Hedley, Mother Mother on hand to launch Vancouver Public Library's borrowable collection of instruments

If you've ever wanted to try learninga musicalinstrument but wouldn't or couldn't invest in one, the Vancouver Public Library might have the answer.

Its new instrument lending program at the downtown branch allows cardholders to pick from among100 instruments.

From brass to woodwinds, from ukuleles to banjos even the lastharp owned by the woman who recorded the theme song to The Friendly Giant, a popular Canadian children's show that aired on CBC television from 1958 to 1985.

Members of popular bandsHedleyandMother Motherwereon hand Tuesdayfor the launch of the program.

"I think it's important for us to represent a community that really relies on togetherness," said Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard.

Mother Mother's MollyGuldemond was also excited at the idea.

"When i first heard about it it was like, 'Obviously, why not? Why hasn't this been a thing before?'" shesaid."Music and the arts shouldn't be elitist, so it's a very good thing to be a part of."

The bulk of the collection was donated by SunLife Financial, alongwith $130,000 for program costs.

Spit valves will be clean

And if you're worried about instrument cleanliness, don't fret.

A partnership with Long and McQuade means library staff will be trained inproper care and cleaning of loanedinstruments to ensure all spit valves and mouth pieces are well taken care of.

Just don't turn yours in afterthe due date.Late fees are a dollar perday.