Backed by at least £12.5 million, the Music in Libraries programme will transform libraries into community music spaces equipped with recording booths, mixing desks, studio facilities and performance areas where young artists can learn, create and showcase their work free of charge.
The initiative was inspired by singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, whose charitable foundation has already supported similar projects in libraries and youth centres while providing instrument loans to young people pursuing music.
Sheeran first discussed the idea with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy during a visit last year to the non-profit arts organisation Brighten The Corners in Ipswich. That visit helped shape what has now become a national government-backed programme aimed at making professional music resources accessible to everyone, regardless of background.
The government believes libraries are uniquely positioned to become welcoming creative spaces because they are already trusted community institutions used by young people across the country.
Musician, author and broadcaster Guvna B, who also serves as co-chair of the charity Youth Music, welcomed the announcement, saying the project could transform opportunities for young people who would otherwise struggle to access professional music facilities.
"If you look at libraries, they're places that young people are familiar with," he said.
"They feel safe there, and they're going to feel free to create good stuff in an environment they're comfortable in."
He also stressed that music should not only be viewed as a career pathway but as an important tool for emotional wellbeing, particularly at a time when concerns over youth mental health continue to grow.
"Something that's often underestimated about music is just how it helps people deal with difficult situations in their life and express themselves," he said.
"You don't all have to be headlining the O2 Arena or Wembley Stadium. Sometimes it's enough for a kid in a bedroom in Scunthorpe to pick up a guitar and just express themselves. What that does for a young person's mind is second to none."
Beyond the library project, the government's wider music strategy includes several measures aimed at strengthening the UK's music sector, which contributes around £8 billion to the economy annually.
The plan will provide mentoring opportunities for artists, promoters and industry professionals, reduce administrative barriers facing music festivals and smaller venues, and introduce longer-term licensing arrangements intended to improve financial certainty for event organisers.
An additional £15 million will also be invested in the existing Music Growth Package, helping emerging British artists expand both domestically and internationally.
Announcing the package, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the reforms are designed to ensure that musical opportunities are no longer determined by privilege.
"As the song says, 'Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.' But pop is getting posher, and that must change."
"We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few."
The announcement comes as concerns continue to mount over the financial pressures facing grassroots music across the UK.
Separately on Monday, the LIVE Trust revealed a £1 million funding boost to support independent artists, grassroots venues and promoters.
The money was generated through donations from leading artists including Sam Fender, Wolf Alice and Harry Styles, who contributed £1 from every ticket sold during their recent tours. Since launching in January 2025, the trust has already supported more than 100 artists, promoters and venues.
"This funding has had a huge impact," he said.
"It enabled me to take the full band out with me, as a four piece, and cover accommodation and travel costs without me having to lose a significant amount of money."
"It also enabled me to do two gigs in Cornwall which wouldn't have really been possible without this funding, due to travel costs making that unviable."
The support arrives at a challenging period for Britain's live music scene. Industry figures show that three nightclubs close every week on average, while more than half of small music venues operate without making a profit, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of grassroots performance spaces.
Alt-J musician Gus Unger-Hamilton, who also serves as a director of the Featured Artists Coalition, said initiatives such as the LIVE Trust are becoming increasingly important as financial pressures continue to widen the gap between major arena tours and smaller live venues.
"The whole ecosystem is really struggling," he said.
"The problem is that we're seeing this widening gap now between stadium and arena touring and grassroots touring."
"Concert tickets are costing more and more and more money — often north of £100 for a pretty average seat to watch a pop star, and that means that people have less money to spend on going to watch live music."
"So that in turn is causing the smaller music scene to kind of shrivel because so much money is going into these big arena shows."
"So it's really fantastic that now artists playing these big gigs are able to support the grassroots, which is where they all came from."
"It makes the ecosystem much more healthy."
Responding to the government's updated music strategy, Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music, welcomed the direction of the plans while urging continued collaboration on broader industry challenges.
"We're very excited to be working with ministers to improve access and opportunities for young musicians."
"But there's always more that can be done."
He identified areas including artificial intelligence, post-Brexit EU touring arrangements and music education as priorities requiring further attention, while adding that the government's latest strategy provides a "solid foundation" for tackling those issues together in the years ahead.