What is a Toy Library?
|
 |
Found throughout the UK, toy libraries offer services to local families 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.
The first toy library was started in 1967 by Jill Norris, a Froebel-trained teacher and mother of two children with disabilities. The idea grew from families exchanging toys in their own homes and fundraising to provide specialist toys and equipment. Soon recognised as a valuable resource for the community, by 1973 the scope had widened to offer all children the opportunity to borrow toys through local toy libraries.
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.
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
Supporting parents:
· 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
|
|
