The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe’s M.I.L.L.) has over 500 instruments and resources of all kinds including, but not limited to, guitars, keyboards, drums, horns, violins, percussion, exotic instruments, amplifiers, sheet music, and much more – and they’re all available to borrow … free of charge!
Roger Eccleston, the coordinator at Joe’s MILL, is happy to answer questions or help you find the right instrument to borrow. A skilled musician in his own right, Roger has vast experience in repairing, maintaining and restoring musical instruments of all kinds.
Run by volunteers, Joe’s MILL is a registered charity in Kingston, Ontario founded by musician, Wally High, in memory of his friend and bandmember, the late Joe Chithalen, who was a talented bass player in several well-known Kingston bands. Joe’s MILL operates in tribute to Joe’s love of music such that everyone who wants to can enjoy playing music as he did.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our lending and teaching program fosters music appreciation, knowledge, community enrichment and provides opportunities for youth and adults to meet their full potential.
THE 2012 JOE’S MILL BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Terry Snider – President
Richard Burgman – Vice-President
June Chithalen – Treasurer
Eleanor Chithalen – Secretary
Bill Ernst – Past-president
James Chithalen
Jan Chithalen
Liana Finucan
Ricardo Guiliani
Roger James
Connie Leeman
Chantal Thompson
vince bronick
/ February 20, 2012I cannot tell you how amazing it is to see this idea in action. I’m sure I am not the only one to reply saying that they have had a similar idea, it makes more sense than a traditional library these days, but to see it working is fantastic. Have you tried to expand the MILL to other cities? I thought a bookmobile style of delivery could get the instruments to schools and youth music organizations. I have also thought of funding via a locally produced and consumed product that provides a direct donation to your organization. I live on Maui so here it would be ” Joe’s M.I.L.L. Coffee “. More later…Vince.
Kate
/ March 29, 2012I love this place. You can try any instrument and have a go.
Roger is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Highly recommended.
David
/ March 29, 2012Dear Roger – Hope all is well…
Question: Has the mill ever considered expanding their community service to local inmates such as:
http://jailguitardoors.org/
I believe this would be a natural extension and benefit to our community at large .
P.S I do have some connections for further consideration/investigation.
Let me know,
Thank you,
David Cliff
dccliff@yahoo.ca
Monika
/ May 8, 2012All the best for the 2012 Homegrown Live you guys, wish I could be there to help and just remember that during the weekend there will be so many musical Angels smiling down on you and your efforts.