The Minneapolis Toy Library has been providing a delightful twist on the traditional library experience for over five years. While libraries are typically sanctuaries for book lovers and seekers of knowledge, one innovative organization has taken this concept and turned it on its head by creating a space dedicated to toys.
Established in 2014, the Minneapolis Toy Library serves as a hub for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to foster connections with children aged birth to five through play. Its mission is clear: to minimize waste, encourage development, and make high-quality toys readily available to families throughout the Minneapolis community.
The brainchild of local moms, Sarah Johnson and Lisa Green, the library began with a small community grant and initially operated as a mobile service in free meeting rooms across the city. Eventually, they found a permanent residence at Richfield Lutheran Church. Their focus on sustainability and accessibility has resonated with many, and the program has flourished since its inception.
Rebecca White, a mother of three young girls, joined the team shortly after and now oversees the library’s operations. They started modestly, with just a handful of families attending events, but interest quickly surged. Today, the toy library boasts around 500 members and an impressive collection of about 4,000 toys available for lending.
White shares with our readers that the library is always on the lookout for donations. “We’re especially interested in board games, dolls, animals, or anything that encourages imaginative play,” she notes. Each item is meticulously categorized by age and type, featuring everything from puzzles and educational kits to trucks, dollhouses, and musical instruments.
Members can borrow up to five toys or games for a month, all for an annual fee that operates on a sliding scale from $40 to $100. The higher tier allows the library to offer free memberships to those in need. A small late fee of $1 is charged for toys returned after the due date. “I guess I’m pretty Minnesotan about that,” White quips.
The library operates on designated days: every other Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., every other Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and alternate Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. These hours also provide a chance for community members to drop off toy donations, which should be in good condition, safe, and suitable for children aged birth to five. However, stuffed animals, baby furniture, and recalled items are not accepted.
Considering how many toys accumulate at home and how quickly children can lose interest, this concept is nothing short of genius. It allows kids the opportunity to engage with toys they may not otherwise experience, and once they’re done, they can return them for others to enjoy. Unsuitable toys that cannot be utilized in the library are thoughtfully repurposed or recycled, as White explains, “We strive to ensure minimal toy waste ends up in landfills.”
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In summary, the Minneapolis Toy Library is redefining the concept of community sharing by allowing families to borrow toys, thereby promoting play, sustainability, and accessibility for all.
Keyphrase: Minneapolis Toy Library
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