Toy libraries

A toy library is a community resource for play which may include:

• Equipment
• Toys for loan
• Dedicated space
• Skilled staff

It may be for the whole community and/or offer specialised support to children with additional needs.

Toy libraries came into being in the late 1960s, to meet the needs of families with a young child or children with additional needs, for whom there was at that time little provision outside the home. Today there are an estimated 1,000 toy libraries in the UK.

If you would like to search for a Toy library within the Borough please visit our Children's service finder page.