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Winnipeg Public Library

Musical Instruments


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.

How to Borrow Musical Instruments

  • You must have a library card in good standing to borrow an instrument. Limited and Visitor cards are not eligible.
  • You may borrow 1 instrument per card at a time.
  • You may place a hold on 1 instrument per card at a time.
  • Instruments can be borrowed for 3 weeks, with up to 5 renewals allowed
  • A replacement fee will apply to lost or damaged instruments and accessories.
  • All musical instruments must be picked up at Millennium Library, and returned in-person to the Millennium Library circulation desk. Returns will not be accepted at other libraries/branches.

Quick links

Instruments

Acoustic Guitars

Full-size, 3/4 size and 1/2 size acoustic guitars are available with either Nylon String or Steel String. Each size also has left-handed options. Acoustic guitars come in a cloth carry bag and include a chromatic tuner and nylon strap.

Resource guide for Acoustic Guitar

Care video for Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Bass Guitars

Acoustic Bass guitars includes built-in electronic tuner, nylon strap and instrument case. Active pickup for amplification capability but cable and amplifer not included.

Resource guide for Acoustic Bass Guitar

Care video for Acoustic Bass Guitar

Banjo

Gold Tone 5 string banjo with chromatic tuner, nylon strap and instrument case.

Resource guide for Banjo

Care video for Banjo

Bongos

Bongos consist of a pair of small drums with varying sizes. Sizes available: 7 & 8in. set and 6.5 & 7.5in. set.

Resource guide for Bongos

Care video for Bongos

Cajon

Also known as a box drum, the cajon is approximately 48 cm in height (19 in.) and includes an instrument case.

Resource guide for Cajon

Care video for Cajon

Djembe

The djembe, a West-African rope-tuned skin-covered drum, includes a strap and instrument case.

Resource guide for Djembe

Care video for Djembe

Doumbek

A goblet drum of Middle Eastern and North African origins. Approximately 43cm (17in.) in height and includes an instrument case.

Resource guide for Doumbek

Care video for Doumbek

Electric Guitar

Right handed Epiphone electric guitar with Line 6 Spider V 20 amp, power cable, instrument cable, chromatic tuner, strap and instrument case.

Resource guide for Electric Guitar

Care video for Electric Guitar

Instruction manual for Line 6 Spider V 20 amp

Glockenspiel

Similar to the xylophone, a glockenspiel has bars made of metal plates. 2.5 octabes and includes 2 mallets, 1 practice pad, 2 drum sticks, 1 instrument stand, 1 sheet music stand, 2 practice music sheets, 1 assembly instructions and 1 instrument case.

Resource guide for Glockenspiel

Care video for Glockenspiel

Keyboard

Two keyboard sizes are available: 88 note keyboard (weighs 13.6kg/30lbs) and 61 note keyboard (8.3 kg/18.2 lbs). Each include 1 AC adaptor, 1 attachable music score rest, 1 manual and 1 instrument case.

Resource guide for Keyboard

Care video for Keyboard

Mandolin

Right-handed 8 stringed mandolin including a chromatic tumer and instrument case.

Resource guide for Mandolin

Care video for Mandolin

Ukulele

Soprano ukulele including chromatic tuner and instrument case.

Resource guide for Ukulele

Care video for Ukulele

Violin

Full size, 1/4 size, 1/2 size, and 3/4 size violins including bow, tuner, block of rosin, cloth blanket and instrument case.

Resource guide for Violin

Care video for Violin

General Instrument Care

  • Make sure hands are clean before playing any instrument.
  • When not in use, store the instrument in its case, away from direct sources of heat.
  • If the instrument is cold, let it come to room temperature before playing.
  • Please return the instrument to the library immediately if it is damaged.

FAQ for Borrowing Instruments


Currently, there are a variety of stringed instruments such as acoustic guitars (nylon-stringed & steel-stringed in various sizes), acoustic bass guitars, violins (various sizes), ukuleles (various sizes), mandolins, and banjos in the collection. There are also a selection of drums such as bongos, cajons, doumbeks, and djembes, as well as glockenspiels, and portable keyboards.

You must have a library card in good standing to borrow an instrument.
Limited and Visitor cards are not eligible.

Borrowing an instrument is free. Like other library materials, there are charges for lost or damaged instruments, containers and accessories. See the Membership Guide for details.

You can borrow one instrument at a time.

The loan period is 21 days. If no one has requested that instrument, you may renew for an additional 21 days. There is a limit of 5 renewals.

Yes, one instrument may be placed on hold at a time. When you are notified that the instrument is ready for pick up, you will need to come to the Millennium Library.

Instruments are kept at the Millennium Library. If you know which instrument you want to borrow and the library catalogue says it is Checked In, go to the Circulation desk at the entrance of the Millennium Library. If you need help to search the catalogue or determine what to ask for, talk to our staff. Instruments are not able to be sent to another library/branch for pick-up.

Instruments must be returned to the Circulation Desk at Millennium Library during open hours. Instrument returns will not be accepted at other libraries/branches.

There are books, DVDs, etc. in the library collection that can help you learn to play the instrument. If you need help to search the catalogue or determine what to ask for, talk to our staff.

As with other library materials borrowed, you are responsible for musical instruments borrowed on your card and for any charges on items that are lost or damaged. See the Membership Guide for details.


Last update: February 23, 2022

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