Did You Know The Library Checks Out Toys, Just Like Books?
September 23, 2021 — Do the kids need something new to play with at home? The Springfield-Greene County Libraries have a wide variety of children’s toys to check out and take home, just like books.
The collection of 100 toys perfect for infants through age 6 include sturdy, colorful interactives that invite action and pretend play, music and movement, and help kids learn while having fun.
Many of the toys are available in the children’s areas of select library branches, or families can browse the entire collection online and put one on hold by going to thelibrary.org/kids/toys. Select items by clicking on the picture of the toy and selecting the “Request this toy” option below the picture to reserve it.
All toys are sanitized upon return, and check out for three weeks.
Here are some of the toys in the collection: magnetic letter board, forest animals and dinosaurs, farm mix-and-match puzzle, Braille sign language blocks, wooden lace and dress Teddy, shape-sorting clock, jigsaw puzzles, teaching globe and baby piano.
Why check out toys? Children’s interests and skills change quickly as they grow, so the collection gives families a chance to “rotate” and refresh the toys at home, says Stephanie Smallwood, Youth Services coordinator for the district. All the toys are simple for children to engage with, and help them build a wide range of skills in playful ways. Being able to check out a toy also allows a family to “test drive” a toy before buying it.
For details about the collection, ask a librarian, or visit thelibrary.org/kids/toys.