A Toy Library is a facility where parents, carers and groups can borrow high quality educational toys, sports and play equipment FREE OF CHARGE for their children from 0 - 14 years of age and beyond who live in Southampton. It started off in a cupboard 39 years ago and since then has given some of the most disadvantaged children in Southampton what many other youngsters take for granted. The Toy L
ibrary Service has been providing toys to thousands of city children who otherwise wouldn't enjoy what should be a fundamental part of childhood. The Toy Library, which last year loaned out over 12,000 toys, is run by Community Playlink, which also supports a number of toddler groups in the city. It costs £80,000 a year to run all the services provided by Community Playlink, with some funding provided by Southampton City Council and the rest from the team’s own fundraising. The Toy Library works like a book library where you borrow a set amount of items and return them within the stated time. You are able to register by simply completing a membership card. Long term loans can be arranged and advice is given on the type of stock that parents may require. Bulk loans are available for all groups and childminders on a long term loan.
