Our Story
Based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, we are a registered charity providing an amazing resource to local families and groups.
Our ever expanding library of toys, educational resources and equipment has been carefully curated by our team and we are extremely passionate about what we do! As a member, you can borrow anything in the library - in fact, we quite often say, if it’s not nailed down, you can borrow it!! We very much believe in reducing waste and inspiring a more sustainable way of living to our children. By borrowing toys, not only are you keeping things interesting for your child but you are also helping to reduce your environmental impact, saving money and supporting a local charity. But....we are so much more than a library!
In addition to our borrowing service, we also run play sessions at our Knaresborough base and elsewhere. Our play sessions are fun and friendly, incorporating craft activities, messy play, role play, physical fun, stories and songs. We also offer hot drinks & a biscuit for grown ups. Our play sessions are planned and set up to facilitate and encourage you to engage in play with your child. There are also friendships formed and much support offered - we really do feel so lucky to have such a huge Toy Library ‘family’
Toy Borrowing is available through our click and collect service. You can swap your toys during our play sessions & additionally on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month. Either way, please book to borrow so that we can have your toys ready for you.
Testimonials
Here is what some of our members have to say!
“We joined the Toy Library after our first child was born. we love our visits to the library, it gives us the chance to play with toys we would never have chance to play with otherwise. the catalogue is huge, every interest is catered for and our daughter already loves the toys! We have been particularly fond of the sensory selection - at only 4 months old, she doesn’t get much from traditional toys just yet but the sensory toys are brilliant in helping her development. Thank you Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library” @the.yorkshire.dad
“The Toy Library provides such a fantastic service to local children and their families. We attended the play sessions and use the borrowing service. The Toys and resources that are available are beautiful, well maintained and thoughtfully put together by Lauren and Rachael, the wonderful session leaders. Both me and my daughter love the story sacks. As an early years teacher, I love the opportunity they offer for developing communication skills and I honestly believe that these have really aided my daughter in this area of her learning.” Vikki Silverwood.
“We have been using the Toy Library over the last few years and our only regret is that we didn’t use it sooner! The vast range of toys available to borrow is so wonderful and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the membership to anyone. We have loved the recent additions to the library such as board games and jigsaws for slightly older children too - we always manage to find something for both the 4 and 8 year old age ranges. The Toy Library Team run a great friendly service and the library is an asset to Knaresborough.” Emily, Knaresborough.
“The Toy Library has been a life changer for me and my 2 year old girl! Every few weeks it’s like I’m buying her new presents without the massive cost. She gets so excited about what’s coming next then plays all day with her new things - the toys have provided hours of entertainment! It allows you to see what your child will actually play with as well which is handy, preventing a build up of excess toys and keeping your toys fresh and exciting for your child! Our favourite has to be the safari set but we haven’t been disappointed with any of our choices! Thank you toy library, keep up the great work!” Alice Crosby Close