets per box - £3.50 per month
• Playsets - Free for nine weeks then £1.70 for four weeks

Use our requests service to obtain books and music scores not in stock. We have access to a national database and other specialist catalogues and can trace items for you.

All charges are inclusive of VAT where appropriate.

Find out more about fees and charges on our library charges page.

Online

The following subscription resources are free to use from any computer with a Plymouth Library card.

Oxford Music Online
Online access to the ultimate authority on all aspects of music, including Grove Music Online.

Naxos Music Library
Online classical music collection.

If you need more information about any of our music services, email music@plymouth.gov.uk or phone 01752 305914.