Borrow, don't buy. That's the idea behind the Minneapolis Toy Library with two locations including one in south Minneapolis and another in northeast Minneapolis.
"The toy library is a place for people to checkout toys," said Rebecca Nutter, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Toy Library. "Much like a book library, people can come and anybody, obviously families with young children, we focus on toys that are appropriate for zero to five years old."
The toy library launched in 2014 as a way to provide children's toys by also reducing waste, promoting development, and building community.
"It's a way to play sustainably," Nutter said. "It's an environmentally conscious way for families, educators, nannies, and grandparents to provide toys for children and being aware of their impact on mother Earth. It just makes sense to borrow."
Yearly, sliding-scale memberships are available, ranging from $40 to $100.
There's also a $20 volunteer membership. Individuals with a volunteer membership sign-up to volunteer at four events throughout the year.
"We don't have a library card. You just come in and sign-up. You can start checking out up to five toys that day you sign up."
Scholarships are also available.
"Most of the toys are allocated through donations," Nutter said. "You can donate toys any time we are open. When we do have funds, I like to purchase from local or environmentally-friendly toymakers who are doing good in their communities."
Nutter sees the toy libraries as more than just a way to provide toys to young children in a sustainable way. There are plenty of learning elements for children who walk the the library doors.
"It's good emotions and sometimes it's tough emotions for kids who borrow our toys," added Nutter. "I had one little guy come in who was holding onto a train and he didn't want to bring it back. That's tough and as a mom I understand that. As an educator I also understand this is important. We're learning tough feelings, working through it, and we understand the bigger picture that you're part of something where you're borrowing it and bringing it back. And that's okay."
Toys include board games, blocks, and musical instruments. There are also toys for fine motor skills like stacking rings and then toys for large motor skills like trikes, sleds, and bowling sets.
Simply put, there's something for every child.
"We've also developed a different adaptive toy category appropriate for children with more physical limitations that they need a switch to operate the toy. We decided that is important to offer our services for as many children as possible with different needs."
Having a diverse offering of toys is a priority at both locations for Nutter, who has a background in early childhood special education.
"I make sure we have all the developmental bases covered," she said. "We have a very diverse collection that's going to help children develop mentally. We also focus on different representation in our toys that represent the children that we serve. In baby dolls, that's babies that might have Down Syndrome, or a Barbie that's in a wheelchair. Children need to seem themselves in play, so we make sure that part is diverse."
The Minneapolis Toy Libraries can be found at 8 W 60th Street in south Minneapolis, or a 2510 Cleveland Street Northeast.
Plans are in the works to open a third location in St. Paul.
"I'm passionate about play and making sure children have opportunities for it," added Nutter. "Saving families money and providing them a place where these toys are curated by someone who knows toys, they're safe, and they're just surrounded by a community that understands this concept. I just love it."
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