A toy library is a place that stores a collection of quality toys, games and play materials which can be loaned out to parents or carers.
In simple words, a toy library works like a regular library, but instead of books, it has toys.
Historically, it has been around since at least 1935, with the first one founded in Los Angeles.
With the implementation of Head Start and other laws, toy libraries reemerged and gained popularity in the United States around the 1960s and 1970s.
Toy libraries are also common in the French-speaking world and referred to as ludothèques.
Now, toy libraries are available in most countries around the world.
Apart from lending out toys to parents or carers, toy libraries also offer play sessions for families.
Some toy libraries provide books and reference materials for parents and carers.
What age are toy libraries for?
Most toy libraries offer a wide range of quality toys for children ages 0 to 12 years old.
Is it free?
Toy libraries are usually free or with minimal cost, such as a small membership fee or annual subscription.
How long can parents or carers borrow toys from a toy library?
Most toy libraries let parents or carers borrow toys for up to 2-3 weeks. However, some toy libraries let parents or carers borrow toys for up to 4 weeks.
What are the benefits of toy libraries?
Toy libraries provide a range of benefits to parents, carers and children.
Here are the benefits of toy libraries:
1. Provide well-made, quality toys for children’s development
Toy libraries help families get access to well-made, quality toys that are appropriate and essential for children’s development.
It also provides a wider range of quality toys for children of all ages that might not be accessible or too expensive for parents or carers to buy.
2. Minimal cost
Toy libraries are not expensive and only take a minimal cost in the form of a small membership or annual subscription.
It means that parents or carers don’t have to buy new expensive toys every time their child wants a new one.
3. Provide a variety of toys for children to enjoy
Toy libraries have a large collection of quality toys that parents or carers can choose from.
With this variation, they can come to the toy library and borrow new toys every 2-3 weeks for their children.
It will keep their children from getting bored with the same toy without having to buy a new one every time.
4. Encourage family togetherness
Toy libraries also encourage family togetherness between parents and their children.
By providing play sessions for families, toy libraries are able to encourage parents to spend quality time playing with children.
5. Encourage supportive community
Toy libraries can give parents or carers a chance to meet and connect to share concerns and make new friends.
6. Promote the importance of play
By providing books and reference materials, toy libraries can help parents and carers learn about the stages of a child’s development and the importance of play to their development.
Is Toy Library Worth It?
Absolutely YES! With all the range of benefits a toy library offers, it is definitely worth it.
Click here to learn more about the best toys that have an excellent on children’s development.
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