Toy Library
- Thread starter Kiwicanfly
- Start date
Kiwicanfly
Registered User
Toy libraries are well established in New Zealand as well. They are generally run as "Not for Profit" organisations, administered mostly by parents.
I would imagine an internet swap would work well for some people, but then do you swap back...? Or onward swap - is this a means of passing on second hand toys...?
As a borrowing venture, I think the internet would only add costs, as you still need a location to store the toys, and ensure cleaning and safety checks occur. And you would add the cost of shipping logistcs.
I am very interested in the internet swap idea - please keep me in the loop if you proceed. And I will also investigate setting up a physical library.
I would imagine an internet swap would work well for some people, but then do you swap back...? Or onward swap - is this a means of passing on second hand toys...?
As a borrowing venture, I think the internet would only add costs, as you still need a location to store the toys, and ensure cleaning and safety checks occur. And you would add the cost of shipping logistcs.
I am very interested in the internet swap idea - please keep me in the loop if you proceed. And I will also investigate setting up a physical library.
Swapping can be done instantaneously. Setting up a toy library involves cataloging. Cataloging is, by itself, a very time consuming process.
Some examples of cataloging fields for toys:
-age groups
-soft/hard
-no. of parts (in a set)
-maker (brand)
-batteries needed?
-girls'/boys' toys
-condition
and so forth.
(Sorry - I'm a geek. I read cataloging and classification once upon a time pre-baby days.)
Some examples of cataloging fields for toys:
-age groups
-soft/hard
-no. of parts (in a set)
-maker (brand)
-batteries needed?
-girls'/boys' toys
-condition
and so forth.
(Sorry - I'm a geek. I read cataloging and classification once upon a time pre-baby days.)
Kiwicanfly
Registered User
There is a toy library within the Central Library in Hong Kong. Parents book a time period and children can play with the toys for 45 minutes at a time. This is administered by Playright in Hong Kong.
Based on the small amount of feedback from this forum, and some conversations with other parents in the area, I am working on feasibility of establishing a lending toy library in Hong Kong. This will enable parents to take age appropriate toys home for their children for either 2 or 4 weeks at a time. I have some information from the International Toy Libraries group, and I'm working on a charter currently to do this locally, if it is feasible, then it will require vounteer parents to assist in administration. And, it will take time - as with all good things.
In the mean time - to fill this need - I like the idea posted by Miaka for Yahoo Groups toy swap. I'm not very techy, but if you need any help to set this up, please PM me.
Based on the small amount of feedback from this forum, and some conversations with other parents in the area, I am working on feasibility of establishing a lending toy library in Hong Kong. This will enable parents to take age appropriate toys home for their children for either 2 or 4 weeks at a time. I have some information from the International Toy Libraries group, and I'm working on a charter currently to do this locally, if it is feasible, then it will require vounteer parents to assist in administration. And, it will take time - as with all good things.
In the mean time - to fill this need - I like the idea posted by Miaka for Yahoo Groups toy swap. I'm not very techy, but if you need any help to set this up, please PM me.
i've set up a yahoo groups. to join (you will need a yahoo id), pls visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hktoylibrary/
St Stephens Toddler Group
Hi, what about approaching an existing Toddler Group like the St Stephens Toddler Group in Stanley. It is run by the Church and may be able to offer you space, and offer the toy library as an extension to the toddler group. This is the website address:
http://www.ststephen.org.hk/Chapel Groups.htm
Hi, what about approaching an existing Toddler Group like the St Stephens Toddler Group in Stanley. It is run by the Church and may be able to offer you space, and offer the toy library as an extension to the toddler group. This is the website address:
http://www.ststephen.org.hk/Chapel Groups.htm