Toy Libraries

Toy Libraries

 To view a list of your local Toy Libraries, please click here:

 Toy libraries offer services to local children, families and carers based on regular toy loan for a nominal fee (and sometimes for free). They provide carefully selected toys to borrow, play sessions, and a friendly, informative meeting place for parents and carers.

 Toy libraries offer:

• loan of a wide range of toys
• play sessions for children and parents
• information and advice about play
• a friendly meeting place for parents and carers

Helping children:

• by giving access to a rich variety of high quality toys
• by finding toys to suit the abilities of children with special needs
• by enabling all children to develop vital skills
• by helping children learn to share
• by providing spaces to play, learn and have fun

Supporting parents and carers:

• in discovering the appropriate toys and play activities for their children
• in understanding the role of play in child development
• in developing their parenting skills
• in providing a meeting place for peer support and learning new skills

Toy libraries are often run by volunteers; many are parents themselves. Some are run by paid workers and others are part of a service offered by professionals: nursery and school teachers, social workers, health workers and others.

For more information you can visit the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries website http://www.ncb.org.uk/pla y-matters