Library, Sun Life launch musical instrument lending library

By Rosa Saba

The Ottawa Public Library has launched a musical instrument lending program, making 150 instruments available for public use.

The instruments can be checked out at either the Main branch on Metcalfe Street or the Nepean Centrepointe location. Superstar Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan was at the launch of the program, which is funded by Sun Life Financial as part of the Making Arts More Accessible program.

The instruments – including guitars, banjos, keyboards, mandolins and violins – will be accompanied by a series of teaching videos, as well as a tuner upon borrowing. McLachlan told the Ottawa Citizen that a program like this removes some of the financial barriers many people face when it comes to learning an instrument.

According to the library’s website, those wishing to support the program can also donate instruments until Dec. 8. Instruments can be borrowed for three weeks, with three renewals if there are no holds placed on the instrument.

Availability can be checked online.