Montreal public libraries now lending musical instruments for free
More than 100 musical instruments donated to Montreal public libraries
You can take out a xylophone with that book on your next trip to certain Montreal public libraries.
Eight Montreal public libraries will now be lending guitars, keyboards, drums, violins, ukuleles and xylophones to its members for free.
The new initiative is part of the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program, which launched in Toronto and Vancouver in April and June respectively. Montreal is the first city in Quebec to take part in the program.
Sun Life Financial is providing $108,860 in funding and is donating 100 musical instruments to the City of Montreal as part of the project.
"We are delighted to partner with Sun Life Financial to help Montrealers discover the wonderful world of music through this innovative service," Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said in a statement on Monday.
Coderre added the program fits with the city's new child policy, which aims in part to provide "access to culture, sports and leisure."
Anyone will be able to borrow the instruments, free of charge, with a valid card from one of the following public library branches:
- Du Boisé
- Georges-Vanier
- La Petite-Patrie
- Maison culturelle et communautaire
- Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Saint-Léonard
- Saul-Bellow
- Verdun.
Montreal public libraries will also be running a musical instrument donation drive until Dec. 24. People can drop off their new or slightly used instruments at the above locations (with the exception of the Du Boisé and Saint-Léonard libraries).