The Toronto Public Library is now offering a collection of musical instruments at its Parkdale branch that can be borrowed for free with a library card. Guitars, keyboards, string and percussion instruments are available with the exciting new initiative, which has been made possible with generous support from Sun Life Financial through their Making the Arts More Accessible program,
Toronto's first musical instrument lending library available to anyone with a library card! ??? #TOMusicCity pic.twitter.com/XDaHoa87c0
— 4479 (@4479Toronto) April 7, 2016
The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library is the first of its kind in the city, and also the first in public libraries across Canada. Canadian artists Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace andChantal Kreviazuk were on-hand at the Parkdale Library to kick-off the new initiative, which also featured performances from students from at the Regent Park School of Music. During the announcements, Sun Life announced the donation of $155,000 to the Toronto Public Library to help establish the new program.
1st instruments donated in @torontolibrary month long donation drive by @MrRaineMaida @chantalkreviaz! #TOMusicCity pic.twitter.com/spy2mrg8eV
— 4479 (@4479Toronto) April 7, 2016
The JUNO-award winning musicians were also the first to contribute to the month-long instrument donation drive with an acoustic guitar and keyboard. For Toronto residents with extra gently used instruments, donations are being accepted from Thursday, April 7 to Saturday, May 7th at the Parkdale library branch and Toronto/North York Long & McQuade locations.
