WHAT IS A TOY OR LEISURE LIBRARY?
At its most basic it is a cupboard or room stocked with a range of good quality, sturdy toys or leisure equipment, suitable for supporting children’s learning, to be borrowed, usually for 2 weeks.

WHO ARE TOY / LEISURE LIBRARIES FOR?
They are usually for under eight’s and their parents or carers.  Additionally, some Toy Libraries, especially those in schools, can be for older children up to 11 and can support homework objectives, or children (and young adults in the Leisure Libraries) with Special Needs.

CAN I TRY THE TOY BEFORE I CHOOSE?
Yes.  Most Toy Libraries have a session during which you can play together and try out the toys. There may be drinks available both for adults and children - it's a good time to play, meet other people and is often an informal focus for Family Support and signposting to other relevant services.

HOW MANY TOYS MAY I BORROW?
Usually one per child, but some Toy Libraries may let you borrow a toy plus a game or a jigsaw.
As soon as you bring your toy back you can choose another one!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Some Libraries charge £1 or £2 per family per term / per year to join the Library and then 10p or 20p to borrow each toy.  However, some Libraries do not make a charge.

BUT I CAN AFFORD TO BUY ALL THE TOYS MY CHILDREN NEED!
Maybe that is true.  But can you afford all the toys they would like to try out?
Have you ever bought anything and then found they didn't like it?
Have you ever been disappointed with the quality of a toy when once you got it home?
Do you wonder what to buy them for Christmas, Eid or for the next birthday?
You can try out some ideas in a Toy or Leisure Library.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TOY GETS BROKEN?
As Toy Libraries stock sturdy toys most will stand up to the wear and tear of children.  However, if a toy is accidentally broken or pieces lost, we ask that you return all you have to the Library for it to be repaired or new spare pieces ordered.  If you wish to pay towards the cost of repair or replacement most Libraries will accept a donation.  It is important to remember that a toy correctly borrowed for a particular age child could be dangerous for those who are either younger or older.

SO WHO PAYS FOR THE TOYS?
Most toys are bought using money raised from applications made to Grant giving Trusts.
Each Toy Library listed is a member of Toyhouse Libraries Association of Tower Hamlets who help with grant applications, fund-raising and bulk purchasing direct from Toy Manufacturers.

WHO RUNS THE TOY / LEISURE LIBRARIES?
Some are run by Parent Volunteers, others by Teachers, Nursery Nurses, Surestart or Community Workers & volunteers.  All are advised and supported by experienced Toy Library Support Workers employed by Toyhouse, who run certificated training courses & workshops to develop and extend peoples' skills. 

COULD I HELP IN A TOY / LEISURE LIBRARY?
Yes, almost certainly.  Speak to the Toy Library you use and ask them to explain all the tasks needed to be done in a Toy Library.  Further questions?  Just contact Toyhouse Libraries.

WE ARE FUNDED BY:  LBTH EYS EARLY YEARS, 
THPCT, HEALTHY WEIGHT, HEALTHY LIVES POJECT, CSFB, THCS YOUNG CARERS,
SURESTART CHILDREN'S CENTRES, LINCOLN & MILE END CC , LITTLE OAK'S CC, CAPITAL RADIO HLC, TRUE COLOUR TRUST, TOWER HILL TRUST.

WE ARE ALSO COMMISIONED BY THE FOLLOWING PRIMARY SCHOOLS:

VIRGINA PRIMARY ,  HARRY GOSLING, ST. PAUL'S, ST. ANNES'S, ST. PAUL'S WITH ST LUKES, CLARA GRANT, WOOLMORE.

HARRY ROBERTS & COLUMBIA MARKET NURSERY SCHOOLS

EVA ARMSBY FAMILY CENTRE

Toyhouse Code of Conduct (PDF file)

Toyhouse Equal Oppurtunies (PDF file)

A free PDF viewer is available on our Downloads page.