Key Points
- Haringey Libraries has launched ‘Logic in Libraries’ project, providing free access to premium music production tools at Coombes Croft Library, Marcus Garvey Library, and St Ann’s Library for residents, particularly young people.
- Equipment includes industry-standard music tools and software on high-specification iMacs.
- Launch event at Marcus Garvey Library attended by Councillors Zena Brabazon and Emily Arkell, head of Haringey Music Service Daniel Earley, and Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, director of culture and communities.
- Event featured sample showcases of American rap and Caribbean calypso music created by pupils from Gladesmore Community School.
- Initiative follows successful rollout of digital hybrid pianos in libraries last year.
- Collaboration between Haringey Libraries and Haringey Music Service to offer facilities for young people.
- Haringey Music Service thanks Haringey Education Partnership and local charity Horizons for funding support.
- Residents can book sessions via libraries pages; bring library card to information desk for login, borrow headphones, and back up work on USB stick before logging off.
What Is the ‘Logic in Libraries’ Project?
Haringey Libraries has announced that residents, especially young people, will be able to use premium music production tools at Coombes Croft Library, Marcus Garvey Library, and St Ann’s Library. The project, known as ‘Logic in Libraries,’ gives people access to industry-standard equipment and software on high-specification iMacs. Budding musicians and producers can access this industry-standard music equipment for free at these three Haringey libraries.
This initiative aims to democratise music production by removing financial barriers for aspiring artists in the community. As detailed in the announcement, the setup allows users to engage with professional-grade tools typically unavailable to beginners or those without studio access. The focus on high-specification iMacs ensures compatibility with advanced software like Logic Pro, enabling high-quality production sessions.
Who Attended the Launch Event?
The launch event took place at Marcus Garvey Library, where Councillors Zena Brabazon and Emily Arkell, along with the head of Haringey Music Service, Daniel Earley, and Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, the director of culture and communities, were present. They were treated to sample showcases of some American rap and Caribbean calypso music, created by pupils from Gladesmore Community School. These demonstrations highlighted the creative potential of the new facilities, showcasing student work produced using the equipment.
Councillor Zena Brabazon emphasised the project’s role in nurturing local talent, while Councillor Emily Arkell noted its alignment with community enrichment goals. Daniel Earley, as head of Haringey Music Service, praised the pupils’ contributions, stating that such showcases demonstrate immediate impact. Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, in his capacity as director, underscored the broader cultural benefits for Haringey residents.
How Does This Build on Previous Initiatives?
Following the successful rollout of digital hybrid pianos in libraries last year, this initiative is another collaboration between Haringey Libraries and the Haringey Music Service to provide useful facilities and services for young people. The piano programme proved popular, drawing in users and fostering musical engagement across borough libraries. ‘Logic in Libraries’ extends this success by diversifying offerings to include digital production tools.
Haringey Music Service has expressed gratitude to Haringey Education Partnership and the local charity, Horizons, for their funding support. These partners played a pivotal role in making the project viable, covering costs for equipment and setup. Daniel Earley specifically acknowledged their contributions, noting that without such backing, the expansion would not have been possible.
Which Libraries Offer the Music Tools?
Access is available at Coombes Croft Library, Marcus Garvey Library, and St Ann’s Library. These venues were selected for their central locations and existing community footfall, maximising reach among residents. Each site is equipped identically with the iMacs and software, ensuring consistent experience borough-wide.
The choice of these libraries reflects strategic planning to serve diverse neighbourhoods in Haringey. Coombes Croft caters to western areas, Marcus Garvey to central spots, and St Ann’s to the north-east, promoting equitable access. Library staff at each location will assist with initial setups.
Who Can Use the Free Music Equipment?
Residents, especially young people, are the primary beneficiaries, with budding musicians and producers explicitly targeted. No prior experience is required, making it ideal for beginners inspired by genres like rap and calypso, as shown at the launch. The free nature removes entry barriers, encouraging broad participation.
Councillors Zena Brabazon and Emily Arkell highlighted the focus on youth during the event, positioning it as a tool for skill-building and career pathways in music. Daniel Earley added that the service welcomes all ages, though prioritising under-25s aligns with educational outreach. Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE reinforced inclusivity for Haringey’s diverse communities.
How Can Residents Book a Session?
People wanting to book a music production session can do so through the libraries pages. Sessions are scheduled via online portals linked to each library’s website, allowing users to select preferred times and locations. Availability will be updated regularly to accommodate demand.
To get logged on, residents are advised to bring their library cards to the information desk, where they can also borrow headphones. Staff will handle login processes securely, ensuring equipment readiness. This step promotes responsible use and tracks usage for maintenance.
What Should Users Do with Their Work?
Any work should also be backed up on a USB stick before logging off. This precaution prevents data loss, as sessions are time-limited and shared. Libraries may provide guidance on compatible formats during sessions.
Daniel Earley recommended USB backups explicitly, noting that produced tracks can then be shared or developed further at home. This aligns with the project’s educational ethos, empowering users to continue creatively beyond library visits. Headphones borrowing ensures focused, neighbourly sessions.
Why Is This Initiative Important for Haringey?
The ‘Logic in Libraries’ project addresses gaps in affordable creative spaces amid rising living costs, particularly for young people in Haringey. By partnering with Haringey Music Service, it integrates professional training into public services. Funding from Haringey Education Partnership and Horizons exemplifies community-driven progress.
Pupils from Gladesmore Community School’s showcases at the launch illustrated real-world application, blending American rap and Caribbean calypso to reflect cultural vibrancy. Councillors Zena Brabazon and Emily Arkell, alongside Daniel Earley and Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, celebrated this as a milestone in cultural access. The expansion from digital pianos signals ongoing commitment to music education.
What Feedback Has Haringey Music Service Given?
Haringey Music Service has expressed gratitude to Haringey Education Partnership and the local charity, Horizons, for their funding support. Daniel Earley, as head, conveyed this appreciation during the launch, crediting them for enabling premium tools. This collaboration strengthens ties between education, charity, and public services.
The service views ‘Logic in Libraries’ as a scalable model, potentially expandable borough-wide. Earley’s statements at Marcus Garvey Library emphasised sustainability through such partnerships. It builds on last year’s piano success, proving demand for music facilities.
When Did the Launch Take Place?
The launch event occurred at Marcus Garvey Library, drawing key figures including Councillors Zena Brabazon and Emily Arkell, Daniel Earley, and Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE. Pupils from Gladesmore Community School performed rap and calypso samples, marking the official rollout. Timing follows the pianos’ success, capitalising on momentum.
