Ed Sheeran inspires £12.5m music education push in libraries

Ed Sheeran has inspired a new £12.5 million government scheme to bring music education into libraries across England. The Music in Libraries initiative, co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, aims to boost the role of libraries in music enrichment. Libraries will become hubs where people can learn instruments, compose and collaborate, shifting their traditional image as quiet spaces for borrowing books. The funding marks a significant investment in community music education, driven by Sheeran’s own advocacy for accessible music learning. The scheme is set to roll out nationwide, though no timeline has been given. It is the latest example of a high-profile musician leveraging their influence to shape cultural policy.