Martyn the Music Man plays his guitar for children at Thirsk Library.You’re never too young to enjoy music and at Thirsk Community Library they believe in starting from an early age.

Now, a grant from Broadacres Community Development Fund is helping to fund pre-school music sessions to introduce toddlers to a range of musical instruments.

It’s just one of a host of activities organised at the library that are free or very low cost to locals.

“We have found in the past that if we get a little seed funding, we can grow sessions so that they become sustainable,” said Sally Burton, Chair of the Thirsk Community Library Trustees.

“Five years ago we introduced Lego sessions. They started with small numbers and have grown and grown and are now very popular after school and in holidays.”

The library looks to cater for all ages and as well as a wide range of activities for young people, other sessions include digital skills support, talking newspaper for the blind, knit and natter and a hard of hearing group.

 There are also plans for art sessions, a local history discussion group and an adult group for people to record or write their stories of local life which will then be transcribed so others can enjoy.

“Many people are struggling financially and we don’t want anyone to miss out because of that,” said Sally. “

To ensure inclusivity we keep these sessions free or at very low cost, no more than £2 and so the Broadacres grant is very welcome in helping us to do that.”

Details about the music sessions, featuring Martyn the Music Man, as well as a wide range of other activities can be found by searching on Facebook for Thirsk Community Library.

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved a Panel consisting of Broadacres’ residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/