The origins of this very rich but underused resource go back to the early days of the London County Council. It has moved many times through a variety of London locations, including the Centre for Young Musicians at Morley College, where it acquired the 'CYM' title by which it is generally known.
After 15 years attached to Trinity College of Music, the Library, aided by a generous grant from the Wates Foundation, has now been transferred to a charitable company with a new 'CYM' title (the Community & Youth Music Library). Its improbable-sounding new home is the Sport Action Zone, Lollard Street, London SE11 6PY - a few yards from Lambeth Walk.
The library's two volunteer librarians, Tony Lynes and Peter Smith, remain committed to getting its large collection of scores used as widely as possible by singers and other amateur musicians, young and old, all over the country. There is a small hire charge - £12 per month for a set of scores of a major choral work. The choral music catalogue alone includes some 1,800 works, covering most of the traditional choral repertoire. In many cases, orchestral parts are also available.
The Library's catalogues can be viewed on its website, www.cymlibrary.org.uk.
For further information or to hire copies, email cymlibrary@googlemail.com or ring 0208 127 1027 or 0207 733 7235.
Posted: Wed 22nd December 2010