What is a Toy Library?
The Minneapolis Toy Library is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to 5 years. Like a book library, you can check-out up to five toys, take them home for 2-4 weeks and exchange them for new ones when you return!
Did you know that in 2015, the average US family spent $485 on toys? Most of which will end up in landfills. Through the toy library, families can access thousands of toys for as little as $40/year. Annual membership runs on a sliding scale $40-$100, depending on what works best for your family. Become a member at one of our lending events, held six times a month, at our space in the basement of the Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W 60th St. Mpls, 55419.
The toy library offers an opportunity for families to connect with one another while supporting their child(ren)’s development through play and reducing their impact on the environment.
Mission
- Reduce waste
- Promote development
- Build community
History
The Minneapolis Toy Library was launched in 2014 after two moms came together over an idea about toy sharing. A successful grant application to the Center for the New American Dream got the idea off the ground, and two more moms joined the team.
The toy library began as a mobile program, bringing toys to the free meeting rooms at libraries in the Minneapolis area. Soon the toy inventory grew and the group could no longer cart them to and from libraries.
In the Spring of 2016 the group decided to hold events at Rebecca’s house in a dedicated space in her garage. It was a memorable summer of having the community choose toys alongside her family’s motorbikes, however the need grew larger to find a more sustainable space.
On August 2nd, 2016 the toy library finally had a place to call home, the youth room on the lower level of the Richfield Lutheran Church, and we have been thriving ever since!
What a great idea I have a family daycare
Hello Lovely Toy Library Staff!
I wanted to see if you were interested in some donated toys- Little People Zoo/Jungle play set (little people not included), wire puzzle (intertwined wire with bead piece to move around) and Seasame Street workbench (tools and sounds included) I didn’t want to bring them in on Saturday if you weren’t interested. I can send pictures if you send me an email address. Feel free to say no. They can find another home.
Also a suggestion for the next toy swap… bath toys?
Looking forward to the outdoor games swap this week. Are Hockey sticks ok? Probably wrong season, but they are short kids size and we found them at the park.
Thank you for all you do!
What is a lending event?
A lending event is what we call our open hours. It’s where families have the chance to bring toys back and borrow different toys.
Can I donate toys to the library? If so at what hours and what do u accept?
Yes! Our hours are listed on our website – we are open every other Monday from 10 – 1pm, Wednesday from 4 – 7pm, and Saturday from 9 – 12pm. We accept toy donations at any of these lending events. We accept toys appropriate for children age 0 – 5, in good condition, and safe. We do not accept stuffed animals, baby bouncers or any other baby furniture items, books, broken or recalled toys. Thanks for asking!
I may be interested in the volunteer position at the Mpls Toy Library that was posted in the Mpls paper. I would need to know the days and time commitment each week to make sure it fit my schedule. I just retired from being an ECSE teacher for thirty years.
Hello! Sorry for the year late response! If you are still interested in volunteering we would love to have you. Wow, 30 years as a teacher, life must be quite different now being retired. You can sign up for volunteer shifts by visiting https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4eaea62ca6f85-lending. Our lending events are busy but fun! You help families check in and out their toys, keep the space looking nice, and you get to meet lots of kiddos. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to email us at mplstoylibrary@gmail.com. Thanks!
Do you accept donations of slightly used toys.? What is your process?
Hello! Wow, a year later and we are just figuring out how to view comments on our site. So sorry about that. We do accept toy donations that are used! We have some criteria for donations, which is on our website – https://mplstoylibrary.org/donations/. You can drop off donations at the toy library or at my house in S Mpls, whatever is easier for you. Let us know if you have any other questions by emailing us at mplstoylibrary@gmail.com. Thanks!
Would like to help check toys in and out. I am retired and live nearby.
Hi! Wow, I’m so sorry we didn’t get this message until a YEAR later. We are slowly figuring out all our tech stuff. If you’re still interested in volunteering we would love to have you! Please send us an email – I respond within hours – to mplstoylibrary@gmail.com to learn more about volunteering. We also have a site where you can sign up to volunteer at the lending events, helping people check toys in and out. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4eaea62ca6f85-lending. Thanks!! – Rebecca
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