As of this week, the Union Music Library has moved to a new, more accessible space, accommodating more people and even more records.
Dating back to the 1960s, the Union Music Library has long been an underrated yet treasured part of the University, allowing students and non-students of Leeds alike to explore and borrow music. Now boasting an impressive collection of around 6,000 records, CDs and cassettes, the volunteer-led Library is something of a sanctum to users, offering a relaxed and friendly environment and access to a broad mix of genres, both old and new.
After a long campaign for a bigger and more accessible HQ, the committee have lugged the extensive collection from its more secluded former territory on the fourth floor of the Union to a room neighbouring the RAG office on Level 2—a space that will accommodate more people (and more records!). The new space also lives up to the Union Music Library’s ethos of inclusivity and approachability, offering wheelchair access and gender-neutral toilets nearby.
Though the former office will be missed, UML President Shauna Stapleton looks forward to the potential of the new room; “So many people are going to discover so many cool records now that the UML is more accessible, and I’m proud to be part of the committee that made this happen”.
The committee and volunteers will be decorating the new room this weekend to achieve the same homely, DIY atmosphere of the last.
The Union Music Library is open to all from 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday, though membership is required to borrow records.
By Safi Bugel.
Originally published by The Gryphon: http://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2018/02/21/union-music-library-moves-into-new-space/
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