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!