When I designed my toy library concept, I got the idea for “checking out” toys from a toy lending library in a nearby city. Located in a mall, this toy library is actually a combination library/play space, and families who meet income guidelines can play there, and choose from a variety of toys (mostly donated), which can be checked out for 3 weeks at a time.
The biggest advantage of toy lending libraries is that they allow children to play with a steady stream of new-to-them toys, and parents don’t have to worry about the expense of purchasing them, storing them, or disposing of them when children lose interest or outgrow them.
There are now toy libraries all over the country, but some are only open to children with special needs, to childcare providers, or to low income families. Others are open to the general public. Some are free, but others require a small, annual membership fee. There are several in my state, but unfortunately, the one closest to me is only open to county residents, and because we live in a neighboring county, we don’t qualify.
To find out if there is a toy library near you, see the USA Toy Library Association’s directory of locations.
I don’t have much time to blog today because our family is attending a Go Fish concert this afternoon! Our church has used the Go Fish VBS curriculum for the last two years, and all kids who attended VBS can use their nametags as backstage passes to meet the group! Also, Bee won a free ticket because she memorized all of her Scripture verses. This is our first time seeing them live, and we’re all pretty excited (even my husband and me)! Go Fish is a Christian acapella group with a special focus on music for children, and for those not familiar with them, I’d like to share one of my favorite songs from their Snooze
album, which my girls like to listen to at bedtime.
If you’re a mother of girls, you might have trouble getting through this song without crying. I know I can’t do it.
Just a reminder to please vote for my little buckaroo today. Only 4 more days left!
