Bringing music home: Joe’s M.I.L.L. offers borrowing program in collaboration with KFPL

Discover the joy of music! Try, and borrow, an instrument from Joe's M.I.L.L. (Joe Chithalen Memorial
Music Instrument Lending Library) without the need to travel downtown.

Joe's M.I.L.L. and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library are partnering to bring the joy of music to more
people in the community. On Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m., M.I.L.L. staff will make instruments available
at the Rideau Heights Branch starting June 7 through December 13.

With over 1000 instruments for borrowing, Joe's M.I.L.L. opens up a world of musical possibilities for
community members. From guitars and ukuleles to mandolins and more, aspiring musicians of all ages
can easily embark on their musical journey.

"Music has the power to inspire, uplift and bring people together,” said Brianne Peters, Librarian,
Children’s Services. “By offering access to diverse instruments, we hope to ignite a passion for music
and create memorable experiences for library users.”

"By bringing music to the community's doorstep, we aim to break down barriers and empower
individuals to pursue their passion for music,” said Denis Leroux, President, Joe’s M.I.L.L. “We look
forward to witnessing the transformative power of music in the lives of library visitors.”

Joe's M.I.L.L. is able to do this with the help of a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
A membership with Joe's M.I.L.L. is required to borrow an instrument. To register, individuals must
provide photo ID showing their date of birth and a document from the last 30 days displaying their
current residential address. Additionally, a registration recovery fee of $15 is required to help offset
operating costs. There is no charge or fee to borrow an instrument.

The borrowing period for instruments is four weeks (28 days), after which they must be returned.
Instruments can only be returned to Joe’s M.I.L.L. staff during pop-up events at the Rideau Heights
Branch or to the M.I.L.L. at the TETT Centre for Learning and Creativity during open hours.

To kickstart this remarkable program, join the Amp Your Appetite Kickoff Event on June 7 from 4-6 p.m.
This interactive event will allow participants to explore various instruments under professional
supervision, even if they have no prior musical experience. Snacks will be provided after the musical
experience, making it a fun-filled evening for the whole family.