Windsor-Essex residents will soon be able to borrow a musical instrument for free through the public library system, giving aspiring musicians a chance to try something new without the upfront cost of buying one. The Robert Franz Play It Forward Instrument Library is expected to begin lending instruments Dec. 1, following a partnership between the Rotary Club of Canada South, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Public Library and the City of Windsor. The initiative will collect donated instruments, have them assessed and refurbished by the symphony orchestra, and make them available to borrow through the library. Rebecca Ng, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s education and community outreach manager, said the idea grew out of conversations between the community partners about how they could put their respective expertise to use. “We came up with the idea for a lending library pretty quickly,” Ng said, adding that the library’s involvement helped turn the idea into a workable program. “Access to music-making should be an opportunity for everyone, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford an instrument,” she said. Borrowers will need a valid adult Windsor Public Library card and will be able to keep an instrument for three weeks. Renewals will be available if another borrower has not reserved the instrument. Jen Knights, representing Windsor Public Library, said residents will be able to browse the available instruments through the library’s website and request one for pickup at their preferred branch. The instrument will be delivered to that branch within a few days, she said. Knights said the program could appeal to people who have always wanted to learn an instrument, those returning to music after a break, and parents hoping to introduce their children to music without committing to the expense of buying an instrument. Ann Hetherington, president of the Rotary Club of Canada South, said the program could give a child the chance to try an instrument before a family invests in lessons and equipment. “Something like this is an incredible opportunity for young elementary school students who might go home and say, ‘I want to learn how to play the oboe,’ and Mom and Dad say, ‘Well, we really can’t afford to do that, or let’s try one out and see how it goes before we make that investment,’” Hetherington explained. She also sees potential for older adults who want to pursue a musical interest later in life. The initiative is named in honour of the late Robert Franz, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s former music director, who died in 2025. Mayor Drew Dilkens said the program reflects Franz’s belief in music’s ability to bring people together and will help put instruments into the hands of residents who might not otherwise have access to them. Organizers are encouraging residents to donate instruments they no longer use. Accepted items include guitars, violins, violas, cellos, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, percussion instruments and other portable instruments in playable or repairable condition. Cases, bows, mouthpieces, music stands and other accessories are also welcome, but pianos will not be accepted because of transportation and storage requirements. Donations can be dropped off at the Windsor Symphony Orchestra box office at the Capitol Theatre, 121 University Ave. W., during regular business hours or before any symphony concert. People who cannot deliver an instrument can email canadasouthrotary@gmail.com to arrange a pickup through the Rotary Club of Canada South. Knights said donations have already started coming in, with the partners hoping to make the first instruments available to the public in December.
