Toy library stocked for special needs, play

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library has launched a Toy Library.

The W-E Play Toy Library includes more than 70 toys that can be checked out at the Willoughby and Willowick public libraries for 21 days, according to a news release. Many of the toys have been adapted for children with special needs.

The library worked with RePlay for Kids, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who repair and adapt toys and assistive devices for children with disabilities in Northeast Ohio. Library staff members participated in a toy adaptation workshop to better learn how an adapted toy works and how to repair them.

An adapted toy is one that has been manipulated for ease of use for children with dexterity issues, typically by adding a large switch that can be pushed, the release stated.

The W-E Play Toy Library was made possible through the contribution of Angela Bair and local businesses and community partners, including the Lubrizol Corp., Citizens Bank, and Thompson Hine.

The W-E Play Toy Library is available to library card

The W-E Play Toy Library includes more than 70 toys that can be checked out at the Willoughby and Willowick public libraries for 21 days, according to a news release

holders in good standing. Up to three toys per family may be checked out and toys must be returned to the checkout desk at the library they were borrowed from, the release stated.

A late fee of 10 cents per day will be incurred for overdue items.

To complement the W-E Play Toy Library, adapted programming is also available at four WilloughbyEastlake Public Library locations:

• Storytime — Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. Content is geared for ages 3-7 but all ages are welcome. Taking place at the Eastlake, Willoughby and Willowick libraries.

• LEGO Club — The club is specifically for children with special needs and their families, and LEGOs are provided. All ages are welcome. Taking place at the Willowick Library.

• The Young and the Restless — A music and movement class for 2- to 4-year-olds with shakers, bubbles, the parachute and more. Not recommended for children with difficulties in loud environments. Taking place at the Eastlake, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills and Willowick libraries.

In addition to the Adapted Toy Library and special programming, there will be sensory kits available at each library location for children who are sensitive to noise. The kits will include a pair of headphones, a stress therapy squeeze ball and a fidget toy for children to use while in the library if they are feeling overwhelmed by noise or activity.

A list of all toys in the W-E Play Toy Library and a calendar of events can be found at WE247.ORG.

KRISTI GARABRANDT — THE NEWS-HERALD Children’s librarian Sarah Vargo shows off some of the adaptive toys for children with special needs available for check-out at the Willoughby Public Library. The animated stuffed animal activated by squeezing a paw is fitted with a large button for those who have difficulty with fine motor skills.