The Toronto Public Library is considering a musical instrument lending program similar to those gaining momentum across North America.

According to the Globe and Mail, a December 14 report to the board of the TPL said final negotiations are underway to launch a two-year pilot program similar to the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library in Kingston.

The idea came from Sun Life Financial, which approached the library last year about sponsorship.

The Kingston program, named after a local musician who died in 1999, lends out its 800 instruments more than 5,000 times a year.

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