Ontario
Borrow musical instruments for free through participating public libraries in Toronto, Ottawa, and Kitchener.
About
The Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library is a public-library instrument lending program that has expanded to multiple Canadian library systems over time. In Ontario, the program can be traced through Toronto, Ottawa, and Kitchener, where people can borrow instruments through their local public libraries instead of buying one outright.
Ontario locations
Toronto Public Library
Parkdale: 1303 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Downsview: 2793 Keele Street, Toronto, ON
York Woods: 1785 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, ON
Ottawa Public Library
Main: 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5M2.
Nepean Centrepointe: 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 5K7.
Cumberland: 1599 Tenth Line Road, Ottawa, ON K1E 3E8.
Greenboro: 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive, Ottawa, ON K1T 3P8.
Kitchener Public Library
Central Library: 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON
How it works
Use an eligible card from the participating library system. Check its instrument availability and borrowing requirements before visiting; visitor or reciprocal cards may not qualify.
Choose from available instruments such as guitars, violins, keyboards, ukuleles, and more, depending on the system.
Borrow one instrument at a time for three weeks. Renewal limits vary by library system and availability.
Return the instrument in person to the branch where you borrowed it. Kitchener instruments must be picked up and returned at Central Library.
Why it’s low-waste
This program keeps instruments in active community use instead of leaving every learner or family to buy one of their own. For many people, an instrument is something they want to try before committing to, or only need for a season of lessons. By making borrowing possible through public libraries, the program lowers barriers to music, extends the useful life of each instrument, and supports a culture of access, sharing, and reuse rather than unnecessary purchasing.
Good for
Trying a new instrument
Music learners of all ages
Families who do not want to buy an instrument right away
People looking for free community access to music
Last verified: September 21, 2026.
Official sources: Toronto instrument lending · Ottawa instrument lending · Kitchener instrument lending.