Toys to Go
Toys to Go program lets kids take home cool stuff to play with
Library program lets kids take home cool stuff to play with
KITCHENER — Toys can be expensive, like the sleek PlasmaCar scooter toy that retails for about $70.
But don’t fret because you can check one out at the library.
The Kitchener Public Library’s Pioneer Park branch has an extensive toy library with puzzles, educational toys and popular recreational doodads like the PlasmaCar.
“It’s a really great opportunity for grandparents, aunts and uncles and caregivers who don’t necessarily want to invest in toys,” said Maureen Plomske, manager of the Pioneer Park branch.
There are about 126 toys and 50 puzzles in the collection, known as Toys to Go. It is a small but very actively used collection. Plomske said the toys are typically checked out 4,000 times a year.
“It is such a popular program,” she added.
“Kids grow quickly and it can challenge them to try different kinds of things.”
The library branch has a small budget to buy new toys each year. The toys are routinely inspected and volunteers come in to clean them as well. When pieces go missing they are replaced.
“Loss happens, but damage is not much of an issue,” Plomske said. “We think about these things when we buy them and try to buy durable toys. People are very good about treating the toys with care.”
The Toys to Go program has been around since 1993. The main library branch also operated a toy lending library at the time, but it didn’t last long.
Pioneer Park’s program is an old but successful one, probably because the Doon-area families who use the program are such dedicated patrons, Plomske said.
Up to three toys per family can be taken home for one week. The library branch keeps toys behind the front desk, but there are binders with photos so families can pick what they want to take out.
“It’s such a great opportunity for children to have some variety and to learn different skills and discover strengths,” Plomske said.
“It really enhances what you might have at home.”
The Pioneer Park library branch is open to the public during construction work on the adjacent community centre.
More information about the Toys to Go program and a toy catalogue can be found at www.kpl.ca/pp.