Borrow a Musical Instrument
Musical Instrument Lending Library
The Musical Instrument Lending Library is a collection of instruments (guitars, ukuleles, bongos, violins, and more) that can be borrowed for free with a valid library card.
Musical instrument lending library locations
Parkdale: 1303 Queen Street West, 416-393-7686
Downsview: 2793 Keele Street, 416-395-5720
York Woods: 1785 Finch Avenue West, 416-395-5980
Learn with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO)
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra's TSOUND ADVICE series provides an introduction on how to play your instrument from TSO musicians directly. Click on the thumbnails below to access instrument tutorials for the instruments available at the Musical Instrument Learning Library.
Learn more about the TSO's programs for children, adults and families.
Instrument types
Keyboards
Strings
Equipment and electronics
How instrument lending works
Borrowing an instrument
- Instruments can only be borrowed from one of the Musical Instrument Lending Library locations (please see the list above). Contact the branch to find out if the instrument you want is available.
- Make sure you have a valid Toronto Public Library card. If you need to renew your card or get a new card, bring the required identification.
- You will be asked to sign a Musical Instrument Lending Agreement. For children under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement.
- Instruments must be returned to the Musical Instrument Lending Library branch that they were borrowed from.
Rules and conditions
- You may borrow 1 instrument at a time.
- The loan period for an instrument is 3 weeks. You are allowed 2 renewals, which means you can keep the instrument for up to 9 weeks in total.
- If you lose or damage an instrument or its accessories, you will be charged a replacement fee.
Caring for musical instruments
Learn how to take care of the instruments you borrow. These videos will show you how.
About the service
The Musical Instrument Lending Library is the first of its kind in the city, and also the first in public libraries across Canada! With generous support from donors, Toronto Public Library offers a collection of musical instruments that can be borrowed with a library card.
Related links
Generously supported by:
