What's On at the Library

What is the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library?

The Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library is a collection of musical instruments including guitars, keyboards, and violins that can be borrowed for free with a valid library card. Toronto Public Library, in partnership with Sun Life, launched the city’s second Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library at Downsview Branch. 

In 2016, Parkdale Branch became the city’s first Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library in a pilot project that was part of a national initiative by Sun Life.

Update: The 2019 Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library donation drive has now ended. Please visit our Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library webpage for more information about the service.

Why is there a musical instrument donation drive?

We’re kicking off a city-wide instrument donation drive to add to the collection of instruments donated by Sun Life. Donated instruments will be added to the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library.

When can I donate instruments?

The window for this donation drive has now closed. Instruments were gratefully accepted from Tuesday, May 28 to Saturday, June 22, 2019. Please stay tuned for future opportunities to donate instruments to the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library.

What kinds of instruments are accepted?

• Guitars – Classical and Acoustic Left and right-handed ½, ¾, and full-size guitars, Electric Guitars, Electric Bass Guitars, Acoustic Bass Guitars, Travel Guitars, Ukuleles, Banjos, Mandolins, Amps, Tuners, Strings (Nylon and Steel), Soft Cases
• Strings – Violins, Cellos, Violas
• Keyboards – Light Weight Portable Keyboards, Accordions, Concertina, Foot Pedals, Soft Cases
• Percussion – Djembe, Doumbek, Bongo Drums, Dholaks, Tablas, Xylophones, Cajon Box Drums, Cases

What kinds of instruments cannot be accepted?

Brass and wind instruments are not currently being accepted. Pianos or drum kits cannot be accepted because of size restrictions. Instruments weighing over 25 pounds cannot be accepted. 

What does "gently used" mean?

Gently used means that the instrument is still in good working condition. It may show signs of being used (paint wearing off, guitar strings broken, etc.), but is still fully functional.

How will instruments be cleaned and maintained?

Each instrument is properly inspected and cleaned before it is made available to the public.

Will all instruments be added to the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library?

Not all donated instruments will be added to the Sun Life Musical Instrument Library. Any broken instruments will not be added. Instruments valued at more than $1,000 will be sold or auctioned to raise money for the program. The library reserves the right to decide what is added to the collection.

Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer tax receipts as part of this campaign.

What if I don't have an instrument to donate, but would like to make a financial contribution?

We will gladly accept financial contributions to the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library Program. If you would like to donate funds to support this program, please visit http://tplfoundation.ca. Thank you!

Who is involved in this project?

Sun Life, Long & McQuade and Toronto Public Library are working together on this donation drive for the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library.

Visit tpl.ca/instrumentlending for more information about the Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library.