Sun Life Instrument Lending Library
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 your public library card to borrow a musical instrument through a participating branch or library system.
Choose from available instruments such as guitars, violins, keyboards, ukuleles, and more, depending on the system.
Take the instrument home to practice, learn, or explore music without the upfront cost of ownership.
Return the instrument so it can be shared with the next borrower through the library system.
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